Kennel Assistant

Job Overview & Purpose: The purpose of the Kennel Assistant (KA) is to provide husbandry care for the patients, assistance to all doctors and staff, and maintenance care to the facility and hospital grounds. The KA role is valued as an integral position within the overall hospital team.

Ideally, we are looking for a full time Kennel Assistant to support both of our locations - Grand Rapids and Byron Center!

Animal Emergency Hospital: 3260 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital: 6820 Edgeview Ave, SW Byron Center, MI 49315

Reports To: Shift Leaders, Team Leads, Assistant Hospital Manager(s), and Hospital Director.
Role Type : Part Time, Day or Mid-shift availability is needed

Responsibilities and Duties:

Animal Husbandry Care:

1. Feed, water and walk all dog and cat patients as requested and directed.
2. Record or report appetite, urine/feces elimination and any other notable functions or concerns to the doctors, technicians, or assistants.
3. Clean all animal holding areas including cages and runs as requested or directed.
4. Ensure the safety of all dog and cat patients by securing all animal holding areas, using safe handling and walking techniques both inside the hospital and outdoors and by using safe and effective restraint techniques.
5. Restrain and handle all patients in such a manner as to protect the animal and all humans involved from danger and injury. Request backup assistance as necessary.
6. Demonstrate compassion and gentle care of all hospital patients.

Assistance:

1. As requested or directed, assist all doctors and staff as necessary with patient restraint, patient transport within and outside the hospital, and with minor procedures such as exams, sample collection, nail trims, anal gland expression, euthanasia, etc.
2. Assist with restocking various hospital areas including the kennel area, pet food storage, treatment area and exam rooms.
3. Assists with radiographs as requested. Uses safe restraint techniques and wears all appropriate personal protection equipment.

Bathing/Grooming:

1. Provides bathing services to dog and cat patients as directed.
2. Follows instruction related to individual patient needs including medicated or non-medicate bath, types of shampoos/conditioners.
3. Ensures that patients are thoroughly washed and rinsed, dried and brushed prior to discharge.
4. Uses all bathing and grooming equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
5. Maintains the bathing/grooming area in a neat, clean and organized state.

Facility & Grounds Maintenance:

1. Provides routine and daily cleaning of the hospital facility including floor care, restroom cleaning, lobby care, etc.
2. Floors, windows, walls and counter tops are viewed daily and cleaned as necessary and/or directed.
3. Trash and recycle materials are removed daily and placed in the appropriate disposal receptacles.
4. Paper goods such as paper towels and toilet paper are restocked as necessary.
5. All maintenance equipment and supplies are maintained in sound working order and stock is replaced/ordered as necessary.
6. Repair needs are identified and reported to the floor manager.
7. The exterior of the hospital including the grounds and parking area are maintained free of debris, trash and feces.
8. Exterior damage or disrepair is reported to the floor manager.

Other:

1. Continue to learn and develop a strong skill set.
2. Participate in staff training as requested.
3. Participate within the overall team in a productive and positive manner.
4. Comply with all hospital policies, procedures and standards of care.

Teamwork:

1. Participates in a positive manner in all group sizes.
2. Refrains from participating in gossip.
3. Supports team members by assisting other areas, is receptive to feedback and suggestions.
4. Engages in active problem-solving vs. problem-identifying.
5. Makes suggestions related to client/patient service improvements and hospital efficiency.

Equipment:

1. Multi-line telephone system
2. Hospital computers, laptops, printers and software operating system
3. Basic veterinary medical equipment.
4. Basic animal husbandry equipment and supplies.
5. Housekeeping equipment and supplies.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Basic knowledge of animal husbandry care
2. Basic working knowledge of commonly used veterinary equipment
3. Basic working knowledge of veterinary nursing and patient care
4. Good working knowledge of patient restraint techniques
5. Basic to good working knowledge of EzyVvet system
6. Basic computer skills; good communication skills-written and verbal
7. Ability to make sound decisions; seek instruction and direction as necessary
8. Ability to receive, process and follow direction and instructions

Physical:

1. Able to properly restrain dog and cat patients for veterinary care and procedures
2. Able to stand, sit, bend, restrain, squat for extended periods of time
3. Able to lift 40 lbs in a safe manner
4. Able to type, write and verbally converse
5. Able to work the posted schedule

Pay range starts at $15/hour.
Our pay ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com. .

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos Veterinary Health provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
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