After-School Kennel Hand
Role Description
We're looking for a reliable and enthusiastic school student to join our team as an After-School Kennel Hand.
This is a great first job for someone who enjoys animals and practical work, particularly a student who may be considering a future career in veterinary nursing, veterinary medicine or animal care.
Hours
4:00pm – 6:00pm on weekday afternoons
Days will be discussed with the successful applicant. The position is designed to fit around school hours.
What You'll Be Doing
You'll help our veterinary team with the afternoon care of hospitalised animals and make sure our kennels, animal areas and clinic are clean, comfortable and ready for the next day.
Your duties may include:
- Feeding and providing fresh water to hospitalised animals
- Cleaning kennels, cages and animal housing areas
- Changing bedding and helping keep patients comfortable
- Taking suitable dogs outside for toileting or short walks when directed
- Washing food and water bowls
- Cleaning floors, benches and designated clinic areas
- Washing, drying and putting away towels, bedding and laundry
- Emptying bins and helping with end-of-day cleaning
- Restocking basic supplies
- Washing and putting away equipment
- Keeping kennel and animal areas clean, tidy and organised
- Letting a veterinary nurse or veterinarian know if you notice anything unusual about an animal
- Other general duties as directed by the veterinary team
Please note: This is a hands-on role and cleaning is an important part of the job. You need to be comfortable with animal hair, urine, faeces, unpleasant smells and getting your hands dirty!
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Is currently attending secondary school
- Is reliable and can commit to their rostered afternoons
- Has a genuine interest in animals
- Is confident or willing to learn around dogs, cats and other animals
- Is happy to clean and undertake practical tasks
- Can listen carefully and follow instructions
- Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Works well as part of a team
- Treats animals with kindness and respect
- Is comfortable in an environment that can sometimes be busy, noisy and messy
No previous veterinary experience is required. We'll provide training and supervision for the tasks you're expected to undertake.
A Great First Job for Someone Interested in Animals
You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how a busy veterinary clinic operates while developing valuable skills in animal care, responsibility, teamwork and communication.
How to Apply
We don't expect you to have lots of work experience or a long résumé — this might be your very first job!
Please send us a short introduction about yourself telling us:
- What year level you're currently in
- Why you'd like to work at Western Victoria Vets
- Why you think you'd be a good fit for the role
- Any experience you have caring for or working with animals (this could be your own pets, farm animals, horses or other experience)
- Which weekday afternoons you're available to work
If you have a résumé, you're welcome to include it, but previous veterinary experience isn't required.
We'd love to hear from students who are enthusiastic, dependable and keen to learn.
Position: After-School Kennel Hand
Location: Western Victoria Vets, Ararat
Hours: 4:00pm – 6:00pm, weekday afternoons
Suitable for: Year 10, 11 or 12 students
Experience: No previous experience required
