Part Time Kennel Assistant I

Part Time Kennel Assistant I

$18-20/hour

Position Overview

Chico Animal Hospital is looking for an energetic, driven and compassionate person to join our team! Kennel Assistants provide the foundation for a clean and efficient veterinary hospital. A great Kennel Assistant anticipates the needs of the medical staff and doesn't hesitate to jump in wherever they are needed. They can recognize animal body language, changes in behavior, and customize their approach for each patient. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must as all team members work closely together and with clients.

This is a Part Time position with the possibility for Full Time hours after completing the initial training period. 

About Us

Chico Animal Hospital provides high quality care for patients, including dogs, cats and pocket pets. We provide exceptional veterinary care by minimizing stress, fear, and pain for every patient. Additionally, we strive to build lasting partnerships within our community through reliable service. 

Reporting Structure

Directly reports to Kennel Manager and Practice Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

General

• Keeps kennel and grounds clean, orderly, and clutter-free.
• Removes trash, sweeps, and mops daily.
• Stocks hospital supplies as needed.
• Launders bedding and surgical linens.
• Cleans surgical suite in between procedures.
• Maintains surgical instrument upkeep.
• Prepares surgical packs and instruments.

Client Relations

• Demonstrates excellent communication and client-service skills during patient admission and discharge.
• Obtains information from the owner regarding the pet's medical needs and communicates it to the appropriate hospital staff.
• Strongly believes in the quality of care provided and communicates this sense of assurance to clients.
• Empathizes with clients and remains compassionate and well-mannered if a client becomes emotional or discourteous.

Animal Care

• Records weight and applies name band to patient at admission, and removes before release.
• Puts pets in a secure kennel and attaches necessary paperwork (cage card).
• Assists medical staff with restraining patients for treatments, including fearful or caution patients.
• Assists medical staff with restraining patients for medication administration and logs data in the PMS.
• Takes patient temperatures during anesthesia recovery and logs data on the recovery sheet.
• Provides compassionate patient care, including keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable during their stay.
• Walks, feeds, and logs that data daily in the PMS.
• Administers medications and calculates dosages as instructed.
• Cleans and sterilizes runs and kennels daily.

Personal Conduct

• Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual.
• Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
• Adheres to the posted work schedule. Arrives for work promptly and begins work at the start time. Follows hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences.
• Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks.
• Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
• Organizes work areas and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
• Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner with a strong sense of urgency.

Additional Duties

• Understands and applies hospital policies and procedures.
• Attends departmental and staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as required or as asked by managers and employer.

• Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. 
• May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases. 
• Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• Ability to work Saturdays, occasionally work uncommon hours and overtime, and to be recalled in emergency situations.
• Treats animals with respect and compassion.
• Excellent animal restraint and handling skills, including the confidence and dexterity to administer medications.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal communication skills by showing empathy toward clients and communicating effectively with other team members.
• Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision and work energetically for the entire shift, sometimes exceeding 8 hours per day.
• Preferred: One year or more of experience in a veterinary hospital.