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Animal Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital is seeking a part-time Kennel Assistant to join our AAHA accredited, full service veterinary hospital. VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital has been helping pets in our area ...

The Animal Haven Inc

Kennel Assistant

North Haven, CT · On-site

$16.94/hr

The Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for homeless and abandoned cat and dogs, is looking for a full-time Kennel Assistant (40 hours a week) whose responsibilties are: * Feeding and caring for the cats ...

The Animal Haven Inc

Kennel Assistant

North Haven, CT · On-site

$16.94/hr

The Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for homeless and abandoned cat and dogs, is looking for a full-time Kennel Assistant (40 hours a week) whose responsibilties are: * Feeding and caring for the cats ...

EverVet Partners

Kennel Assistant

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$12.77 - $13/hr

If so, this Kennel Assistant position may be the ideal role for you ... When you join Animal Hospital of Waynesboro , an EverVet Partner, you will be part of a strong ...

Bluegrass Animal Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Kennel Assistant (Part-Time) Veterinary Kennel Assistants are valuable members of our medical teams ... Bluegrass Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary practice located in Knoxville TN. We pride ...

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Animal Kennel Assistant information

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How much do animal kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal kennel assistant in the United States is $12.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal kennel assistant?

Animal Kennel Assistants are professionals who care for animals housed in kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, or boarding facilities. Their responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the health and behavior of animals. They also help maintain a clean and safe environment, assist with basic grooming, and may support veterinarians or other staff during treatments. This role is essential for ensuring the well-being and comfort of animals while they are away from their owners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal kennel assistant?

To thrive as an Animal Kennel Assistant, you need a basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and hygiene, often supported by a high school diploma and experience with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and safe handling protocols is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with team members. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals in your care while maintaining a clean and efficient kennel environment.

What are some common challenges an animal kennel assistant may face, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Kennel Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing animals with different temperaments, maintaining cleanliness in a high-traffic environment, and handling physically demanding tasks. To address these, it's important to develop strong observational skills to identify animal stress or illness early, follow strict cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of disease, and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and veterinarians also help ensure the well-being of both animals and staff.

What is the difference between Animal Kennel Assistant vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Kennel AssistantAnimal Care Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; some roles may require certification or experience
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinicsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Job DutiesFeeding, cleaning, basic care, monitoring animalsFeeding, administering medication, basic medical care, assisting veterinarians

Animal Kennel Assistants primarily focus on basic animal care and cleaning in shelters or kennels, while Animal Care Technicians often perform more advanced tasks, including administering medication and assisting with medical procedures. Both roles are essential in animal care settings, but Animal Care Technicians typically require more training and may have additional responsibilities.

How to be an animal kennel assistant?

To become an animal kennel assistant, you should have a genuine interest in animal care, basic knowledge of handling pets, and good physical stamina. Typically, on-the-job training is provided, and responsibilities include cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and monitoring their health. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and familiarity with cleaning tools and safety procedures is beneficial.

Is being an animal kennel assistant worth it?

Animal kennel assistants perform tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and caring for animals in kennels or shelters. The role offers hands-on experience with animals, often requires physical stamina, and may provide flexible hours, but pay rates are typically modest and job satisfaction depends on a love for animals and patience with the work environment.

What are the duties of an animal kennel assistant?

An animal kennel assistant is responsible for cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, feeding and providing water to animals, monitoring their health and behavior, and ensuring a safe and clean environment. They may also assist with grooming, administering basic care, and providing companionship to animals in shelters or kennels.

What cities are hiring for Animal Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Kennel Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Animal Kennel Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Kennel Assistant jobs include:

Animal Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Kennel Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,703 per year, or $12.4 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals

Newport News, VA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 659 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital is seeking a part-time Kennel Assistant to join our AAHA accredited, full service veterinary hospital. VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital has been helping pets in our area for more than 30 years.

Kennel Assistant duties and responsibilities

The goal of the Kennel Assistant is to keep the kennel facility running smoothly while ensuring the animals remain safe and well cared for. Some specific duties and responsibilities to incorporate into your job description for Kennel Assistant positions include:

  • Providing food and water to animals according to care plans
  • Cleaning the kennels and common areas
  • Taking animals for walks and playing with them for enrichment
  • Observing animals and noting any concerns with their behaviors or health
  • Grooming and bathing the animals
  • Administering medications or treatments to animals as directed by a Veterinarian
  • Greeting customers, processing transactions and answering phone calls
  • Documenting all care provided and any incidents that occur

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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