Kennel Attendant/Canine Concierge

Position Description

ASSISTANT ANIMAL ATTENDANT (casual) – KURANDA PET RESORT

Up to 36 hours per week as required.  Current Enterprise Agreement wages and conditions.

This is a physical job that requires the ability to thoroughly clean up to 21 kennels.

We require patient, attentive and enthusiastic kennel attendants (canine concierge) to oversee the well-being of the animals in our care. A kennel attendants responsibilities include cleaning kennels, administering medication, providing animals with food, water and adequate mental/physical exercise. Kennel attendants should also be very observant and be able to effectively communicate any incidents, damage, injuries or health concerns to management verbally and via written Animal/Property Incident Reports.

To ensure success as a kennel attendant, you should be able to anticipate and tend to the needs of animals. Ultimately, a knowledgeable kennel attendant will be able to tailor their care according to animals' physical, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.

Kennel attendants should be physically fit as this role requires the ability to lift items, hose kennels, dry kennels, walk large dogs and play for extended periods.

Successful applicants will receive training from an accredited dog trainer to assist them in their role.

We require kennel attendants who can commit to long term employment as a lot of our guests return often and become very attached to their attendants. We promote an environment where our guests feel secure and safe.

Duties:

• Supervise groups of dogs during exercise times;
• Clean and disinfect kennels as instructed;
• Ensure the kennel environment remains as calm and quiet as possible;
• Maintain cleanliness, safety and security in the dog exercise yards; 
• Bath, dry and groom dogs as required;
• Prepare meals and feed boarding animals; 
• Wash up and clean kitchen after meals;
• Ensure bedding is always clean and dry;
• Take client enquiries and bookings, and enter these into the computer booking system;
• Check in/out boarders and manage payment system as required;
• Assist in administering animals’ medication as required.
• Carry out routine maintenance and general “housekeeping”

Selection criteria:

1. Must love working with dogs
2. Must be able to commit to at least 12 months employment;
3. Experience working in kennels preferred, but not essential;
4. Demonstrated understanding of dog behaviour and management;
5. Experience in dog grooming or a willingness to learn;
6. Positive, can-do and mature attitude;
7. Ability to communicate clearly with other staff and the public;
8. Basic operational knowledge of computers and booking data entry;
9. Excellent telephone customer relations skills.

Other requirements

1. Willingness to work split shifts of no less than 5 hours;
2. Physically fit and active.
3. Willingness to undertake a paid probationary period of up to 5 days;
4. Availability for weekend shifts and public holidays.
5. Available to work at short notice.