Animal Caregiver and Handyman. A Multi-Purpose job.

Job Description for Animal Caregiver and Handyman Required for this position: The ability to follow directions with and without supervision; the ability to lift objects or pets of at least 30lbs; the ability to recognize certain behaviors in animals; the ability to learn and understand medical terminology and minor procedures; the ability to admit or ask questions when a task is unclear; the ability to work with computers and other office equipment; the ability to repair cages and generally keep the premises in a tidy and functional manner. Persons to report to: Veterinary Assistants, Technicians, Head Technician, Practice Manager, and Doctors. Task Descriptions: As an Animal caregiver and handyman, your job entails several important aspects of our Hospital and Boarding kennel facility, including animal care and treatment, customer service, and physical upkeep of the facility including repairs to cages and other fixtures, painting, and generally maintaining the clean and functional upkeep of the premises. Animal Care and Treatment Responsibilities - restraint; obtaining fecal and urine samples; assisting with toe nail trims, ear cleanings and anal gland expressions; minor bathing; minor mathematics (for dilution of chemicals); cleaning of surgical equipment; maintaining supply order board; maintaining cleaning supply inventory; knowledge of contagious diseases and isolation protocol; maintaining safety when walking patients and opening cages; stocking of supplies throughout hospital; always maintaining a high standard of patient care; and assisting the assistants, technicians and doctors in any way asked to do so. Customer Service Responsibilities - assisting receptionists with appropriate record keeping for the kennels; knowledge of computer system; assisting clients with multiple pets or large purchases; bringing up patients following discharge instructions; maintaining compassion, sympathy and professionalism during high-stress situations. Hospital Cleanliness Responsibilities - vacuuming; mopping; changing garbage; dusting; following daily, weekly and monthly task lists; cleaning surgery table and trays; cleaning and maintaining all sinks; maintaining litter boxes and hospital cats; laundry; kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; cleaning windows and doors; replenishing supplies (including paper towels, garbage bags, air fresheners); cleaning; knowledge of patient isolation protocols; and overall maintenance (both inside and outside the hospital) of the sights, smells and sounds of the hospital.

• *This is by no means a complete list. Some tasks may be assigned to a specific staff member to complete. Some tasks may be added or removed from this list as deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of our patients.

Emergency Situations: During an emergency situation, the kennel assistant's job is to help the veterinary assistant in being the "Fetch" person (this may include handing supplies to technicians as the assistant prepares them) and in cleaning up once emergency has passed. This requires a strong knowledge of where important supplies are located throughout the hospital, as well as the ability to respond calmly and quickly, especially with clients.