Kennel attendants have a variety of responsibilities.
Not all jobs in the veterinarian field require a degree. Many people interested in a career in helping animals become kennel attendants. A kennel attendant must have a broad range of knowledge on a variety of topics pertaining to animals, and can assist in many different areas of an animal practice, from doing paperwork to helping with surgeries.
Clerical Duties
In an animal hospital, office or clinic, kennel attendants often have clerical duties, including scheduling appointments for clients, answering the telephone and keeping up-to-date records on all patients. Many kennel attendants must also have knowledge of accounting work such as bookkeeping, inventory and billing.
Customer Service
While an animal clinic or hospital is not considered a retail establishment, kennel attendants must be comfortable with providing customer service to pet owners. Customer service duties include selling pet items such as food, collars and flea medication to clients who visit the hospital or clinic.
Grooming and Care
Successful kennel attendants must know proper grooming techniques for all animals, including clipping nails and shampooing, conditioning and brushing fur. Knowing the temperament of each animal, as well as how each animal handles the grooming process, is important. A good kennel attendant checks patient paperwork and writes down any odd behavior or moods during the grooming process for future use.
Cleaning
Animal hospitals, clinics and labs must stay clean. Kennel attendants are responsible for ensuring that after each pet visit the examination room is cleaned and sanitized. Kennel attendants must also feel comfortable cleaning out cages and outside areas. Surgical rooms and the waiting room are also areas that need continual sanitation and sterilization. After surgeries, kennel attendants must sanitize and sterilize any tools, as well as get rid of any toxic waste or dangerous substances. Kennel attendants must act quickly when an animal is sick and take the proper steps to clean up the mess an animal may create.
Surgery
Many kennel attendants train for participation in certain surgical procedures. Some even act as anesthesiologists and administer anesthesia to animals and monitor the animal during surgery. Animal practices utilize kennel attendants during minor surgeries as well. However, not all kennel attendants are required to participate in surgical proceedings.
Animal Shelters
Many animal shelters utilize kennel attendants. Kennel attendants at animal shelters clean cages, maintain animal rooms such as rodent rooms and keep the outside areas cleaned. Kennel attendants also walk dogs and tend to puppies or kittens.
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