Career Opportunities

Kennel Technician

 The Kennel Assistant provides care and the basic needs of animals that are being groomed, boarded or that are patients of Statesboro Bulloch Regional Veterinary Hospital, including cleaning of cages, runs and ward areas, laundry, walking, and proper feeding, medicating and care of all animals. The Kennel Technician operates under the supervision of the Kennel Supervisor and/or Hospital Manager.

The Kennel Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Kennel Supervisor who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Doctors and Veterinary Technicians provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent
• Handle and restrain properly animals as required
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder
• Bath, groom and provide care to boarded and hospitalized animals
• Provide care for animals housed/visiting the hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to Veterinary Technicians and Doctors
• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids
• Discharge and admit animals at the request of Receptionists, Doctors and Veterinary Technicians. Assure animals being discharged have been checked by Veterinary Technicians and/or Doctors if needed. Ensure that animals are clean prior to discharge
• Under the supervision of the Veterinarians or Veterinary Technicians assist with the administration of medications, post-operative care of preparation of samples for laboratory examination, collect specimens, clean instruments and fill prescriptions as authorized
• Ensure that cages and animals are properly identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area identified
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages and runs as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls
• Launder and dry towels and blankets
• Walk hospital grounds daily, picking up and trash and stool material. Empty trash
• Groom animals utilizing techniques that vary depending on type of hair, coat, breed and owner instructions. Bath and dry animals
• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of animals that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized. Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their questions regarding product purchase/use
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Knowledge:

• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament
• Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint
• Knowledge of grooming practices for wide range of small animals
• Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency
• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction

Physical Qualifications: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit communicate, and listen, frequently working in a bent position
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms
• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds

This job description does not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned. There may be additional responsibilities assigned as necessary. If you have questions or concerns about this job description, contact the Kennel Supervisor and/or the Hospital Manager.

Position Overview:

The Veterinary Technician / Assistant supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

Essential Position Functions:

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
• Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
• Obtain and verify medications.
• Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
• As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
• Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Competencies:

• Care and Compassion: Displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support.
• Team Orientation: Works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals.
• Dependability: Demonstrates responsibility in completing tasks and accomplishing goals.
• Initiative: Proactively looks for the opportunity to address and follow through on work activities.
• Flexibility and Multi-Tasking: Adapts quickly to changing demands and manages multiple priorities effectively.
• Communication: Uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others.
• Customer Services: Displays a desire to provide outstanding service and exceed customer expectations.
• Organization and Attention to Detail: Monitors and reviews information thoroughly and maintains an organized system for all documents.
• Adherence to Rules and Instructions: Consistently follows standard procedures.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two or more years of experience with veterinary appointments, surgeries, and nursing care for hospitalized and critical patients.
• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or the Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) preferred or as required by State.
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

Position Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of the preparation, monitoring, and recovery of pets receiving surgery, as well as basic pet nursing.
• Ability to demonstrate and follow correct procedures in catheter placement, phlebotomy, emergency medicine, and digital radiology.
• Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries.
• Able to restrain patients according to standard procedures.
• Fill prescriptions and monitor sedation procedures as directed by the veterinarian.
• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• Communicate and approach job duties in a professional and mature manner.
• Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work some weekends and holidays.
• This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion.
• Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
• May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds).
• Answer phones and perform other duties as needed by the hospital.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Manager or practice.

Additional Information:

The list of essential functions and additional functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a required assignment for the position.