Animal Care Assistant (Overnight) - University Veterinary Hospital

At University Veterinary Hospital, part of the Suveto network of hospital, we absolutely love pets and we love people too.  Everything we do at our hospital in Shreveport is influenced by our desire to make life better for pets and their human families.  We strive to be our clients’ trusted partner in pet care, by providing their pets’ needs for a long full life.

We are looking for a full-time Animal Care Assistant for overnights to join our team! Unleashed is a full-service boarding and grooming facility that is staffed 24/7!

Our Animal Care Assistants are responsible for the needs of animals while they are at the Unleashed facility.

KEY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES SPECIFIC TO THIS POSITION: 

1. Patient Care & Safety

• Ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all boarding patients throughout the overnight shift.
• Perform regular walkthroughs of assigned boarding areas to monitor patient health, behavior, comfort, and kennel conditions.
• Ensure all patients have access to clean, fresh drinking water.
• Identify and address dirty kennels, spilled water, accidents, or other concerns promptly.
• Document patient-related concerns, accidents, or messes accurately in Vet Radar (VR).
• Review patient instructions and identify pets requiring additional walks or special accommodations.
• Complete all scheduled overnight and morning walks as assigned.
• Follow all patient handling, leash, kennel security, and safety protocols.
• Promptly communicate any signs of illness, injury, abnormal behavior, or other concerns to the appropriate leadership or medical personnel according to established protocols.
• Follow all isolation and infection-control procedures when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed contagious conditions.
• Ensure all assigned patient care tasks are accurately documented and completed.

1. Kennel Cleaning & Facility Sanitation

• Clean and disinfect all empty, dirty kennels throughout the shift.Remove soiled bedding, waste, food debris, and other materials from kennels and surrounding areas
• Follow established UVH Unleashed cleaning procedures, including the proper use of Zibiovet, Annihilate, and other approved cleaning products.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary workspaces throughout the facility.
• Complete assigned weekly sanitation responsibilities.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions and hospital protocols when using disinfectants and sanitation equipment, including required PPE, room vacancy, ventilation, and reentry requirements.
• Report damaged equipment, maintenance concerns, and sanitation issues to leadership.

III. Laundry & Dishwashing 

• Maintain an efficient laundry workflow throughout the overnight shift.
• Collect dirty food and water bowls from vacant kennels and designated areas.
• Wash, sanitize, dry, and properly store dishes, bowls, and approved feeding supplies.
• Ensure laundry and dishes are as caught up as reasonably possible before the morning team arrives.

1. Boarding Preparation & Organization

• Review the following day's boarding arrivals and departures.
• Ensure belongings are correctly labeled and matched to the appropriate patient.
• Prepare any missing paper collars for upcoming arrivals.
• Assist with preparing clean, available kennels for incoming boarding patients.
• Maintain organized supply areas and replenish commonly used items as needed.

1. Communication & Documentation

• Utilize Vet Radar to review assigned responsibilities and accurately document completed tasks.
• Communicate patient concerns, incomplete tasks, maintenance needs, and other important information to the incoming team.
• Provide a clear and accurate shift handoff to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability throughout the shift.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Previous experience working with animals is preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Ability to work independently and remain productive during overnight hours.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to follow written instructions, checklists, and established procedures.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Comfortable using computers or electronic systems to document completed tasks.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Willingness to learn and follow all UVH and Unleashed policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods.
• Ability to safely handle animals on leashes and within kennels.
• Ability to perform repetitive cleaning and sanitation tasks.
• Ability to work around animal hair, dander, cleaning products, odors, and noise.
• Ability to work overnight hours and remain alert throughout the scheduled shift.

Benefits:

Our employment package includes paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, pet care discounts, 401K with a true match up to 4%. In addition, all full-time hospital team members receive VSOP® grants, SUVETO’S VETERINARY STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN, at no cost to team members. VSOP® is an ownership program that tracks the value of the entire Suveto organization.

University Veterinary Hospital, part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.