Animal Emergency Hospital

1148 E. Bristol Rd, Burton, MI, 48529

Kennel Tech, part time

Title:  Kennel Tech                                                                   Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor & Practice Manager

Classification:  Part Time                                                     Effective Date:  First date of Employment

Position Summary

Our Kennel tech is responsible for assisting the licensed veterinary technician, veterinary assistants, and veterinarians with all tasks required. This position will be primarily responsible for cleaning cages/runs, stocking, keeping up with and doing laundry, restraining patients, answering phones, general cleaning of the hospital, changing patient bedding, walking dogs, feeding in-house patients, and running labwork.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

·       Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.

·       Learn and use medical abbreviations and proper terminology.  Understand and use special record notations and make appropriate notes in patient records.

·       Be familiar with infectious diseases; including prevention, and the steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.  Be aware of common zoonotic diseases.

·       Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary procedures to be done with minimal stress to patients and ensure safety of patients and people.  Utilize animal restraint tools as necessary (muzzles, towels, gloves, etc.)

·       Monitor patients for vomit, blood, urine, and feces in kennels – note unexpected incidents and report to doctor based on urgency.

·       Clean cages, kennel runs, and oxygen units per sanitary protocols.

·       Collect and launder towels, blankets, surgery items, and beds throughout the shift.

·       Follow isolation procedures. 

·       Properly measure patients for effective translation to radiograph machine settings.

·       Strong relationship building skills for client and staff interaction; employee must be able to clearly and effectively communicate to hospital team and clients during high stress environments.

·       Ability to obtain and record accurate medical history on patients; employee should have an understanding of medical record maintenance.

·       Run bloodwork on lab equipment such as procyte, catalyst, EPOC, sedivue, UA analyzer, snap pro reader, and coag DX.

·       Ability to run and read a PCV/TS accurately and report to LVT and DVM.

Communication Skills

• Strong communication and motivational skills. Ability to listen to direction and carry out assigned tasks in a confident and timely manner.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Requires active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points be made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Requires telephone conversations and face-to-face discussions with individuals

• Requires use of electronic mail, as well as writing letters and memos

Social Skills

• Ability to show unbiased judgment when working with people

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the practice, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.

• Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or the practice to make improvements

• Able to actively look for ways to help others and have the ability to teach others how to perform a task.

• Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Ability to handle yourself when encountering unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people. Ability to seek out assistance from LVT, DD, supervisor, or practice manager as needed for conflict resolution.

• Seek out direction from immediate supervisor and/or practice manager as needed

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications including all MS Office programs.

• Perform or oversee routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, patient monitoring equipment, anesthetic machines and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Ensure technology software is kept up to date to ensure systems are able to perform smoothly and without interruption.

Job Requirements

·       Education/Training: high school diploma or GED

·       Experience: None. This is an introductory position to emergency veterinary medicine.

·       Schedule: Ability to work one to two 10-12 hour shifts per week, not exceeding a total of 29 hours per week. Ability to work overnight shifts as needed. Minimum of 2 weekend shifts per month (Saturday and/or Sunday)

·       Holidays: Required to work holidays including, but not limited to, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Minimum of 2 shifts per year.

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 position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

At AmeriVet, we’re committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.

Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

• Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.

• Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.

• A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Please note: Any Benefits listed above apply to full-time employees. 

At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.