Kennel Attendant – GEAH Vet – Lombard, IL

Position Summary

The kennel attendant is responsible for the daily care, feeding and exercise of all boarding and hospitalized pets. He/She is to pay close attention to pets’ status such as signs of stress and changes in eating or elimination habits, promptly notifying technicians and/or veterinarians when a pet needs medical attention. Assisting the technicians and doctors is required, which includes animal restraint, assisting in surgery/treatments and client service. The kennel attendant interacts with clients in person and by phone. Proper record documentation and accurate completion of boarding paperwork is critical. A kennel attendant must pay close attention to details, understand and follow proper feeding and sanitation procedures and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets. A kennel attendant is also responsible for all hospital maintenance including the parking lot. We offer the potential for growth and opportunity to train to become Veterinary Assistant!

Reports to: Kennel Manager, Asst. Kennel Manager and/or Kennel Shift Leader

Job Responsibilities

Provide compassionate care to boarding pets and hospitalized patients

• Walk through kennel areas regularly, checking each pet for abnormal activity such as vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the cage/run
• Recognize emergency situations, enlisting the aid of doctors and technicians
• Mark records correctly for abnormal eating/weight/elimination habits
• Feed and water animals according to schedules and special instructions
• Clean and disinfect cages, runs and yards as needed, using hoses and spray bottles for disinfectant. Use squeegees to remove excess water.
• Clean cat litter boxes and disinfect kitty condos.
• Clean and disinfect all water and food bowls.
• Wear personal protective equipment required for each job duty and keep PPE in good working order. PPE includes goggles or face shields, aprons, gloves and/or other equipment assigned.
• Move pets to outside runs to disinfect kennels no less than four times daily. Return animals to correct kennels.
• Replace soiled bedding in cages/runs.
• Operate washer/dryer to clean hospital laundry.
• Give baths to pets on scheduled day of departure, or as necessary during boarding/hospitalization; this may include performing medicated baths or dips.
• Supervise animals when they are in outdoor areas.
• Perform “cuddle time” and “daycare” as requested by the clients
• Assist the receptionist in the boarding pet check-in/out; this includes retrieving and bringing up pet from boarding, taking special instructions for feeding or additional services, returning all personal items upon discharge, and keeping record of all important information.
• Place ID collars on all animals
• Take pets to treatment area for all medical services to be administered.
• Collect any samples (fecal or urine) as requested by a veterinarian.
• Sweep /Vacuum and mop all hospital floors and change all garbage cans
• Keep parking lot and dumpster areas clean.
• Know proper animal handling and restraint techniques
• Provide facility tours for clients, explain services offered
• Maintain food and supply storage
• Understand infectious diseases and how to control and prevent their spread
• Communicate with clients in person and on the phone

Educational Requirements & Skills Needed

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent, some college preferred
• Minimum age requirement of 18 years old

Skills Needed:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Effective communication with clients in person and by phone
• Experience in caring for animals, proper restraint techniques preferred

Physical Obligations:

• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Endure standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periods of time
• Able to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipment
• Take safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiation