Lead Kennel

Durham, NC, US · On-site$17 – $20

About this role

Kennel Lead

About the Role:

Love animals and leading a team? As Kennel Lead at Park Veterinary Boarding and Spa, you’ll help make sure every pet in our care feels safe, clean, and comfortable, just like home (maybe even better!). You'll manage the day-to-day kennel operations, guide a team of caring staff, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

You'll work closely with our veterinary team and hospital leadership to make sure our care protocols are followed and our standards stay high. Whether it’s coordinating with medical staff, helping improve processes, or supporting team morale, you’ll play a key role in making things better for both pets and people.

If you're organized, love working with animals and people, and want to help create a clean, happy, and efficient space for pets, we’d love to have you lead the pack.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent -  check!

  • Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting is a big plus.

  • Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or a willingness to learn.

  • Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work.

  • Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator (with both people and pets!).

  • Bonus points if you’ve worked with pet parents or used veterinary software before,  but we’re happy to train the right person.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Some background in animal care or kennel management is a big plus (certifications are great, but not a deal-breaker).

  • Experience working in a veterinary hospital or similar animal care setting helps you hit the ground running.

  • Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency.

  • Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records — or at least tech-savvy and willing to learn.

  • Great with people! Previous experience helping pet parents in a customer service role is a bonus.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care.

  • Make sure every pet gets the right food, exercise, and enrichment based on their unique needs and any instructions from our veterinary team or their owner.

  • Keep an eye on animal health and behavior;  if something seems off, you’ll be the first to flag it to the medical staff.

  • Stay on top of care records like feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules - accuracy matters!

  • Train and guide kennel staff to follow best practices, safety procedures, and hospital policies, helping everyone provide top-notch care.

  • Keep an eye on kennel supplies and equipment, restocking and arranging maintenance as needed so nothing runs out or breaks down.

  • Talk with pet owners in a friendly, professional way - giving updates, answering questions, and sharing any special care notes.

  • Work closely with our veterinary and front desk teams to keep everything coordinated and running smoothly - happy pets, happy clients.

As Kennel Lead, you’ll put your leadership and organization skills to work every day,  keeping the team on track and the kennel running like clockwork. Great communication is key, whether you're coordinating with the vet team, supporting staff, or chatting with pet parents. A good understanding of animal behavior and health helps you notice when something’s off and take action quickly. You’ll need an eye for detail to keep records accurate and everything up to safety standards. And when surprises pop up (because they always do!), your problem-solving skills will help keep things calm, safe, and running smoothly for both pets and people.

Company at a glance

At Community Veterinary Partners, we believe a kinder, more compassionate world begins with how we care—for animals, for people, and for each other.

We’re a growing community of over 140 locally led general practice, exotic, large animal, and ER/Specialty veterinary hospitals, across 18 states, united by a shared mission: to create more meaningful moments between pets and people.

Each hospital in our community has its own story, culture, and values—and we believe in honoring and celebrating that individuality. What brings us together is a commitment to care that’s not just clinically excellent, but deeply human in spirit.

Our work is guided by four core pillars

  • Elevate Care: through clinical autonomy, innovation, and shared expertise
  • Champion People: with well-being support, mentorship, and career growth
  • Enhance Experiences: for our teams, clients, and patients alike
  • Expand Impact: in the communities we serve and the profession we love

Whether it’s mentoring the next generation of doctors, hosting clinical trials, fostering leadership, or helping a team open the doors to a new hospital, CVP is building something lasting: a trusted community where veterinary professionals feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

We’re not just in the business of veterinary medicine—we’re building a place where people grow, teams thrive, and every meaningful moment of care makes a difference.

Founded2009
Team Size1,001-5,000 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryVeterinary Services
Location
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Websitecvpco.com
LinkedInLinkedIn

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