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.

Why Consider Our Statesboro Hospital?