A Kennel Assistant at a veterinary clinic like Family Pet Medical Centre typically plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, comfort, and cleanliness of animals under their care. Here’s an expanded overview of what the position might involve:
Job Overview: Kennel Assistant
Primary Responsibilities:
Animal Care: Provide daily care, feeding, exercise, and monitoring of animals (both inpatients and boarding animals), ensuring their health and well-being. This includes cleaning and sanitizing kennels, cages, and living spaces regularly.
Observation and Reporting: Monitor the animals’ behavior and health, noting any signs of illness or discomfort and reporting them to veterinary staff for further assessment. Recognizing basic signs of distress or medical issues is critical.
Handling and Restraining: Assist veterinarians and vet technicians by safely handling and restraining animals during exams or treatments. This often involves calming anxious pets.
Sanitation: Maintain a clean and organized facility, which includes laundry, washing dishes, cleaning animal waste, and disinfecting common areas to prevent the spread of disease.
Customer Service: Interact with pet owners during drop-off or pick-up times, ensuring clear communication regarding their pet’s care or any special instructions.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of feeding schedules, medications, and daily care activities for each animal.
Support to Veterinary Staff: Provide assistance during medical procedures or routine exams as needed, including holding animals or retrieving supplies.
Skills and Qualifications:
Animal Handling: Experience or comfort working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and other small pets, is essential.
Physical Stamina: The job involves physically demanding tasks such as lifting animals, standing for long periods, and performing cleaning duties.
Attention to Detail: Noticing changes in an animal’s behavior, physical condition, or appetite is key to ensuring prompt veterinary care.
Communication: Ability to communicate clearly with pet owners and team members, ensuring a smooth flow of information.
Teamwork: Collaborating with other veterinary staff in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Experience:
Previous experience working in a kennel, animal shelter, or veterinary clinic is often preferred but not always required. A passion for animal care and willingness to learn on the job are highly valued.
Working Conditions:
Kennel Assistants work in environments where they may be exposed to animals of varying temperaments, bodily fluids, and loud noises. Protective equipment and following safety protocols are important to minimize risks.
Overall, a Kennel Assistant plays a vital support role in maintaining the health and comfort of animals, often providing the daily care that ensures they are happy and healthy while staying at the facility.
Leave a Reply