Kennel Assistant

POSITION INFORMATION

Title: Kennel Attendant
Position Type: Full-time
Pay: $18–$20 per hour
Location: 2965 Edinger Avenue Tustin, CA 92780

POSITION SUMMARY

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a compassionate and dependable Kennel Attendant to support the daily care and comfort of hospitalized patients at a Partner Hospital. The Kennel Attendant plays a foundational role in the patient care environment by ensuring animals in our care are clean, comfortable, fed, exercised and well-monitored throughout their stay. This is an entry-level position on the patient care team and an excellent starting point for individuals pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. The Kennel Attendant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, consistent with AVMA guidelines for animal care support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ANIMAL CARE AND HUSBANDRY

• Feed, water and exercise hospitalized patients according to individual care plans and dietary instructions as directed by the clinical team.
• Walk and exercise patients as scheduled, monitoring each animal's physical condition and behavior throughout.
• Monitor and report changes in patient behavior, appetite, elimination or physical condition to the supervising technician or veterinarian promptly.
• Provide gentle and humane handling and comfort to hospitalized patients, minimizing stress throughout their stay.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, elimination, exercise and behavioral observations within the practice management system as directed.

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Clean, sanitize and maintain kennels, cages, runs and housing areas to hospital standards following each patient's discharge and throughout the day.
• Launder bedding, towels and kennel materials regularly, maintaining a clean and organized inventory of patient care supplies.
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms, treatment areas and common spaces in coordination with clinical and facilities teams as directed.
• Manage biohazard waste, soiled materials and animal waste according to hospital infection control protocols and applicable safety guidelines.
• Report maintenance needs, equipment malfunctions or safety hazards in kennel and care areas to the supervisor promptly.

PATIENT SUPPORT AND TEAM COLLABORATION

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations and procedures as directed.
• Transport patients safely between kennel, treatment and examination areas as needed.
• Communicate patient status and care notes to oncoming team members during shift transitions.
• Operate as a reliable and proactive member of the patient care team, responding to requests from technicians and veterinarians with urgency and a positive attitude.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Genuine love and respect for animals with the ability to handle a wide variety of species and temperaments safely and humanely.
• Physical ability to perform hands-on animal care including lifting, restraining and transporting patients of varying sizes.
• Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to follow care protocols and instructions accurately.
• Comfort working in a clinical environment including exposure to animal waste, biological materials and clinical noise.
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude.

PREFERRED

• Prior experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, boarding facility or related animal care environment.
• Familiarity with basic animal behavior and humane restraint techniques.
• Interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
• Prior completion of or enrollment in a veterinary assistant training program, such as a NAVTA-approved program.

CORE COMPETENCIES

At Veritas Veterinary Partners, we harness the hearts, minds and effort of our teammates, united in our CIRCLE of Core Values, to help us unlock our full potential.

Compassion: We lead with heart in every interaction. For our patients, this means attentive care. For clients, it means guiding them with understanding. For each other, it means creating a culture founded on respect and trust.

Integrity: We always do what's right. Through accountability, honesty and transparency, we uphold the highest ethical and medical standards and honor the trust placed in us in every decision.

Respect: The best outcomes come from working together with heart and valuing every perspective. By honoring each others' expertise, we create an environment where collaboration thrives and ideas emerge at every level.

Community: We harness the strengths of our people to build a culture where everyone is seen, heard and valued. This unity fosters trust across teams and assures clients their pets are cared for by one team.

Leadership: We set the standard for exceptional care by combining sharp minds, medical expertise and compassion. Through best-in-class tools, collaboration and a growth mindset, we uphold our role as leaders in specialty and emergency veterinary care.

Evolution: We stay curious, adaptable and seek ways to elevate patient care. By committing to a growth mindset and supporting each other, we unlock the fullest potential of individuals, teams and our organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is onsite full-time at a Partner Hospital. The role requires frequent physical activity including walking, lifting, bending and standing throughout the shift. The Kennel Attendant will regularly handle animals of various sizes, temperaments and medical conditions and must be comfortable in a clinical environment with exposure to animal waste, biological materials, cleaning agents and clinical noise. Hours include evenings, weekends and holidays consistent with 24-hour hospital operations.