Kennel Attendant

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 members

Complete all tasks on time

Must be flexible and react quickly in a fast paced and dynamic atmosphere

Understand and follow all internal processes that apply to you

Accountable 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 trash

Clean 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 autoclave

Safely restrain patients and apply restraint devices

Receive, stock, and help monitor inventory

Assist Veterinary Assistants, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinarians with patient care duties including restraint, radiography, laboratory, and morgue procedures

Be 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 audience

Communications are thorough, efficient and accurate at all times

Communications are appropriately and consistently documented according to hospital procedures

Communications 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 team

Actively grows knowledge related to hospital services, procedures, and policies

Maintains 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 attendance

Friendly, compassionate, empathic and professional mannerism

Professional attire and presence following hospital policies

Competent in utilizing ezyVet and Smartflow hospital operating systems

Have the ability to work diligently, using time effectively in regards to business demands

Show 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 practices

Laboratory analyzers and the care of each machine

Surgery equipment, tools, and autoclaves

EzyVet and Smartflow computer software and system

Alert 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 terminology

Ability to think logically, problem-solve effectively and anticipate needs of clients, doctors and co-workers

Able to follow multiple, concurrent instructions

Strong computer skills; ability to navigate the internet and email

Strong ability to multi-task, exhibit attention to detail and focus on tasks

Solid working knowledge of dog and cat breeds, normal behavior and basic husbandry

Physical:

Able to stand, sit or bend for extended periods of time

Able to type, write and verbally converse for extended periods of time

Able to work the posted schedule

Able to be flexible and work beyond posted schedule if necessary; able to pick up additional shifts when requested or necessary

Must be willing and available to stay late or through  breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical care patients

Handle stress with poise and tact

Able to lift and/or carry up to 30 lbs

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