JOB DESCRIPTION
Kennel Assistant
REPORTS TO:
Practice Owner, Practice Manager, Veterinary Leads, Certified Veterinary Technicians
Introduction
The Kennel Assistant at Bear Creek Animal Clinic plays a vital role in supporting patient care and hospital cleanliness. This position focuses on maintaining a safe, clean, and enriching environment for animals while assisting the medical team as needed. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and a passion for animal welfare.
Core Values:
Compassion with Boundaries: We lead with empathy and respect—kindness paired with clarity and follow-through.
Excellence in Medicine: We provide the care we’d want for our own pets, with intention and integrity.
Empowered Teamwork: We trust, support, and hold each other accountable. Every role matters.
Accountable Action: We say yes to what’s right for the patient—without delay, deflection, or drama.
Growth & Grit: We learn, adapt, and keep getting better—for our patients, our clients, and each other.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Time Allocation
Duties may change over time to meet the needs of the clinic. Other duties may be assigned as required.
- Animal Care & Handling (40%)
- Provide daily care: feeding, watering, exercising, and monitoring patients.
- Monitor animal behavior and report any concerns to the veterinary team.
- Assist with safe animal restraint for non-medical handling as needed.
- Sanitation & Facility Maintenance (50%)
- Clean and sanitize kennels, runs, and common areas to maintain hygiene and biosecurity.
- Launder bedding, towels, and other washable materials.
- Ensure general tidiness and cleanliness of hospital areas, including parking lots and yards.
- Inventory & Administrative Support (10%)
- Assist in basic inventory checks and restocking of kennel supplies.
- Complete any assigned documentation related to animal care and facility tasks.
- Communicate effectively with the veterinary team regarding patient status and care needs.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
1. Basic animal care, behavior, and safe handling techniques.
2. Sanitation and biosecurity practices.
3. Performs all duties in accordance with hospital medical policies and procedures.
4. Basic safety and OSHA protocols.
5. Ongoing completion of required federal, state, regulatory, and medical training is mandatory and must be completed in a timely manner as part of this role.
6. Understanding medical conditions such as vomiting/diarrhea, positive heartworm disease, fleas, ear infections, dental disease, urinary tract infections, and canine cough/feline upper respiratory infections, diabetes, common endocrine diseases, and the vaccines/medications used to prevent or treat these conditions, in the scope of understands when and how to provide basic recommendations or review of records to see where lapses or needs are for a patient’s care.
7. Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas or vehicle.
8. Assists the doctor or technicians in some medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery with a veterinary technician; assists the technician in administering anesthesia.
9. Assist the doctor and technician during any and all procedures as required.
10. Assists in restraining pets.
11. Maintains laundry, restocking, and preparation and leaning of all tools and equipment.
12. Prioritizes and reprioritizes responsibilities multiple times a day depending on fluctuating needs of the practice and patient care.
13. Ongoing completion of required federal, state, regulatory, and medical training mandatory and must be completed in a timely manner as part of onboarding and continued learning in this role.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
15. Ensures client service is optimum, with regular follow-ups to ensure expectations are clear and met in the scope of medical knowledge without overstepping boundaries on recommendations and follow ups.
16.
Ability to:
1. Follow oral and written instructions with attention to detail.
2. Assist all other employees as needed.
3. Work independently while contributing positively to the team.
4. Communicate clearly with veterinary staff, including reporting observations about patients.
5. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks, including bending and kneeling.
6. Interact with clients and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner. Provide excellent customer service to all clients.
7. Proficiently work with veterinary software system.
8. Assist supervisors as the need arises
9. Efficiently communicate with doctors and all team members.
Education and Licensure Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience Requirements:
Previous animal care experience preferred (especially in a veterinary or kennel setting), but not required for candidates demonstrating willingness and ability to learn.
Personal Requirements:
- Genuinely enjoys working with animals and able to manage them even when stressed, anxious, or in pain.
- Stays calm and efficient during occasional high-stress situations.
- Works well in a team environment and is adaptable to change.
- Maintains professionalism and kindness when interacting with staff and clients.
- Comfortable working in environments with potential exposure to noise, odors, animal waste, and infectious diseases.
Success Requires the Following Behaviors:
· Embody Bear Creek Animal Clinic’s Core Values in daily work.
· Build and maintain trusting relationships with team members and clients.
· Maintain high attention to detail, cleanliness, and patient welfare.
· Demonstrate excellent time management and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
· Participate as an active team member in providing a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all animals in the clinic.
· Is able to work effectively with doctors.
· Can work in a busy and noisy environment.
· Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all hospital staff members.
· Has excellent client communication skills.
· Utilizes de-escalation tactics as needed for clients, colleagues, and patients.
· Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by
other staff members in lifting animals up to 50 lbs). Walks or stands for extended
periods of time; frequently works in a bent position.
· Working conditions:May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal
feces or other bodily substances. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
· Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time and occasionally work in a kneeling or bent position.
Scheduling Flexibility & Growth Potential:
- Flexible Scheduling: Shifts are typically 2–3 days per week, 10 hours per shift, with no weekend or overnight requirements. Full-time opportunities are available for candidates demonstrating strong performance and growth.
- Career Advancement: This role offers a pathway to more advanced positions within the clinic, such as Veterinary Assistant or Client Service Representative, for those who exhibit dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
Pay: $17.00 - $19.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
