Veterinary Kennel Attendant; Emergency & Critical Care - Part-Time

Veterinary Kennel Attendant – Emergency and Critical Care

La Mesa, CA

Position Type:
Part-Time

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center La Mesa, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, supports caring for pets, their families, and teammates. We are a network of clinics with opportunities for learning, career growth, and strong benefits.

At Pet Emergency & Specialty Center, our team provides quality care to patients and elevates the client experience. We have Specialists in Critical Care, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Avian and Exotics, and we collaborate to deliver high-level care and education to clients, pets, and referring veterinarians.

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center is seeking a Kennel Attendant to join our Emergency and Critical Care Team. The Veterinary Kennel Attendant plays an essential role in the care and comfort of animals in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or kennel setting. They provide general care and maintenance for pets while owners are away or while animals receive treatment. The role combines animal care and facility management tasks.

A Veterinary Kennel Attendant is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and cleaning of animals housed in the clinic or kennel. They assist veterinarians and technicians with animal care and ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. This role supports the health and well-being of animals in the facility.

• Animal Care
  • Feed and water animals according to the specified diet plan and schedule.
  • Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and report concerns to the veterinarian or technician.
  • Assist with administering basic medications or treatments as directed by the veterinarian or veterinary technician.
  • Walk pets outside if requested following hospital protocol.
• Cleaning and Sanitation
  • Clean animal kennels, cages, and pens daily to maintain sanitation and odor control.
  • Perform regular facility maintenance (sweeping, mopping, disinfecting surfaces).
  • Dispose of waste properly and keep areas tidy to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Keep all areas clean at all times (reception, exam rooms, treatment sinks, countertops, tables, floors, cages, etc.).
  • Manage laundry area, keeping loads moving, and monitor supplies in all areas.
  • Empty garbage as needed and monitor hospital odor control.
  • Display a “wet floor” sign after mopping.
  • Perform general janitorial duties to help maintain a clean, professional hospital.
  • Restock inventory items and note deficiencies on the “want list.”
  • Assist with organizing and maintaining equipment, supplies, and inventory for animal care.
• Record Keeping
  • Maintain accurate records of each animal's care, feeding, and medication schedules.
  • Track and report changes in the animal’s behavior, eating, or bathroom habits to the veterinary staff.
• General Facility Management
  • Assist with organizing and maintaining equipment, supplies, and inventory for animal care.
• Assist with Animal Medical Care
  • Help prepare animals for routine veterinary procedures or treatments.
  • Hold animals still or assist the veterinarian during examinations or procedures when necessary.
  • Monitor animals’ post-surgery or post-treatment for any adverse effects.

• Animal Care Knowledge
  • Familiarity with basic animal care and safety.
  • Understanding of animal behavior, especially dogs, cats, and other common pets.
• Physical Stamina
  • Ability to lift and move heavy animals or equipment as needed.
  • Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and handle physically demanding tasks.
• Communication
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, especially when interacting with team members.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from veterinarians and other staff.
• Attention to Detail
  • Strong observational skills for detecting changes in animal behavior, appearance, or health.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and complete tasks independently.

• High school diploma or equivalent (or currently enrolled in veterinary or animal science courses).
• Previous experience working with animals (kennel, animal shelter, or veterinary office).
• CPR or first aid certification for animals (preferred but not…