Kennel Attendant

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

The kennel attendant is responsible for the day-to-day care and well-being of animals at the animal shelter. The kennel attendant may be required to assist the Adoption Counselor and Animal Control Officers with tasks as needed.

Works under the direct supervision of the Animal Control Operations Manager or their designee.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Feeding and providing water to animals. Monitoring and maintaining the health and cleanliness of animals. Administering medications as directed by a veterinarian. Cleaning and sanitizing kennels, cages, and common areas.
• Walking and providing supervised playtime with all shelter animals. Engaging with animals to ensure mental stimulation and social interaction. Following an enrichment schedule for various types of animals.
• Monitoring animal behavior and reporting any concerns to supervisors. Notifying supervisory staff of any signs of illness or injury. Recording each animal’s health status on a daily kennel checklist.
• Assisting visitors by answering any questions they might have and directing them to the appropriate employee based on the purpose of their visit. Providing information on the well‑being and behavior of the animals.
• Maintaining accurate records of each animal's care and behavior. Updating vaccination and health records as necessary.
• Sweeping, mopping, and maintaining a clean and odor‑free environment. Laundering bedding and toys. Following proper sanitizing protocols to prevent spread of illness or disease. Organizing and sorting linens, toys, food, medications and donations.
• Transporting shelter animals to appointments, rescues, rehabs, etc. as needed.
• Following facility policies and procedures. Ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations.
• Collaborating with other kennel staff, animal control, adoption staff, and volunteers to ensure coordinated care. Participating in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Responding to emergencies or urgent situations involving animals as needed.

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Class D driver’s license required. Training in animal care or previous animal handling experience in a similar role is preferred. Ability to have genuine affection for animals, patience, and to handle animals with care. Ability to work in a physically demanding and sometimes emotionally challenging environment.

Frequent moderate to occasional strenuous physical effort required to perform job duties. May climb, stoop, crawl or kneel for an extended period of time. May frequently move animals which weigh 60 lbs. or more. Work involves exposure to risks associated with handling animals including bites, scratches, and exposures to diseases carried by animals and to immunization from such disease.

The City of Westfield is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

This is a part time position of 19 hours a week.