POSITION SUMMARY

The Kennel Manager trains, supervises, plans and coordinates a variety of service functions that are related to the supervision of the Kennel Assistants. These functions include, but are not limited to, providing the care and basic needs of animals being groomed, boarded or that are patients of Washington Heights Veterinary Clinic, including cleaning of cages and runs and ward areas and the proper feeding and care of all hospitalized animals. This position also encompasses all the duties of the kennel assistant. The Kennel Manager operates under the supervision of the Practice Manager.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Train, supervise, and assist the kennel assistants in their performance of a variety of service functions that facilitate the work of the technicians, receptionists, veterinarians and practice manager who directly or indirectly provide patient care.
• Provide strong leadership and supervision to kennel assistants.
• Create employee schedules for the kennel department that align with the needs of the hospital.
• Make recommendations to the practice manager concerning personnel matters, disciplinary actions and follow through.
• Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Conduct timely performance evaluations, mediate interpersonal problems and address concerns from kennel assistants.
• Conduct monthly departmental meetings and schedule in-service meetings as deemed appropriate and necessary.
• Develop and implement a routine priority system that will facilitate the standards set by the owner-doctor as they apply to the care of animals and maintenance of the building. Set standards of performance that must be met to effectively keep the reception area and the hospital running smoothly.
• Observe and report any repairs and maintenance to the office manager. Meet regularly with the owner-doctor and office manager to discuss any problems or improvements.
• Provide and enforce a maintenance schedule of building equipment.

Kennel Assistant Responsibilities

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Properly handle patients as required and appropriately restrain patients as directed.
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day according to hospital protocol to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to boarded and hospitalized patients.
• Provide care for pet housed/visiting the hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
• Discharge and admit patients at the request of receptionists, practitioners and animal health technicians. Assure patients being discharged have been checked by animal health technician and/or practitioner. Ensure that patients are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.
• Under the supervision of veterinarians or technicians assist with the administration of medications, post operative care or preparation of samples for laboratory examination, collect specimens, clean instruments, fill prescriptions as authorized.
• Ensure that cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as oYen as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder and dry towels and blankets.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.
• Groom animals utilizing techniques that vary depending on type of hair, coat, breed and owner instructions. Bathe and dry animals. As required, perform pedicures.
• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of patients that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized.
• Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The Kennel Manager works under the direct supervision of the Veterinary Practice Manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Practitioners/animal health technicians provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.   

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of hospital procedures outlined in the employee manual as well as those that are implied (reasonable expectations).
• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary terminology in order to accurately enter specific information onto patient records.
• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.
• Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.
• Knowledge of grooming practices for wide range of small animals.
• Strong communication, leadership and motivation skills. Has the ability to effectively solve problems dealing with team conflict to personnel issues and performance. Has the ability to direct, guide and assist a group of individuals.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Amount of Time Spent on Task

The job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job.   

Amount of Time Spent on Lifting Amounts

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.                  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. 

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required. 

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.