Position Summary

The Kennel Technician is responsible for providing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring of animals housed at the shelter. This role ensures the well-being of all animals by maintaining a safe, clean, and humane environment. The Kennel Technician also assists with adoptions, medical treatments, and behavioral observations, while providing excellent customer service to the public and supporting the shelter’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care & Handling
• Feed, water, and provide enrichment for shelter animals according to established schedules and dietary needs.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral changes and report concerns to supervisors or veterinary staff.
• Safely handle animals of various sizes, temperaments, and conditions.
• Sanitation & Facility Maintenance
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, litter boxes, and common areas daily to maintain a healthy environment.
• Follow established disease control protocols to prevent cross-contamination and outbreaks.
• Maintain cleanliness of shelter grounds and assist with laundry, dishes, and equipment sanitation.
• Health & Medical Support
• Administer medications, vaccinations, and basic treatments as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assist with animal examinations, restraint during procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Document animal care activities and update shelter management systems accurately.
• Customer & Volunteer Interaction
• Assist potential adopters with information about animals, including temperament, care needs, and histories.
• Provide excellent customer service and act as a positive representative of the shelter.
• Support and guide volunteers working in animal care areas.
• Other Duties
• Assist in intake of new animals, including identification, weighing, photographing, and initial assessments.
• Participate in training, team meetings, and continuing education related to animal welfare.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the smooth operation of the shelter.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or certification in animal care preferred.
• Experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary, or kennel environment strongly desired.
• Ability to handle animals safely and humanely, including those that are fearful, aggressive, or injured.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and ability to follow protocols.
• Physical stamina to perform cleaning, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and prolonged standing or walking.
• Compassion, patience, and commitment to animal welfare.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals, animal dander, and zoonotic diseases (with proper protective measures).
• Requires flexibility to work mostly weekends, but also evenings, and holidays as scheduled.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person