Kennel Supervisor

BVH Kennel Supervisor

Botetourt Veterinary Hospital

Reports to: Hospital Manager

Department: Kennel / Boarding / Grooming

Job Description

Position Purpose

The Kennel Supervisor is responsible for the oversight, performance, and daily operation of the Kennel/Boarding/Grooming Department. This role includes all duties of Kennel Attendants in addition to leadership responsibilities such as scheduling, approving boarding requests, overseeing departmental workflow, handling staffing concerns, and serving as the primary point of accountability for the team.

The Kennel Supervisor ensures that every boarding patient is treated with kindness, patience, and individualized care-maintaining BVH’s high standards of comfort, safety, and client confidence.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervisory Duties

• Acts as the primary point of contact for kennel staff regarding callouts, tardiness, questions, and workflow needs.
• Creates, posts, and maintains the kennel department schedule, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across boarding, grooming support, and hospital needs.
• Manages last-minute staffing changes by finding coverageor adjusting workflow when coverage cannot be found.
• Oversees daily operations of boarding, daycare, grooming support, and kennel cleaning to ensure smooth departmental function.
• Provides on-the-job training, guidance, coaching, and corrective direction to kennel attendants and reports actions to Hospital Manager.
• Supports performance reviews and coaching discussions in partnership with the Hospital Manager.
• Ensures staff compliance with all hospital protocols, safety standards, and patient care policies.
• Maintains a positive, professional team culture rooted in kindness, accountability, and consistent quality of care.
• Serves as the liaison between the Kennel Department and Hospital Manager, communicating departmental needs, concerns, and performance updates.

Boarding, Grooming & Census Oversight

• Serves as the main approver of boarding requests, verifying capacity, kennel space assignments, special needs, and vaccine/medical compliance.
• Regularly reviews incoming/outgoing boarding lists to ensure accommodations are appropriate and to anticipate care needs.
• Monitors departmental performance metrics (boarding volume, grooming support flow, client concerns, staff efficiency) and communicates trends to the Hospital Manager.
• Coordinates with groomers and medical staff to ensure boarding patients receive required services (baths, nail trims, vaccines, diagnostics, etc.) before departure.
• Ensures accurate documentation, belongings tracking, charges, and communication regarding boarding or grooming care.

Kennel Attendant Responsibilities (Included in Supervisor Role)

The Kennel Supervisor performs and oversees all standard Kennel Attendant duties including, but not limited to:

• Walks through kennel areas routinely, checking each animal individually for abnormal activity (vomiting, diarrhea, blood, distress). Reports abnormalities promptly to supervisors, doctors, or assistants.
• Recognizes emergency situations and enlists the help of veterinary medical staff immediately.
• Marks logs accurately for eating, drinking, bowel/urine output, and any medically relevant observations.
• Feeds and waters animals according to schedules and special dietary instructions.
• Observes patients for signs of illness, stress, or injury and responds per protocol.

• Cleans and disinfects cat litter boxes, cages, runs, and yards using proper disinfectant protocols.
• Washes and disinfects all food/water bowls.
• Removes soiled bedding and transports it to the laundry area; places clean bedding as appropriate.
• Operates washer and dryer for kennel bedding and hospital laundry.
• Records and labels all belongings clearly and accurately.
• Vacuums and mops kennel areas; assists in maintaining cleanliness of the entire facility, interior and exterior.
• Works in outdoor conditions year-round, understanding that temperature control is occasionally limited.

• Walks dogs using proper control techniques to maintain safety.
• Provides patient grooming (bathing, brushing, etc.) as scheduled prior to pick up, entering all services and charges in Cornerstone.
• Restrains animals safely for staff as needed.
• Maintains kennel-related equipment such as drying fans.

• Assists with check-in and check-out of boarding and drop-off patients, including belongings inventory and correct patient labeling.
• Communicates BVH’s high standards of care confidently and professionally.
• Recognizes deviations from expected quality of care and reports them immediately.

• Reviews boarding reservations to plan and assign kennel spaces appropriately.
• Ensures surgery-bound boarders have food/water managed based on their pre-procedure instructions.

Special Requirements (Supervisor Oversees These Tasks)

• Baths - Ensures baths are completed accurately with proper notes, pre-checks (vaccines, exams, tests), and correct charges entered.
• Dishes, sweeping, trash, and end-of-day cleaning tasks - Oversees completion, assigns responsibilities, and ensures consistency.
• Surgery Patients - Confirms staff remove food/water appropriately for pre-surgical boarders and logs instructions.

Departmental Accountability

• Maintains inventory of kennel supplies; coordinates ordering through approved channels.
• Ensures compliance with sanitation standards, animal welfare protocols, and hospital safety procedures.
• Provides ongoing communication with the Hospital Manager regarding departmental needs, staff performance, workflow, and concerns.
• Ensures accurate logs, boarding cards, medical notes, and grooming records are completed daily.
• Represents the department professionally and models BVH’s values of compassion, integrity, and high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in kennel/animal care required; leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to lead by example with patience, fairness, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Able to lift 40+ lbs and work on feet for extended periods; must be comfortable working outdoors in all seasons.
• Must be available for weekends, holidays, and peak boarding seasons.