Kennel Assistant

Veritas Veterinary Partners•Tustin, CA

13d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a compassionate and dependable Kennel Attendant to support the daily care and comfort of hospitalized patients at a Partner Hospital. The Kennel Attendant plays a foundational role in the patient care environment by ensuring animals in our care are clean, comfortable, fed, exercised and well-monitored throughout their stay. This is an entry-level position on the patient care team and an excellent starting point for individuals pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. The Kennel Attendant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, consistent with AVMA guidelines for animal care support staff.

Requirements

Genuine love and respect for animals with the ability to handle a wide variety of species and temperaments safely and humanely.
Physical ability to perform hands-on animal care including lifting, restraining and transporting patients of varying sizes.
Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to follow care protocols and instructions accurately.
Comfort working in a clinical environment including exposure to animal waste, biological materials and clinical noise.
Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, boarding facility or related animal care environment.
Familiarity with basic animal behavior and humane restraint techniques.
Interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
Prior completion of or enrollment in a veterinary assistant training program, such as a NAVTA-approved program.

Responsibilities

Feed, water and exercise hospitalized patients according to individual care plans and dietary instructions as directed by the clinical team.
Walk and exercise patients as scheduled, monitoring each animal's physical condition and behavior throughout.
Monitor and report changes in patient behavior, appetite, elimination or physical condition to the supervising technician or veterinarian promptly.
Provide gentle and humane handling and comfort to hospitalized patients, minimizing stress throughout their stay.
Maintain accurate records of feeding, elimination, exercise and behavioral observations within the practice management system as directed.
Clean, sanitize and maintain kennels, cages, runs and housing areas to hospital standards following each patient's discharge and throughout the day.
Launder bedding, towels and kennel materials regularly, maintaining a clean and organized inventory of patient care supplies.
Clean and disinfect exam rooms, treatment areas and common spaces in coordination with clinical and facilities teams as directed.
Manage biohazard waste, soiled materials and animal waste according to hospital infection control protocols and applicable safety guidelines.
Report maintenance needs, equipment malfunctions or safety hazards in kennel and care areas to the supervisor promptly.
Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations and procedures as directed.
Transport patients safely between kennel, treatment and examination areas as needed.
Communicate patient status and care notes to oncoming team members during shift transitions.
Operate as a reliable and proactive member of the patient care team, responding to requests from technicians and veterinarians with urgency and a positive attitude.