ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Small Animal Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Description We are seeking a Full-Time Kennel Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Kennel Assistant is responsible ...

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

KENNEL ASSISTANT POSITION & BATHER (No previous work experience required but preferred ... PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES • Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical ...

National Veterinary Associates

$18 - $20/hr

Abbotsford Animal Hospital is seeking a Full-Time Kennel Assistant to become a valued member of our dedicated veterinary team. With over 30 years of trusted veterinary care, Abbotsford Animal ...

EverVet Partners

Kennel Assistant

Manlius, NY · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

As a vital member of our team, our Kennel Assistants ensure excellent service to our clients while maintaining high standards of animal care through tasks such as cleaning cages, administering ...

Associated Veterinary Partners

Kennel Assistant

Owosso, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $14.25/hr

Kennel Assistant (full-time) Pinecrest Animal Hospital - Owosso, MI About Us Pinecrest Animal Hospital is a progressive, innovative small animal practice in Owosso, Michigan. Our team is known for ...

Associated Veterinary Partners

Kennel Assistant

Owosso, MI · On-site

$13.73 - $14.25/hr

Kennel Assistant (full-time) Pinecrest Animal Hospital - Owosso, MI About Us Pinecrest Animal Hospital is a progressive, innovative small animal practice in Owosso, Michigan. Our team is known for ...

Animal Medical Center at St. Johns

Description We are seeking a Full-Time Kennel Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. The Kennel Assistant is responsible ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Care JobsKennel Attendant JobsAnimal Kennel Assistant Jobs

Animal Kennel Assistant information

See salary details

$7

$12

$17

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

Small Animal Hospital

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
We are seeking a Full-Time Kennel Assistant to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast-paced, multi-doctor animal hospital. 

The Kennel Assistant is responsible for maintaining back of hospital duties. These tasks include: caring for boarding animals, maintaining appropriate feeding schedules/providing prescribed medication to pets, maintaining the kennel area (cleaning and mopping), bathing animals and upholding the highest level of care for all pets. Additional duties may include general cleaning of the hospital and communicating directly with clients.

Ideal Candidate
  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, healthy and positive communication skills, and the ability to multi-task in a hands-on environment
  • Energetic people-and-pet person with excellent work ethic and social and organizational skills
  • Be compassionate/caring
  • Willing to work flexible hours including weekends
  • Can work individually, as well as on a team
  • Self-starter personality that can complete daily tasks without the need for constant direction


Skills, Knowledge, & Expertise
  • Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
  • Prior customer service experience
  • Prior experience working with animals in a hospital setting
  • Ability to work in a wet environment

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision Options) 
  • 401k Match
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Six (6) weeks of paid Parental Leave
  • One (1) Work/Life Balance day off
  • Short-term and long-term disability options
  • Supplemental insurance options
  • Discounted Veterinary Care
  • Scrub allowance 
  • Hands-on and E-training 
  • Professional growth opportunities 
  • Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician Students 
  • Tuition reimbursement for Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technicians