We are so excited to find the next great team member for our Pet Lodge!!! This position is more than just a dog-walker, cage-cleaner; you'll meet and build bonds with each of the numerous pets trusted in our care. We are looking for a hard working, dog (and cat) loving individual with exceptional attention to detail and a passion for loving on fur babies all day long!

Position Overview

This position requires a love of animals, the ability to warmly welcome and compassionately care for a wide variety and number of pets, and a detail-oriented, self-starting, can-do attitude. Do you like to stay active all day? This is not an laid back, easy position; you'll sweat, get wet and dirty, but its a fun environment and our fur friends show their appreciation in kisses and tail wags.

The purpose of this position is to provide for the daily care of boarding and day-care pets in addition to maintaining the hospital grounds. This includes feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, medicating, and monitoring the well-being of dogs, cats and, occasionally, other companion animals. This position requires a love of animals, the ability to warmly welcome and compassionately care for a wide variety and number of pets, and a detail-oriented, self-starting, can-do attitude.

Kennel team members use excellent communication and client-service skills to admit and discharge pets and reassure nervous clients that their pets will be well cared for in their absence. Kennel team members demonstrate professional and courteous behavior toward clients and coworkers while handling multiple tasks, even during many interruptions.

Kennel team members empathize with clients and remain compassionate and well-mannered if a client becomes emotional or discourteous. They strongly believe in the quality of care provided and communicate this sense of assurance to clients. Kennel team members understand services and health recommendations for boarders and day-care pets and clearly communicate them to clients when admitting pets.

The Kennel Team Member administers medications to and bathes pets, including those that are fearful and/or aggressive. The Team Member monitors pets for signs of distress or disease and provides for the comfort of pets and sanitation of the facility by keeping the kennel area and grounds clean and odor-free. The Team Member immediately reports any cause for concern to our staff veterinarians and stay in communication with owner as requested.

Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases. Must be able to withstand all weather conditions, heavy labor associated with caring for animals, kennel department and grounds by way of sanitation and cleanliness.

Reporting Structure

Directly reports to Kennel Manager and/or Practice Manager, must take direction from other department supervisors and managers, as well as veterinarians.

Primary Responsibilities

General

• Understands and applies hospital policies and procedures.
• Keeps kennel and hospital grounds clean, orderly, and clutter-free.
• Removes trash, sweeps, and mops daily.
• Launders bedding and surgical linens.
• Stocks supplies as needed. Reports low inventory properly.
• Attends staff and departmental meetings.

Client Relations

• Answers the telephone by third ring in courteous and friendly manner.
• Properly admits and releases all patients for the boarding kennel.
• Answers phone shoppers’ questions, establishing value associated with the services the facility provides.
• Makes appointments and reservations for all boarding and grooming patients.
• Obtains accurate health and vaccination history for all boarding and grooming patients.
• Obtains information from owner regarding pet’s medical needs and communicates it to the appropriate hospital staff.
• Obtains and documents information regarding accurate medications and administration, communicating that information to the appropriate hospital staff.
• Obtains and documents information concerning grooming services desired by clients.
• Places reservation-reminder phone calls and provides clients with information or instructions.
• Communicates medical recommendations and reviews treatment plans with clients when services are due for admitted patients.
• Recommends additional services to clients, such as bath, groom, pedicure, and/or pamper session.
• Prepares paperwork for boarding/grooming patients.
• Reviews invoices, sets next reservation, and answers clients’ questions.
• Ensures client information is current via phone or in person.

Animal Care

• Provides compassionate patient care, including keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable and alerting hospital to changes in patients’ condition while boarding.
• Administers flea medication upon admission.
• Medicates patients and logs medication data in computer.
• Records weight upon admission and every three days during stay.
• Applies name band to patient upon admission and removes before release.
• Puts pets in secure cage with water and attaches necessary paperwork (cage card).
• Plays with pets during daily playtimes.
• Notes any concerns about pets’ medical condition, and contacts clients to obtain permission for medical treatment.
• Cleans and sterilizes runs and cages daily.
• Walks (three times per day), feeds, and medicates (as instructed) animals, and logs that data daily.
• Monitors and logs daily urination and defecation habits and any occurrence of vomiting or diarrhea.
• Bathes, trims nails of, and brushes out patients.

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.
• Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
• 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.
• Organizes work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
• Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.

Cash Handling

• Informs client of payment policies.
• Receives and accurately records client payments.
• Reconciles credit card, check, and cash transactions daily.
• Accurately invoices for all boarding charges, medical charges, coupons and gift certificates.

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as required.