Kennel Assistant, Blood Bank

Ethos Veterinary Health • Cincinnati, OH

7d • $17 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Kennel Assistant works alongside Blood Bank Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and veterinarians and plays an important role in creating a calm, clean, welcoming, and positive environment for both our donors and their families. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in animal care or veterinary medicine who wants to gain experience in a unique specialty environment.

At Care Center Cincinnati, no two days are the same. As one of the region's premier emergency and specialty hospitals, you'll care for a diverse caseload ranging from critical emergencies to complex referral cases, utilizing advanced diagnostics, specialized equipment, and cutting-edge treatment options. Our collaborative team of specialists, emergency clinicians, and highly skilled support staff work together to provide exceptional patient care around the clock. It's an environment where curiosity is encouraged, technical skills are continuously challenged, and every shift offers the opportunity to learn something new while making a meaningful impact.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous kennel, veterinary, shelter, boarding, animal-care, or pet-care experience preferred but not required.
• Veterinary blood banking experience is not required.
• On-the-job training will be provided for animal handling, Fear Free techniques, sanitation, safety, and Blood Bank procedures.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments, including nervous or stressed animals.
• Dependable, compassionate, and attentive to cleanliness and detail.
• Ability to follow instructions, established protocols, and complete assigned responsibilities independently.
• Effective communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Willingness to learn and remain calm and compassionate while providing animal care.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care and handling of canine and feline blood donors.
• Assist with safely moving donors to and from kennels, examination areas, and donation areas.
• Provide water, food, bedding, walks, and comfort as directed by the medical team.
• Monitor donors for changes in comfort, behavior, appetite, or general condition and promptly report concerns to an Assistant, RVT, or veterinarian.
• Assist with post-donation comfort and recovery under the direction of the medical team.
• Use Fear Free and low-stress handling principles whenever possible.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, examination areas, donation spaces, and equipment according to established hospital protocols.
• Replace bedding and maintain clean, comfortable housing areas.
• Perform laundry and maintain an adequate supply of clean towels, blankets, and bedding.
• Clean food and water bowls and other reusable patient-care items.
• Properly dispose of waste and biohazardous materials according to hospital protocols.
• Help maintain excellent infection-control standards throughout the Blood Bank.
• Set up and break down donation areas as directed.
• Gather, organize, restock, and rotate supplies needed for donor appointments.
• Maintain organized storage, kennel, and work areas.
• Assist with preparing donor comfort items and recovery areas.
• Help transport supplies and equipment within the hospital.
• Assist with basic clerical or organizational tasks as assigned and appropriately trained.
• Assist with community donor events and Blood Bank outreach activities as needed.
• Work collaboratively with Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, veterinarians, and other hospital team members.
• Assist with safe animal restraint for basic non-invasive activities after appropriate training.
• Communicate donor concerns immediately to a member of the medical team.
• Follow all hospital safety, sanitation, infection-control, and animal-handling protocols.
• When Blood Bank caseload and operational needs are low, this position may be assigned to assist other departments within the hospital. This may include kennel care, cleaning and stocking, patient transport, animal handling, and other appropriate support duties based on hospital needs and the team member's training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance -Multiple health plan options so that you can choose something that suits your needs best.
• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, HSA
• 401K + company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Uniforms
• Generous CE Allowance
• Professional development assistance
• Hands on learning as well as opportunities for credentialing
• Onsite continuing education events as well as virtual learning platforms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED