**KENNEL ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION**

Veterinary kennel assistants (also called animal caretakers) are responsible for the day-to-day care of boarders. This includes feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, and monitoring the well being of dogs, cats and, occasionally, other companion animals. Kennel assistants must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, the dexterity and confidence to administer medications, and the ability to monitor pets for signs of distress or disease. It is essential that they have the ability and willingness to learn and the desire to provide gentle, compassionate care for boarded and hospitalized pets. Kennel experience is not always a prerequisite for this position.

**General Knowledge and Tasks**
- General Knowledge_
- Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.
- Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
- Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
- Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
- Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.
- Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases.
- Competently speak and write the English language.
- Competently speak a second language commonly used at the practice.
- General Tasks_
- Always be in position and prepared to work by the start of each scheduled shift.
- Maintain accurate personal time cards.
- Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes. Change clothes daily as necessary to look professional and avoid carrying odors.
- Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job. Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.
- Smile and maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job.
- Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.
- Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.
- Have the physical strength and ability to stand for an entire shift when needed, and be able to lift pets and objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, handle repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth motions, and work while bending. Assist in lifting patients weighing more than 50 pounds.
- Maintain a list of tasks and engage in productive work during slow periods.
- Assist other employees as needed. Avoid waiting for coworkers to ask for assistance.
- Keep up with new developments in the field through journals and continuing education. Attend off-site continuing education as required by the practice manager.
- Participate in your performance appraisal, and, as requested, in those of others.
- Participate in all staff and training meetings.
- Be willing and able to teach other staff members kennel skills.
- Answer preliminary questions from interested parties regarding stray and adoptable animals.
- Conduct tours of the practice and/or kennel. Before each tour, ensure that the facility is orderly and that staff and patients are prepared for tours.
- Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from the facility.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.
- Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise, including dog or cat fights, choking or strangulating animals, and facility fire or weather-related emergencies. Follow contingency plans.
- Follow established facility closing procedures to ensure the security of patients, boarders, and the building.

**Client-Interaction Tasks**
- Patient-Admittance Tasks_
- Cordially greet incoming clients and patients, addressing each by name.
- Check on the immunization status of arriving pets before admitting them to the facility.
- Advise clients of recommended services, such as exercise/play time and grooming, for their pets and of special call-in times to check on patients or boarders.
- Explain special programs offered by the practice.
- Advise clients of significant changes in policies or services since their last visit.
- Obtain and record contact information from clients to ensure that they or their agents can be reached during pets’ stays.
- Ensure that all boarding admission paperwork has been completed.
- Administer tick and/or flea repellants or pesticides at the time patients are admitted as directed by the kennel manager.
- Take custody of pets from clients. Restrain dogs with the practice’s leashes. Label and store clients’ collars and leashes and return them to clients promptly when pets are retrieved from the facility.
- Note special instructions given by clients.
- Assist clients with unruly or unrestrained pets. Ensure that all dogs are leashed and that cats and smaller pets are caged. Isolate aggressive pets. Request assistance as needed.
- Weigh pets and record weights when they are