Dublin Animal Hospital - Kennel Staff

Serving Dublin, Virginia and the surrounding community since 1948, Dublin Animal Hospital is an AAHA-certified veterinary practice focusing on small animals, pocket pets, and exotics. The practice is located less than 20 miles away from Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, making it an ideal location for new veterinary graduates as well as current students looking for an externship at an established clinic. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we offer preventive care services as well surgical procedures (C-section, cherry eye surgery, and more), and veterinarians are supported by one technician or assistant per doctor. Digital x-ray, ultrasound, and EKG equipment are available for use as needed, and boarding is also offered for medical or vacation purposes!

Description

We are looking for a dedicated and reliable individual to join our Dublin Animal Hospital kennel department team!

Clerical

• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of animals that are boarded or groomed.


• Record information such as the cleaning and maintenance of all areas of the hospital's physical appearance along with cleaning and sanitizing necessary to maintain an environment acceptable to TRVMC’s established philosophy.  

Technical

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.  


• Handle animals as required and restrain animals.  


• Walk boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.    


• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.  


• Ensure that cages and animals are properly numbered and identified 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 / sanitizing in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of companion animal and human disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.  


• Launder and dry towels and blankets.  


• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.  


• Assure all areas of the hospital are clean, without odor and kept in good condition.  


• Clean, dust, and wipe furniture; sweep, mop, or vacuum floors; empty/clean wastebaskets and trash containers; empty and clean ashtrays and cigarette urns; replace light bulbs; refill restroom dispensers.  


• Wash walls and equipment; use ladders when required in work assignments. Clean and sanitize restrooms/bathrooms using established practices and procedures.  


• Follow instructions regarding the use of chemicals and supplies. Ensure that cages and animals are properly numbered and identified, and the area is clean and a  pleasant environment for our patients.


• Move furniture, equipment, supplies and tools on an incidental basis.   


• Wash accessible interior and exterior windows. Clean blinds. Launder cleaning rags and dust mops.      


• Maintain cleaning and maintenance logs to the satisfaction of the practice manager.


• Attend to emergencies when necessary or requested.  


• Attend safety meetings and other related meetings.  


• Assist in admissions and discharges conducted by receptionists, practitioners, and animal health technicians.  Ensuring animals being discharged have been checked by an animal health technician and /or practitioner.  Ensure that animals are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.

Requirements

Basic Skills

• Have essential physical and mental capabilities in the following: Interpersonal skills, memory, attention to detail, follow directions, comprehension, calculating, reading, writing, speaking, evaluating, mathematics, organizing and innovation.


• Understands basic animal care and assures that the pet area is clean and sanitary.


• Understands cleaning protocols.


• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor.  


• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.  Understand and carry out oral and written direction.


• Possession of strong organizational skills.    


• Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine.  


• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and  decision-making.


• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.


• Performs other duties as assigned.


• Ability to multitask

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.  


• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.


• Requires active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points be made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.


• Requires use of electronic mail  


• Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or team members

Social Skills

• Maintains a pleasant, professional manner with clients, patients and fellow team members.  


• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.


• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.  


• Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals or the practice to make improvements or take corrective action.


• Ability to adjust actions in relation to other’s actions


• Teaching others how to perform a task


• Actively looking for ways to help others


• Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications including MS Office (Word).


• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Schedule Requirements

• Must be able to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.