A veterinary kennel assistant's responsibilities can be demanding, but rewarding.
When you take your pet to a veterinary clinic, you probably spend your time in the greeting area and never see the operations in the back. It is in that area that the veterinary kennel attendant works, providing care for pets and maintaining a clean and safe environment for them. The work is often challenging, but there are many rewards for the dedicated kennel attendant.
Education and Expereince
Education and experience working with animals is sometimes used to determine a kennel attendant's responsibilities. It's possible to get hired with little education or experience, but many employers require a high school education and prefer experience working with animals. While there are certain basic duties required of most kennel attendants, each clinic will have its own specific list. Clinics may increase the attendant's responsibilities if the attendant has experience in a specific area of animal care that the clinic can use.
General Duties
One of the basic duties of the kennel attendant is to keep the kennel clean and sterile. In a veterinary clinic, this is extremely important because sick animals can spread disease or become endangered from bacterial or viral infection. Cleaning dog runs and outside play areas is also part of the attendant's job. Attendants may be required to use special chemicals in their cleaning duties. Attendants are also responsible for feeding animals. This task may require reading charts to give sick animals special foods. Attendants are expected to watch the animals and report signs of distress.
Specialized Duties
Attendants may have responsibilities outside of feeding and cleaning that require hands-on care of animals. Attendants may take animals outside for exercise, or participate in bathing and grooming tasks such as clipping dogs' toenails or cleaning their ears. More experienced attendants may give animals their medications or change bandages. As an attendant gains experience, he may interact with pet owners and take on some receptionist duties or sell products. Experienced attendants may also be given some veterinary technician responsibilities, such as aiding in euthanizing sick or unwanted pets, taking vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure, or advising pet owners about pet care.
Working Conditions and Career Advancement
A kennel attendant job is a good position for those considering working with animals. It helps them find out if they have the temperament suited for the field. Working with abused and sick animals or participating in euthanasia can be emotionally stressful. Attendants are also exposed to illnesses that can be transferred from pets to humans. The job allows those new to the animal-care field to explore different areas of care and determine which is right for them. An attendant may decide to get certified in animal training or grooming if they enjoy the work but want jobs that are less emotionally charged or less of a health risk.
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