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Job Description
Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Technician Valley View Veterinary Clinic - 5.0 Council Bluffs, IA Job Details Full-time $16 - $21 an hour 23 hours ago Benefits Continuing education credits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Retirement plan Qualifications Animal catheterization Patient service Front desk Cleaning Veterinary technician experience Full Job Description Overview Join our dynamic veterinary team as a Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Technician, where your passion for animal care and technical expertise will make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, compassionate environment, supporting veterinarians in delivering top-quality medical care. Embrace a role that combines hands-on animal care with technical responsibilities, fostering growth and excellence every day.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
providing safe and humane animal restraint; obtaining patient histories and TPRs; performing basic grooming and maintenance (nail trims, ear cleaning, bathing); ensuring cleanliness and stocking of treatment, surgical, and kennel areas; preparing supplies and equipment; assisting with laboratory duties; and providing support to kennel and front desk operations as directed.
Animal Care & Husbandry:
Provide compassionate, attentive, and humane care to all boarding and hospitalized patients. Feed patients according to specific dietary instructions and charts; ensure fresh water is always available. Administer oral medications to boarding patients as directed by the medical team and clearly documented on patient charts. Exercise or walk patients as appropriate and recommended by veterinarian. Monitor all patients for normal appetite, energy, urination, defecation, and overall behavior; immediately report any concerns (lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, not eating) to a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Provide compassionate and secure restraint of animals during veterinary procedures, examinations, and treatments, ensuring the safety of the animal, staff, and yourself. Provide basic grooming as needed, including brushing and bathing.
Facility Maintenance & Sanitation:
Thoroughly clean and disinfect all kennels, cages, cat condos, runs daily using approved protocols and chemicals. Wash, dry, fold, and put away all animal bedding, towels, and other laundry. Clean and maintain all common areas, including outdoor runs, treatment areas (as assigned), and walkways, removing waste and debris. Wash, sanitize, and properly store all food/water bowls, toys, and cleaning equipment. Ensure adequate inventory of kennel supplies (food, litter, cleaning products, bedding); notify management when supplies are low. Take out trash and recycling; maintain overall facility cleanliness, beautification of facility and grounds, and odor control.
Client Service & Communication:
Greet clients during patient drop-off and pick-up for boarding; assist with the process as needed. Provide clients with updates on their pet's well-being during their stay, if directed. Communicate clearly with the reception and medical teams regarding patient status, special instructions, and discharge readiness.
Safety & Compliance:
Follow all clinic safety protocols for animal handling, disease control, and chemical use. Properly identify patients and ensure they are housed in correct, labeled kennels. Adhere strictly to isolation procedures for contagious patients. Report any maintenance issues, safety hazards, or broken equipment immediately.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS
As a condition of your employment in this role, you are expected to consistently meet the following standards: Maintain a
Calm and Professional Demeanor:
Manage stress effectively and project a reassuring presence for animals and clients, even in a busy or noisy environment.
Fulfill Physical Demands:
Safely perform the essential physical tasks of the role, including lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs, repeated bending/kneeling, standing for extended periods, and working in all weather conditions.
Ensure Animal Safety & Welfare:
Handle animals of all sizes and temperaments with patience, confidence, and respect, using fear-free and low-stress techniques whenever possible.
Demonstrate Diligence and Reliability:
Execute all animal care and sanitation tasks with strong attention to detail, thoroughness, and consistent timing according to the daily schedule.
Uphold Facility Standards:
Maintain an impeccably clean, sanitary, organized, and safe environment for patients and staff at all times. Adhere to
Assigned Schedule:
Fulfill all scheduled hours, which are created based on the operational needs of a 365-day care facility. This may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by your specific schedule.
Pay:
$16.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
Continuing education credits Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
