Job Purpose:  A Kennel Attendant attends to the basic needs of the animals that are patients of the hospital and cleans the hospital facility, equipment, tools, and instruments. The Kennel Attendant assists the staff with improving the comfort of the client and patient by ensuring that exam rooms, treatment spaces, and patient areas are clean and presentable. The Kennel Attendant may assist with basic patient care, such as safe restraint, under the direction of the Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, or Veterinarian.

Education and Experience:
1.   High school diploma or GED
2.   Previous work in veterinary care preferred
3.   Previous handling of small animals preferred

Duties & Responsibilities (included but not limited to):

Position Expectations:Build positive, professional relationships with clients and team membersComplete all tasks on timeMust be flexible and react quickly in a fast paced and dynamic atmosphereUnderstand and follow all internal processes that apply to youAccountable and capable to own all job functions and tasks
Essential Job Functions and Tasks:Keep the hospital’s reception area hallways, exam rooms, treatment area, and patient areas clean tidy; free of debris, dirt, pet waste, dirty laundry, and trashClean cages when they are soiled, and scoop or change litterboxes as needed.Clean surgery suite, surgical instruments, pack, and autoclave instruments and operate and maintain the autoclaveSafely restrain patients and apply restraint devicesReceive, stock, and help monitor inventoryAssist Veterinary Assistants, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinarians with patient care duties including restraint, radiography, laboratory, and morgue proceduresBe able to navigate, access, and enter information into the practice management software in accordance with company policy
Communications:Conveys verbal, written and electronic communications in a positive, productive and professional manner at all times regardless of audienceCommunications are thorough, efficient and accurate at all timesCommunications are appropriately and consistently documented according to hospital proceduresCommunications are delivered efficiently to the accurate recipient
Medical Information & Knowledge:Achieves and sustains an appropriate level of knowledge to be informed, confident and helpful to clients, patients, and the entire veterinary medical teamActively grows knowledge related to hospital services, procedures, and policiesMaintains strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services
Office Practices:Functions at a highly skilled level related to standard hospital practices including but not limited to the following:Prompt and reliable attendanceFriendly, compassionate, empathic and professional mannerismProfessional attire and presence following hospital policiesCompetent in utilizing ezyVet and Smartflow hospital operating systemsHave the ability to work diligently, using time effectively in regards to business demandsShow respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times
Teamwork:  defined as “Cooperative effort by the members of a group to achieve a common goal and/or outcome.”Participates in a positive manner in all group sizes.Refrains from participating in gossip.Supports team members by assisting other areas, is receptive to feedback and suggestions.Engages in active problem-solving vs. problem-identifying.Makes suggestions related to patient care improvements and hospital efficiency.
Equipment:Radiology equipment and safe practicesLaboratory analyzers and the care of each machineSurgery equipment, tools, and autoclavesEzyVet and Smartflow computer software and systemAlert Shift Lead and/or Department Lead of malfunctioning equipment, instruments, or tools as well as depleted inventory
Knowledge/Skills:Solid working knowledge of veterinary hospital practice, including terminologyAbility to think logically, problem-solve effectively and anticipate needs of clients, doctors and co-workersAble to follow multiple, concurrent instructionsStrong computer skills; ability to navigate the internet and emailStrong ability to multi-task, exhibit attention to detail and focus on tasksSolid working knowledge of dog and cat breeds, normal behavior and basic husbandryPhysical:Able to stand, sit or bend for extended periods of timeAble to type, write and verbally converse for extended periods of timeAble to work the posted scheduleAble to be flexible and work beyond posted schedule if necessary; able to pick up additional shifts when requested or necessaryMust be willing and available to stay late or through  breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical care patientsHandle stress with poise and tactAble to lift and/or carry up to 30 lbs