Title and Reporting Relationships
Position Title: Dog Care Assistant
Reports To: Dog Care & Welfare Manager/ Breeding services Coordinator
Division: Direct Client Contact Services
Department (if Applicable): Guide Dog Services
Position Location: 30 McVilly Road, Manurewa
Purpose of Position
To follow the established written daily Breeding ,Hospital and Kennel Facility routine to ensure a
maximum hygienic environment and the physical and temperamental well-being and security of all
assigned dogs.
Responsibilities of the Position
(More specific objectives and key performance indicators will be included in an individual’s performance development
plan)
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To maintain assigned Breeding ,Hospital and Kennel Facility in a clean and hygienic condition
To ensure all dogs are fed, brushed and combed daily and provided with adequate water and
appropriate care
To provide instruction to Volunteers and individual Guide Dog Users, Breeding Stock Holders,
and Puppy Walkers on grooming when required
To treat and medicate assigned dogs as required in consultation with relevant staff, having
completed a daily health check on assigned dogs
To refer assigned dogs to the Co-ordinator/Manager for examination by consultant
veterinarians as required
To assist the consultant veterinarians with the examination of assigned dogs in consultation
with the Co-ordinator/Manager
To maintain medical and daily records of all treatments on assigned dogs
To ensure the security of prescribed S4 medications held in your assigned block
To maintain a relaxed environment in the assigned block, and to ensure the temperamental
well-being of assigned dogs
To assist/perform A.I’s, matings and whelpings when required by Breeding Services
Coordinator
To maintain warm/hygienic environment for puppies in your care
To maintain weight charts and appropriate health care\records of all puppies\bitches\dogs
To assist with socialisation of puppies prior to placement on Puppy Development Programme.
To support and monitor the appropriate behaviour of assigned dogs
To advise the Managers of, Breeding Programme \ Puppy Development Programme \ Training
\ Instructor Staff, of any serious, inappropriate behaviour shown by assigned dogs
To assist and train Volunteer Staff to perform assigned tasks in consultation with
Coordinator/Manager
To supervise Volunteer and work experienced Students in the absence of the Cocoordinator/Manager
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To advise the Line Manager of any problems regarding maintenance or queries arising within
the Breeding ,Hospital and kennel Facility
To maintain confidentiality concerning information flowing through Guide Dog Services
To assist and present a positive image to the visiting public and answer any queries when
required.
To complete study and additional training relevant to your position in consultation with
Coordinator/ Manager
To deliver and collect dogs in an emergency or when required in consultation with
Coordinator/Manager
To observe the general behaviour of dogs whilst in kennels and consult freely with relevant
staff
To incorporate appropriate handling and obedience procedures as per training provided e.g.
obedience prior to eating, regular free running procedures
To strictly carry out medical procedures as advised by Consultant Veterinary
Surgeons\relevant staff
To attend regular staff meetings when required by Line Manager
To undertake other duties as requested by the Line Manager
Dimensions of the Position
Number of Positions Responsible For
Direct: Nil
Indirect: Nil
Shared Responsibility: Nil
Key Relationships
Internal
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RNZFB Guide Dog Services Team
Various RNZFB departments
External
 Veterinary practitioners and specialists (including reproductive)
 Airline transport agencies (national and international)
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
 Minimum qualification of Sixth Form Certificate
 Experience in similar work environment
 Excellent interpersonal/communication skills
 Ability to report fluently via written communication
 An ability to communicate effectively and relate well to diverse groups of dogs,
colleagues, volunteers, consumers and the public in general
 Ability to work autonomously
Preferred
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Additional qualifications in animal husbandry, canine behaviour, dog handling, vet
nursing and computer skills
Personal Attributes and Values
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Excellent time management/planning and organising skills
Ability to facilitate learning
Excellent problem solving skills
Personal and professional integrity
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Highly developed work ethics
Values diversity
Willing to train in additional competency areas, if required
Ability to respect confidentiality
I hereby acknowledge and accept the above position description as a part of my employment
conditions with RNZFB.
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Name
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Signature
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Date
NB: Each individual page of this position description must also be initialled