PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking a Wards (Kennel Assistant) to join our team!
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as a Kennel Assistant who supports and adds value to an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. This position supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding, exercising, restraining and handling pets.
At Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, CA is a proud to foster a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Our team is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and perspectives, and we believe that diversity strengthens both our workplace and the care we provide to our patients and clients.
Why Join Us:
- As the only 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Santa Cruz County, we serve a diverse community of pet owners and referring veterinarians. We recognize that building a team that reflects the communities we serve helps us provide more compassionate, collaborative, and effective care.
- We are committed to creating an environment where every team member feels welcomed, respected, and supported. We believe that different perspectives drive innovation, improve problem-solving, and contribute to a stronger hospital culture. Our goal is to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed while feeling valued for their unique contributions.
- By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional veterinary care and create a workplace where all team members can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides compassionate care to pets
- Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
- Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
- Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint
- Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
- Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
- Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
- Correctly prioritizes tasks
- Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital
- Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
- Walks patients according to schedule
- Understands and carries out oral and written directions
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
- Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
- Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
- Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.
Qualifications (Required)
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
- High school diploma or GED
- Previous work experience at a kennel or animal hospital
- This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion
- Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds)
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
Schedule:
- Part Time, Rotating Shift
- Monday 3PM-11:30PM and Saturday 7AM-3:30PM
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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