Lead Kennel Assistant

About the Role

As the Lead Kennel Assistant, you are the primary caretaker for our boarding and hospitalized guests, ensuring they receive the highest quality daily care, feeding, and exercise. You serve as a critical line of defense for our patients' health, paying close attention to signs of stress or illness and promptly notifying the medical team when attention is needed. You will also manage client interactions during check-ins and check-outs, ensuring accurate documentation and a welcoming experience for both pets and their owners.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care to boarding pets and hospitalized patients, including feeding, watering, and exercising them according to schedule.
• Handle check-ins and check-outs, talking with owners, recording feeding/medication instructions, labeling belongings, and ensuring every pet goes home clean and happy.
• Walk through the kennel area regularly to check for abnormal activity (vomiting, diarrhea, stress), properly marking records and reporting issues to doctors and technicians immediately.
• Administer medications and flea/tick control to pets boarding with us, accurately recording instructions on the kennel medication board.
• Maintain a clean environment by cleaning and disinfecting cages, runs, yards, litter boxes, and bowls using proper protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) to control infectious diseases.
• Deliver extra "TLC" playtimes, walks, or baths for clients who have requested special attention for their pets.

Requirements

• Confidence around animals and pets.
• Knowledge of proper animal restraint techniques and infectious disease control.
• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Must be in the process of obtaining or have attained a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Reasoning, remembering, and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking English) to perform duties proficiently.
• A commitment to maintaining our Core Values and Mission Statement.

Benefits

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Security: Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
• Commitment to Growth: Support for career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
• The Power of a Network: Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
• Valuable Perks: Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About the Company

Vestavia Animal Clinic, established in 1984, is a trusted small animal practice rooted in comprehensive pet wellness and treating every patient like family. The clinic has built a reputation for excellence, reflected in its 4.8-star community rating, and offers a supportive environment where community trust translates into meaningful relationships. The clinic provides the infrastructure and encouragement needed for professional success, focusing on continuous growth and clear paths for advancement.

Mission Pet Health, the parent organization, was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. It provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis. Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.