PET CARE

The Pet Care Technician provides care and the basic needs of animals that are being boarded in our boarding facility, including cleaning of cages, runs and ward areas, laundry, walking, and proper feeding, medicating and care of all boarding pets. The pet care technician operates under the supervision of the Boarding Supervisor, and Practice Manager.

DUTIES:

• Uphold and model the NPAH mission statement at all times.
• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Handle animals as required and restrain animals as needed for baths and nail trims.
• Walk boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Provide care for animals housed/visiting the Hospital as required. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and watering requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
• Monitor the boarding phone and take reservations. Properly educate clients on what vaccinations are needed for boarding in our facility.
• Prepare paperwork for scheduled boarding pets.
• Check in, check out and invoice boarding pets in Cornerstone as required. Ensure that animals are clean and smell fresh prior to discharge.
• Ensure that cages and animals are properly identified with cage cards and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash water and food bowls thoroughly.
• Launder and dry towels, blankets and hospital laundry.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.
• Bathe and dry animals when requested. As required, perform pedicures.
• Record required information on cage cards regarding eliminations, food intake and medications given.
• As needed, assist the receptionists, technicians, veterinarians and hospital managers with patient care and cleanliness.
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support boarding, the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of hospital procedures outlined in the employee manual, as well as, those that are implied (reasonable expectations).
• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.
• Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining pets for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint
• Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, as well as, the ability to proficiently and accurately enter boarding records and charges into the computer.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, communicate, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to handle and restrain animals using appropriate procedures.
• Ability to walk animals.
• Ability to clean and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls. Perform general cleaning in boarding, reception and outside boarding areas to control the spread of disease. Wash food and water bowls thoroughly.
• Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly and hospitable manner.
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice.
• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time, will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift, carry dogs weighting 50 lbs. Walk and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.

Compensation details: 12-15 Hourly Wage

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