Lead Kennel Technician

Innovetive PetCare • Knoxville, TN

6d

About The Position

Lange Animal Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, is hiring a full-time Lead Kennel Technician to help oversee daily kennel operations and provide attentive, high-quality care for dogs, cats, and, with training, exotic animals. This hands-on leadership role helps maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and organized veterinary hospital while supporting animal enrichment, bathing, and the medical team as needed. The position is suited to a dependable, compassionate person with at least three years of relevant experience who leads by example and treats every animal with patience and care.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional kennel, animal care, boarding, or veterinary hospital experience.
• Previous leadership experience, or the ability to take initiative, coordinate responsibilities, and serve as a dependable resource for teammates.
• Comfort handling dogs and cats of different sizes, temperaments, and activity levels.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn about the care and handling of exotic animals.
• Knowledge of kennel cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and infection-control practices.
• Ability to recognize changes in animal behavior or condition and communicate concerns promptly.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, reliability, and time-management skills.
• Compassionate, patient approach to animal handling and commitment to treating every pet with care and respect.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, and safely handling animals and supplies, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Team-oriented attitude and willingness to help wherever needed in a busy veterinary hospital.

Responsibilities

• Help coordinate daily kennel responsibilities, maintain an organized workflow, and support consistent animal-care standards.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, animal housing areas, cages, runs, treatment spaces, and shared equipment according to hospital protocols.
• Monitor hospitalized and boarding animals’ comfort, behavior, appetite, and general well-being, and promptly report concerns to the veterinary team.
• Provide supervised playtime, exercise, socialization, and appropriate interaction for animals.
• Bathe dogs and provide basic coat care as needed, following handling and safety procedures.
• Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other hospital team members with animal restraint, patient movement, and other duties within training and assigned responsibilities.
• Care for dogs and cats and learn appropriate husbandry and handling techniques for exotic animals.
• Follow infection-control procedures, use cleaning products appropriately, maintain accurate records, and help prevent the spread of illness.
• Lead by example, communicate effectively, and help foster a positive, collaborative environment focused on patient safety and compassionate care.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Opportunities to learn and grow in a veterinary medicine career through training programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed