Part Time, Animal Care Attendant/Housekeeper

Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics are well-established veterinary practices located in the Capital District of New York, specifically in Latham and Troy. With over 40 years of experience, these privately owned clinics have built a reputation for providing high-quality veterinary care for small animals, pocket pets, and exotic animals. The clinics are known for their fast-paced, high-volume environment and offer a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services including acupuncture and eastern medicine. Established under the ownership of David A. Wagoner DVM, who has been associated with the clinics since high school and took over sole ownership in 2011, the clinics focus heavily on delivering exceptional patient and client care at reasonable prices. Their dedication to quality care ensures they maintain strong community relationships and client loyalty.

The position available is for a part-time Animal Care staff member. This role involves providing essential husbandry care for hospitalized and boarded animals, ensuring their wellbeing and comfort during their stay at the clinics. Responsibilities include daily feeding, bathing, record keeping, and maintaining the cleanliness of cages, runs, and ward areas. In addition to animal care, the staff member will also be responsible for general hospital cleanliness and upkeep of the grounds, contributing to a safe, welcoming environment for both animals and clients.

Ideal candidates will have a genuine love for animals and an ability to handle pets that may be stressed, ill, or in pain. They must be able to operate effectively in a noisy, busy clinical environment with barking dogs and other common veterinary hospital challenges. Physical effort is a significant part of the role, including lifting and carrying animals and supplies, although heavy lifting is supported by other team members. The work may involve exposure to unpleasant odors, noises, and the potential risks associated with bites, scratches, and contagious diseases. Attention to safety, hygiene, and proper handling procedures are critical.

Animal Care staff are expected to perform their tasks with compassion and professionalism, even under pressure. This includes admitting and releasing animals with proper identification and documentation, grooming and ensuring cleanliness before discharge, communicating effectively with pet owners to provide reassurance and information, and following rigorous cleaning and sanitation schedules. The role also requires the ability to prioritize workload efficiently, maintain hospital laundry, and contribute to light maintenance of the hospital grounds and buildings.

This position does not require previous animal care experience but having some familiarity with animal handling is advantageous. Candidates must have a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and be able to commit to part-time availability. Working as a key member of the veterinary care team, the Animal Care staff support veterinarians and technicians, helping with medication administration and patient restraint as needed.

Overall, this role is perfect for those who enjoy working directly with animals and want to contribute to the excellent standard of care at Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics, helping to create a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all patients and clients.