JOB TITLE: Kennel Assistant
REPORTS TO: ISPCA DWS Manager
LOCATION: Laois Dog Warden Service, Tentore, Ballacolla, Co. Laois
HOURS: Flexible – part-time roster over 7 days
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: September 2024
WAGE: €13.46 p/h

Overall Purpose: To provide excellent care for all dogs at the ISPCA Laois Dog Warden Service (DWS), reuniting stray dogs with their owners, the rehoming of suitable dogs in accordance with designated ISPCA Policies and the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended), the Dog Breeding Establishment’s Act 2010 and the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015, while providing a high standard of customer care.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Health and Safety: Ensure that all health, safety and welfare procedures are followed, including the use of PPE, as deemed necessary in line with the general operations of the ISPCA and current dog control legislation during all aspects of work.
2. Observation and Reporting:Assist veterinary practitioners or other authorised persons at the DWS with the inspection and / or treatment of dogs:
   • Carry out checks on dogs including the inspection of ears, eyes, nose and throat for any signs of abnormality.
   • Report any abnormalities to the veterinary practitioners or other authorised persons such as the Dog Warden Service Manager.
   • Provide care and be vigilant and carry out your job with the interest of animal welfare and well-being in mind at all times.
3. Feeding and Watering: Following best practice, prepare and provide food and water for all dogs in the establishment commensurate with their type, breed etc.
4. Cleaning and Hygiene: Clean, disinfect and maintain to a high standard in accordance with best practice, animal accommodation, isolation, exercise areas, food preparation areas, laundry stores, veterinary facilities, reception, offices and staff facilities, including toilets and outside areas.
5. General Care: Attend to the needs of the individual dogs including:
   • Exercise
   • Coat care / grooming
   • Administration of first aid, treatments and medication as directed by a Veterinary Surgeon
   • Assist with the humane destruction of animals, including carcass disposal if applicable.
6. Microchipping: Scan all dogs entering the DWS for microchips on the government-approved microchipping databases (Fido, Animark, Irish Kennel Club or Microdog ID Ltd) in the attempt along with other measures to reunite them with their owners. The microchipping of and updating the database on all non-microchipped dogs entering the DWS prior to being responsibly rehomed.
7. Record Keeping & Administration: Maintain records, registers and statistics as required by management and current legislation.
8. Communication: Pass on all relevant information regarding the general care of the dogs and their general demeanour to other staff members maintaining a high level of excellent care at all times.
9. Rehoming: Updating information on social media platforms/website if required, following ISPCA procedures.
10. Customer Care and Administration:
    • Attend to the needs of members of the public.
    • Deal with all telephone and email queries in a timely and efficient manner and disseminate information as deemed necessary.
    • Assist with ordering, stock rotation and stock taking.
    • Complete documentation as required.
    • Issue of neutering vouchers as required.
11.  Wearing of Uniform and protective equipment: At all times whilst on duty ensure that uniform is worn and that it is serviceable and presentable and when necessary, protective equipment is also worn.
12. Maintenance and Security: Report any faulty equipment, lighting, heating, ventilation equipment etc, to the appropriate authority or other authorised persons such as the Dog Warden Service Manager. Ensure buildings and exercise areas are secure, check before work commences and when work finishes. Be vigilant at all times regarding security. Report any faults immediately to management. This job description is not limited or fixed and members of staff are required to be flexible in their application to their job at all times. From time to time there will be other duties as directed by the Dog Warden Service Manager. It is required of you to carry out these duties within reason.

ISPCA REFERENCE ID: KALA0924KA JD Laois Sept 204