Kennel Technician

AmeriVet•Livingston, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an active, physically demanding position focused on animal care and husbandry, cleaning and sanitation, bathing and grooming, and providing boarding and hospital support. The role requires dependability, compassion, attention to detail, and a willingness to perform extensive cleaning duties. The ideal candidate will understand that kennel work involves more than just playing with pets, emphasizing the importance of consistency, cleanliness, and providing necessary care and attention to all animals.

Requirements

Dependable and punctual.
Comfortable working with both dogs and cats of different breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments.
Compassionate toward animals while being confident and safety-conscious when handling them.
Able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
Observant and able to recognize changes in an animal’s behavior or condition.
Comfortable working independently as well as part of a veterinary team.
Willing to perform extensive cleaning and sanitation duties.
Professional and respectful toward clients and coworkers.
Able to remain on feet for extended periods.
Able to frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and lift.
Able to safely handle dogs of various sizes and strengths.
Able to lift and carry animals, food bags, supplies, and other items.
Able to work around animal hair, urine, feces, vomit, cleaning products, barking, and other normal aspects of a veterinary/boarding environment.
Able to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions when walking and caring for dogs.

Nice To Haves

Previous kennel, boarding, veterinary, grooming, shelter, or other animal-care experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Feed dogs and cats according to individual feeding instructions and schedules.
Provide fresh water and clean food/water bowls.
Walk dogs routinely for bathroom breaks, exercise, and enrichment.
Provide attention and enrichment to boarding pets while maintaining safe handling practices.
Maintain clean, dry, and comfortable bedding for all animals.
Monitor pets for changes in appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements, behavior, mobility, or general condition and report concerns to the veterinary team.
Follow special care instructions for elderly pets, anxious pets, hospitalized patients, and pets with individual needs.
Assist with medications or treatments when appropriately trained and directed by veterinary staff.
Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately when assistance is needed.
Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, litter boxes, and animal housing areas.
Promptly clean up animal messes.
Sweep, mop, scrub, and disinfect kennel and hospital areas.
Wash, dry, fold, and properly store hospital laundry.
Wash and disinfect food and water bowls, litter pans, carriers, and other animal-care supplies.
Empty trash and properly dispose of animal waste.
Restock kennel supplies, food, cleaning products, bedding, and other materials.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance throughout the hospital.
Bathe dogs and cats as scheduled or directed.
Ensure boarding pets scheduled for departure are clean and ready for pick-up on time.
Clean and disinfect bathing areas and equipment after use.
Follow all written boarding instructions provided by pet owners and veterinary staff.
Keep accurate records of feeding, walks, eliminations, medications, treatments, and other required care.
Prepare kennels and cages for incoming boarding or hospitalized patients.
Assist with boarding drop-offs and pick-ups.
Communicate concerns or unusual observations promptly to a technician, veterinarian, or manager.
Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and assistants with animal handling or other appropriate tasks.
Perform additional duties necessary to support the hospital and ensure excellent patient care.