Pet Care Specialist / Kennel Tech

About the role

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Kennel Technician (Pet Care Specialist) at Happy Tails Pet Resort, to perform record keeping and clerical duties related to animal patient care and treatment, and to provide miscellaneous support to the Kennel Supervisor and coworkers. This position requires a practical knowledge of kennel organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and animal boarding as well as hospital treatment, and a practical knowledge of the standard procedures, veterinary records and terminology used in the kennel and/or hospital.

Responsibilities

• Ensure guests are well taken care of and happy.
• Dogs: feed, clean housing areas, provide interactive play times (ball throwing, climbing 3 flights of stairs), and general care.
• Cats: feed, clean housing including litter boxes, provide interactive play times, and general care.
• Receive telephone calls; handle information requests and reservation requests for boarding and/or daycare.
• Determine vaccine status; recommend updates; inform clients of past due vaccines.
• Schedule reservations after obtaining necessary animal and owner data.
• Prepare required forms (e.g., kennel service card) in advance of visits.
• Inform clients of drop‑off and pick‑up times and advise of late‑pick‑up charges.
• Ensure veterinary service records are promptly placed in the hospital with correct information.
• Greet every client with a smile, addressing client and pet by name.
• Promote additional playtime services and treats.
• Accurately complete all boarding forms.
• Ask clients: “Is there anything additional that I can help you with or get for you today?”
• Address client complaints; resolve issues or escalate to the Practice Manager.
• Work under supervision of Resort Supervisors; perform recurring assignments independently; refer deviations to supervisor.
• Completed work reviewed for accuracy and compliance with kennel and hospital procedures.
• Educate each client as much as possible.
• Keep drawers, cabinets, and desk area neatly organized; note depleted office supplies; keep forms well stocked.
• Leave pertinent notes for the next shift in the notebook.
• Keep laundry clean, folded, and stored neatly.
• Verify client address, phone, and work phone upon arrival.
• Support work/life balance; note that vacation during peak holiday/summer periods is unlikely to be approved, but advanced notice will be considered.

Requirements

• Practical knowledge of kennel organization and services.
• Understanding of basic rules and regulations governing visitors, animal