Kennel Manager
Palm City Animal Medical Center
Job Description
Kennel Manager (Boarding, Bathing & Grooming) – Job Description
Position Summary
The Kennel Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the boarding facility, bathing services, and grooming department. This role ensures exceptional animal care, outstanding client service, efficient team management, and smooth coordination across all pet care services.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the boarding facility, bathing, and grooming departments
- Ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for all pets and staff
- Monitor pet health, behavior, and overall well-being; escalate concerns as needed
- Maintain compliance with safety protocols, sanitation standards, and company policies
- Manage facility capacity, scheduling, and workflow efficiency
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise, train, and mentor kennel technicians, bathers, and groomers
- Create staff schedules to ensure proper coverage across all departments
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
- Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on quality care and accountability
- Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and support retention initiatives
Client Experience
- Ensure exceptional customer service from check-in to pick-up
- Address client questions, concerns, and escalations professionally and promptly
- Build strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and loyalty
- Educate clients on services, packages, and add-ons (grooming, baths, upgrades, etc.)
Grooming & Bathing Oversight
- Coordinate grooming and bathing schedules for efficiency and timeliness
- Ensure quality standards are met for all grooming and bathing services
- Monitor equipment maintenance and supply inventory
- Support groomers and bathers in workflow and client communication
Inventory & Financial Oversight
- Manage inventory levels for kennel, bathing, and grooming supplies
- Control costs through proper ordering, waste reduction, and efficiency
- Support revenue growth through service optimization and upselling opportunities
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as occupancy, grooming revenue, and labor
Health & Safety
- Ensure all pets meet vaccination and health requirements
- Recognize signs of illness or stress and communicate with veterinary staff if applicable
- Enforce proper animal handling and safety procedures
- Maintain accurate records for all pets in care
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in animal care, boarding, grooming, or veterinary settings
- Prior leadership or management experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and safety protocols
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift (up to 50 lbs) for extended periods
- Comfortable working in a kennel environment (noise, odors, cleaning tasks)
Key Competencies
- Leadership & accountability
- Organization & time management
- Problem-solving & conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Compassion for animals and dedication to their care
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:
• We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
