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Dog Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.74/hr

JOB TITLE Kennel Assistant SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The Kennel Assistant plays a ... Walk dogs regularly to provide exercise and enrichment. * Bathe dogs as required, ensuring their ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.74/hr

JOB TITLE Kennel Assistant SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The Kennel Assistant plays a ... Walk dogs regularly to provide exercise and enrichment. * Bathe dogs as required, ensuring their ...

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 ...

SAVE A DOG INC

Kennel Assistant

Sudbury, MA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Paid time off Save A Dog is looking for a kennel assistant to join our Shelter Team. The job entails cleaning kennels, feeding the dogs, supervising outside play groups, administering meds, and ...

SAVE A DOG INC

Kennel Assistant

Sudbury, MA

$17 - $21/hr

Save A Dog is looking for a kennel assistant to join our Shelter Team. The job entails cleaning kennels, feeding the dogs, supervising outside play groups, administering meds, and maintaining a safe ...

SAVE A DOG INC

Kennel Assistant

Sudbury, MA

$17 - $21/hr

Save A Dog is looking for a kennel assistant to join our Shelter Team. The job entails cleaning kennels, feeding the dogs, supervising outside play groups, administering meds, and maintaining a safe ...

National Veterinary Associates

Kennel Assistant

Golden, CO · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant The Kennel Assistant plays a vital role in the care of our patients who require an ... Feed and care for hospitalized/boarded pets as needed Must be comfortable handling dogs, cats and ...

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

Paid time off The Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for homeless and abandoned cat and dogs, is looking for a part-time Kennel Assistant (20-24 hours a week) whose responsibilties are: * Cleaning the ...

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Dog Kennel Assistant information

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How much do dog kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog 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 a dog kennel assistant?

Dog Kennel Assistants are animal care professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of dogs housed in kennels or boarding facilities. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning kennels, exercising dogs, monitoring their health, and providing companionship. They also assist with grooming, basic training, and reporting any health or behavioral concerns to supervisors or veterinarians. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dog kennel assistant?

To thrive as a Dog Kennel Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kennel management software, cleaning equipment, and basic animal handling tools is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and a genuine love for animals make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and providing excellent service to pet owners.

What are some common challenges dog kennel assistants face, and how can they be managed effectively?

Dog Kennel Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple dogs with different temperaments, maintaining cleanliness in a fast-paced environment, and ensuring the well-being of animals under their care. To handle these challenges, strong organizational skills, patience, and effective communication with both colleagues and pet owners are essential. Many facilities provide training and support to help assistants build confidence and develop best practices for animal care, making teamwork and adaptability important assets in this role.

What is the difference between Dog Kennel Assistant vs Pet Care Attendant?

AspectDog Kennel AssistantPet Care Attendant
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling experienceBasic animal care knowledge, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentKennels, animal shelters, pet boarding facilitiesPet stores, veterinary clinics, shelters
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet boardingPet retail, veterinary clinics, shelters
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Dog Kennel Assistant and a Pet Care Attendant lies in their work focus. Dog Kennel Assistants primarily care for dogs in kennels or boarding facilities, while Pet Care Attendants may handle a broader range of animals in pet stores or clinics. Both roles require animal handling skills, but the Dog Kennel Assistant is more specialized in boarding and kennel management.

How to be a dog kennel assistant?

To become a dog kennel assistant, you should have a genuine love for animals, good physical stamina, and basic knowledge of animal care. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, and monitoring dogs, often requiring attention to safety and hygiene standards. Some positions may require previous experience or certifications in pet first aid or animal handling.

Is being a dog kennel assistant worth it?

Being a dog kennel assistant involves caring for animals, cleaning kennels, and providing customer service, often requiring physical stamina and attention to detail. The job can offer experience in animal care and flexible hours but typically offers low to moderate pay and limited advancement opportunities.

What skills do you need to be a dog kennel assistant?

A dog kennel assistant needs good animal handling skills, attention to cleanliness, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Physical stamina and communication skills are also important for caring for animals and interacting with pet owners. Basic knowledge of dog behavior and experience with cleaning tools or equipment can be beneficial.
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Dog Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog 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

$15 - $18.74/hr

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

27th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

JOB TITLE
Kennel Assistant
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION
The Kennel Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of boarded and hospitalized pets at the veterinary hospital.
This position supports the hospital's commitment to exceptional client service and high-quality animal care by maintaining clean and safe environments, providing daily care to animals, and assisting veterinary staff as needed.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
  • Clean and sanitize animal cages and kennel areas to maintain a hygienic environment.
  • Feed and provide water to dogs and cats according to dietary instructions.
  • Walk dogs regularly to provide exercise and enrichment.
  • Bathe dogs as required, ensuring their comfort and cleanliness.
  • Perform laundry duties, including washing bedding and towels.
  • Clean and maintain hospital premises, including common areas and animal care spaces.
  • Assist Doctors and Technicians with animal handling and other tasks as necessary.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Preferred
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred but not always required.

TYPE & YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Required
  • Basic literacy and numeracy skills to follow instructions, maintain records, and communicate effectively.
  • Experience handling and caring for dogs and cats safely and compassionately.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred
  • Previous experience as a Kennel Assistant or in a similar animal care role is preferred.
  • Familiarity with cleaning and sanitation protocols in animal care settings is advantageous.
  • Experience assisting veterinary staff or working in a veterinary or boarding facility is a plus but not mandatory.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience working as a Kennel Assistant or in a similar animal care role.
  • Strong commitment to animal welfare and client service.
  • Ability to handle and care for dogs and cats safely and compassionately.
  • Good physical stamina to perform cleaning, walking, and bathing duties.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Basic knowledge of animal behavior and health care practices is a plus.
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The pay range for this role is
$15.00 - $18.74 Hourly
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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