KENNEL OPERATOR:
Job Overview: :
The Kennel Operator supports the daily care and welfare of hospitalized and boarding animals under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. This role ensures clean, safe, and comfortable kennels, assists with basic animal handling, and provides exceptional customer service to clients dropping off or picking up pets. The Kennel Operator contributes to a calm, clean, and organized clinical environment and helps with routine kenneling duties, sanitation, and facility maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarded animals, including feeding, watering, administering prescribed
medications if necessary and as directed, walking dogs, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
- Reporting to technician on medication rotation any pertinent information.
- Maintain clean and safe kennels, exercise runs, walkways, and treatment areas; perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and disinfecting per clinic protocols.
- Monitor animal behavior and welfare; report any sudden health concerns, changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy to veterinary staff promptly.
- Assist veterinary team with basic handling, restraining, and transport of patients within the clinic as required.
- Record accurate notes in charting system and update the team on patient status at handoff.
- Manage intake and discharge of patients.
- Support efficient stock of inventory of supplies (food, litter, cleaning products, or any other relevant supplies) by communicating replenishment needs to the Kennel Supervisor.
- Ensure facility safety and security, including door locks, quarantine areas, and proper containment of animals during any kennel operations.
- Assist with facility upkeep, laundry, linen changes, and laundry equipment operation as needed.
- Completing tasks within a timely fashion.
- 10 minutes per kennel spent to clean and replace
- 10 minutes per zone separate aside
- Provide exemplary customer service to clients upon arrival and during services in a friendly and professional manner.
- Adhere to all clinic policies, procedures, and The Occupational Safety and Health Act (2017 Bill)animal welfare regulations (The Cruelty to Animals Act)
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; interests in animal care, veterinary assisting, or related field preferred.
- Experience with animal care in a clinical or boarding setting is preferred.
- Ability to handle animals safely and humanely, with training in basic restraint techniques and safety protocols.
- Basic knowledge of canine and feline behavior and common veterinary procedures.
- Physical ability to perform job duties (standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, etc.).
- Basic computer skills for record-keeping of any sort and inventory/supplies management.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; customer service orientation.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, as required by clinic operations. (flexiweek)
- Dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented.
Preferred Skills and Certifications (optional but advantageous)
- Certification in animal care, pet first aid/CPR, or veterinary assistant program.
- Knowledge of medical record-keeping systems and inventory software.
Work Environment
- On-site, fast-paced veterinary clinic and kennel facilities.
- Exposure to animals of varied temperaments, including dogs, cats, small mammals, and occasionally exotic species.
- May be exposed to zoonotic diseases; strict adherence to PPE and hygiene protocols required.
- Visual and auditory alarms, barking dogs, and the physical demands of kennel care