Kennel Assistant

Veterinary Practice Partners•Pine Plains, NY

11d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Pine Plains Veterinary Hospital is hiring a full-time, caring, energetic, and responsible Kennel Assistant to join our team! This role is essential in ensuring the safety, health, and happiness of dogs in our daycare program. The ideal candidate is passionate about animals, attentive to detail, and comfortable managing groups of dogs in a structured yet fun environment.

Requirements

Passion for working with dogs and understanding basic canine behavior.
Comfortable handling multiple dogs of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
Ability to work in a physically active environment (standing, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs).
Strong communication skills to interact with both dogs and their owners.
Willingness to clean and maintain hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

Supervise and interact with groups of dogs in play areas to ensure safe and appropriate behavior.
Monitor dogs for any signs of stress, illness, or aggression, and intervene when necessary.
Provide basic care, such as feeding, fresh water, and administering medications as instructed.
Ensure proper group play dynamics by understanding canine body language and behavior.
Clean up waste and maintain a clean and sanitary play area.
Follow safety protocols to prevent escapes, fights, or injuries.
Greet pet owners and assist with check-in and check-out procedures.
Provide updates to pet owners regarding their dog’s behavior, activities, and overall well-being.
Maintain accurate records of feeding schedules, medications, and special instructions.
Assist in evaluating new dogs for daycare suitability and temperament.
Follow all facility protocols, including cleaning and disinfecting play areas, kennels, and common areas.
Report any concerns regarding dog health or facility maintenance to management.
Engage dogs in structured play, exercise, and enrichment activities.
Rotate toys and play equipment to keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated.