A K9 Companion member, also known as a kennel attendant or kennel technician, is responsible for the daily care of animals in a boarding facility or veterinary clinic, including feeding, cleaning kennels, providing exercise, monitoring their health, and administering medications as directed by a veterinarian, while ensuring the animals' comfort and safety at all times; this role often requires a strong love for animals and the ability to handle various breeds and temperaments effectively.
Key essential functions and responsibilities of a K9 Companion staff member:
Animal care:
· Feeding animals according to their dietary needs and schedule.
· Always providing fresh water.
· Ability to clean and maintain luxury calming suites, condos, and traditional kennels. Perform general cleaning in prep room, office, grooming room, daycare and boarding areas to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls, all laundry and play areas regularly.
· 1 to 3 years’ experience working in an animal care facility.
· Walking and exercising dogs as needed.
· Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent reporting any issues to management.
· Providing socialization and playtime for animals. Walking and exercising dogs as needed.
· Frequently lift, carry dogs weighing 20-50 lbs. Walk and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.
· Providing socialization and playtime for animals.
· Ability to handle and restrain animals using appropriate procedures.
· Passion for animal welfare.
· Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
Grooming:
· Bathing and brushing pets as required.
· Nail trimming Bathing and brushing pets as required.
· Loud noises from the air dryer
Medication administration and feeding:
· Administering medications as directed by a veterinarian.
· Maintaining accurate medication records.
· Preparing the correct meals and amounts for feeding times.
Client interaction:
· Receiving and releasing animals to and from owners.
· Communicating important information about animal care to clients.
Facility maintenance:
· Maintaining cleanliness of common areas
· Disposing of waste appropriately
· Reporting any maintenance issues in a timely manner.
REQUIREMENTS:
Expertise & Experience:
- Must be a pet fanatic – pets are part of our family!
- Professional animal care/kennel experience preferred.
- Always display professional manners.
- Ability to comfortably handle a variety of animals, including large dogs, small dogs, and dogs with special needs. Must be able to handle a dog on a leash.
- Relationship building
- Ability to adapt
- Experience giving medications
- CPR Training preferred
- High School Diploma
Physical:
- You must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Must frequently lift 40+ pounds and occasionally assist with lifting dogs over 100 lbs. utilizing proper techniques and assistance when necessary.
- You must be able to be on your feet for the duration of your shift.
- Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sitting, talking, and listening; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time.
- Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, animal dander and excretions.
- Will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms in front of your, above your head, and from the ground. Good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows.
Ability to see clearly at different distances, including recognizing subtle changes in dog behavior and health.
Emotional/Mental Requirements:
- Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
- Must be able to cope with death.
- Ability to process information rapidly and accurately.
- Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help.
- Ability to make decisions.
- Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
Computer Skills:
Computer literate with ability to use internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office, Paw Partner, blogging, social media
Other skills required:
- Communication skills: Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy are required. Ability to work with clients and parents in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
- Observation skills: Identifying signs of illness or distress in animals.
- Teamwork: Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support K9 Hideaway and our team. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility: Adapting to changing schedules and unexpected situations.
· Attendance: Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function to fulfill the requirements of this position.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $13.75 - $14.25 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Springfield, MO 65810 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Springfield, MO 65810: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
