400.11 duties of the kennel attendant assigned to catteries

1. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.11
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE KENNEL ATTENDANT ASSIGNED TO
CATTERIES
Page: 1
Date: 11/20/00
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 12/12/07
I. PURPOSE
To outline and define the duties and responsibilities of the Kennel Attendant (KA) assigned to
catteries.
II. POLICY
Kennel Attendants assigned to catteries shall perform all duties specified in this document and
work collaboratively with all Orange County Animal Care staff to ensure that a high standard
of care is provided to all impounded animals and exceptional customer service is provided to
visitors.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all Kennel Services staff.
IV. FORMS
Chameleon Kennel Card
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. Morning Cleaning Protocol
1. Every KA assigned to the catteries shall be responsible for exercising good
judgment when cleaning cages and ensuring the safety and security of all
impounded cats. No radios or any other form of music, except the music
designated as being pleasing to the cats will be played in any cat housing area.
2. Leaving the cat in the cage, remove and replace as needed the blanket/towel; and
completely wipe down the interior of the cage and remove all foreign debris
from the surface. At no time will the litter box be filled or emptied in the cat

2. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.11
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE KENNEL ATTENDANT ASSIGNED TO
CATTERIES
Page: 2
Date: 11/20/00
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 12/12/07
housing area. If the cat requires new a litter box due to excessive waste a new
litter pan will be used and the entire litter box will be taken out and disposed of.
3. Care will be used in the collection of litter loose in the cages. It should be
wiped/sweep into a paper towel/used box or some other receptacle as to reduce
to amount that gets to the floor, to reduce dust while sweeping/mopping of the
floor.
4. Provide fresh water and food, including canned cat food if diet requires. Fresh
water shall be provided throughout the day.
5. If a cat demonstrates defensive or offensive behavior, carefully remove the cat
from cage and place the cat in a clean/safe container. Return the cat when cage
is cleaned. At no time will the same container be used for multiple cats, without
being sanitized between usages.
6. The KA will change gloves between each cage.
7. Upon the final removal of a cat from its cage, the cage shall be locked to prevent
use until properly disinfected.
a. Remove all items and foreign matter from cage. Bowls and pans shall be
disinfected before reuse.
b. Spray entire cage with a 1:30 bleach and water solution. Allow the
solution to set for ten (10) minutes, then wipe clean.
c. Lock cage to prevent reuse for three (3) consecutive cleanings.
d. Cage is to be completely disinfected three (3) times before use.
e. Cage to remain locked until the cleaning cycle has been completed.
Once completed, the KA shall prepare the cage for use.
8. Prior to the start of the business day, it shall be the responsibility of the assigned
KA to ensure that all cages are properly secured, kennel cards are current
and accurate, and catteries are fully stocked for the entire day.
B. Additional Responsibilities
1. Identification of cats showing signs of illness not in the Treatment Room.
a. Any cat demonstrating any sign of illness will be brought to the attention
of the Supervisor on duty.
b. The veterinary staff shall make the final decision on the disposition of
the animal.
c. Upon removal from the cage, the cleaning procedure outlined in A.6
shall be followed.
2. Print and post kennel cards for new arrivals.

3. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.11
SUBJECT: DUTIES OF THE KENNEL ATTENDANT ASSIGNED TO
CATTERIES
Page: 3
Date: 11/20/00
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 12/12/07
3. Maintain the overall cleanliness of the catteries.
4. Assist the public by answering questions and responding to visit and adoption
calls. The KA shall be attentive to the two-way radio, listening for calls and to
co-workers who may have a backlog of calls, offering assistance as available.
5. All cats shall be properly secured in a carrier when being transported outside the
catteries.
6. The KA shall safely restrain any cat during an exam to prevent harm from
occurring to animal or staff unless deemed otherwise by veterinary staff.
7. At the completion of each work day the assigned KA shall be responsible to
ensure that all cats have plenty of fresh water and food, all cages are secured,
and catteries are fully stocked with supplies for use the following day.
8. If unable to complete any of the assigned duties, it shall be the responsibility of
the KA to seek assistance from co-workers and notify their supervisor prior to
the end of the work day.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.