About Us:  

The Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (NIVES) has provided the highest level of specialized small animal health care to our community since 2004. We grew out of a well-established, AAHA accredited, primary care clinic originally started in this location in 1967. Over the past 20 years, we have grown into one of the largest small animal emergency and specialty hospitals in the state.  

Our facility offers services in cardiology, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency and critical care. We have a team of board-certified specialists and emergency doctors committed to providing quality care to all patients. In 2015, NIVES became the only veterinary hospital in the state of Indiana to be certified as a Level II Critical Care Facility. This certification deems our hospital qualified to care for and treat even the most life-threatening cases. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities allow our doctors to diagnose and treat complicated medical conditions. These diagnostics include digital radiography, ultrasonography, electrocardiography, and computed tomography (CT).  

Job Summary: 

The Kennel Assistant is responsible for providing exceptional care to animals hospitalized at our emergency veterinary hospital. This role involves maintaining a clean and safe environment for all animals, assisting veterinary staff with patient care, and ensuring the comfort of patients during their stay. The ideal candidate will be compassionate, reliable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. 

Responsibilities:  

Animal Care: 

Provide daily care for animals in the hospital’s kennels, including feeding, watering, and administering medications under the supervision of veterinary staff. 

Monitor animal behavior and condition, reporting any changes or concerns to the veterinary team. 

Assist with transporting animals to and from exam rooms, treatment areas, and surgery as needed. 

Ensure that animals are housed in clean, comfortable environments, maintaining bedding, cages, and runs. 

Support the team in keeping track of animals' medical histories, ensuring accurate record-keeping of feeding schedules, medications, and treatments. 

Sanitation & Facility Maintenance: 

Clean and disinfect animal housing areas, play yards, and common spaces to maintain hospital hygiene standards. 

Ensure all areas are safe and secure for animals, making sure kennels and enclosures are properly locked and maintained. 

Follow protocols for disposal of waste and cleaning of animal supplies, such as food dishes, toys, and bedding. 

Collaboration & Support: 

Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians in preparing for procedures, including setting up necessary equipment and supplies. 

Provide emotional support to animals by offering gentle handling, comfort, and companionship during their stay. 

Communicate effectively with veterinary team members regarding animal health, behavior, and any concerns or observations. 

Assist with euthanasia and post-mortem care as needed, under the direction of the veterinary team. 

Customer Service: 

Provide excellent customer service to pet owners during drop-off and pick-up, answering basic questions and ensuring a smooth transition for pets entering or leaving the hospital. 

Ensure that pet owners’ concerns are relayed to the appropriate veterinary staff. 

Additional Duties: 

Assist with emergency situations, including preparing animals for immediate treatment and helping with overflow of patients as needed. 

Participate in training and development to stay current with hospital protocols and animal care practices. 

Other duties as assigned by the hospital manager or lead veterinary technician. 

Qualifications:  

High school diploma or equivalent required; previous experience in animal care or veterinary settings preferred. 

Strong passion for animal welfare and a genuine interest in veterinary medicine. 

Ability to work in a fast-paced, emergency setting, often under stressful conditions. 

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions carefully. 

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or walk for long periods of time. 

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work well in a team environment. 

Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required. 

Special Working Conditions:  

Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, and move) up to 50 pounds. Lifting higher weights requires requesting assistance from another associate. 

Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate necessary equipment. 

Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and to solve problems involving several variables. 

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision. 

Occasionally exposed to airborne particles and illness from patients and chemicals related to animal care and office equipment. 

The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate. 

Environment where pets are present. 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.