ANIMAL CARE ATTENDANT

Primary Function: Under the direct supervision of the Clinic Office Manager, responsible for the daily care of surgical patients, assisting doctors and technicians with surgical and anesthetic procedures and general housekeeping.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Perform thorough daily cleaning of kennels, cages and public areas in accordance with our policies and procedures. Clean and disinfect cages, dog runs, floors, bowls, litter pans and other facility supplies.
• Follow disease control protocol to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Clean prep room and operating room at the end of day to ensure rooms are sanitized and ready for the following business day.
• Spot clean throughout the day to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Wash and sterilize all surgical packs throughout the day to ensure availability of instruments.
• Stock and inventory all kennels supplies as needed and inform appropriate personnel of ordering needs to ensure availability of supplies.
• Perform general housekeeping duties including but not limited to taking out the trash, sweeping and mopping the entire clinic, daily kennel laundry, cleaning bathroom and kitchen areas.
• Help triage all patients as they are checked in. Report health concerns to veterinary technicians or attending veterinarian.
• Assist in preparing patients for surgery as instructed by medical staff; restrain patients during anesthesia induction and intubation; and monitor all patients on gas anesthesia.
• Transport patients from prep room to operating room
• Assist veterinarians in surgery as needed
• Assist in monitoring patients in recovery and inform appropriate personnel of animal behavior, health or concerns.
• Provide excellent patient care.
• Represent the spcaLA in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.
• Work as a team member to meet clinic goals and objectives.
• Adhere to the agency and OSHA compliance polices and procedures.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Job Related & Essential Qualifications
Ability to:
• Ensure and promote the humane care and treatment of patients in our care at all times.
• Maintain a high level of animal health and sanitation.
• Show maturity and good judgment. Perform the job in professional manner and work efficiently under pressure.
• Work with and safely restrain animals of all sizes.
• Work well and communicate effectively with the public, fellow employees and volunteers.
• Work efficiently under pressure and show maturity and good judgment.

Knowledge of:
• Various kinds of animal behavior.
• Basic domestic animal care and safe, humane animal handling.
• Symptoms of common disease of dogs and cats.
• Animal nutritional needs.
• Knowledge and proper usage of common equipment used in Veterinary clinics.
• Experience working with animals in a sheltering/clinic or commercial environment is desirable.
• Experience with proper cleaning and sanitary methods.

OTHER ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Physical Demands:
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, run, sit and kneel, crouch or crawl and climb different levels of height.
• Perform work, which involves frequent lifting, carrying and/or pushing of 25 lb., and occasionally lift, push and/or move up to 75 lb. or more. The employee will also be required to lift and carry equipment and disabled animals.
• While performing this job the employee is regularly required to use hands & fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and listen.
• Work with and restrain animals of all sizes.

Working Conditions:
• Dealing with possible unruly animal and handling the same safely and humanely
• Possible exposure to hostile and over emotional public
• Heavy and fast paced workload; strenuous physical activity
• Possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases
• Ability to handle heavy and fast-paced workload; strenuous physical activity
• Must be able to tolerate loud animal noises and odors for extended periods of time
• The noise level in performing this job varies depending on the task being performed.
• Endurance sufficient for standing and walking during entire shift

Experience & Training:

• Two years experience working with animals in a sheltering/clinical or commercial environment is desirable.

Salary Range: $9.00/hour This is a full-time non-exempt position with benefits.