Entry Level Kennel Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

World Class Medicine.
Purpose-Driven Partnership.
Veritas Veterinary Partners offer exciting career opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities across the U.S. Our hospitals are staffed by board-certified specialists, create a collaborative environment where you can work alongside like-minded, caring professionals. If you're passionate about veterinary medicine, this is your chance to thrive in a dynamic, high-quality setting.
At Veritas Veterinary Partners, our mission is to build a network of trust and opportunity for veterinary professionals nationwide. We specialize in supporting Specialty and Emergency care hospitals, aligning with your unique goals and medical standards. Veritas, founded by Thomas Scavelli, DVM, DACVS, is dedicated to recruiting top-tier talent and fostering collaboration within our community. With a focus on exceptional care, we bring together highly trained veterinarians, technicians, and teammates committed to our patients' well-being.
We believe in Truth in Medicine and Trust in Partnerships, ensuring we always provide the highest standard of care. Come join us and make a meaningful impact on the community you serve.
POSITION INFORMATION
Title: Kennel Attendant
Position Type: Full-time
Schedule: 2:00pm to 10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday
Pay: $18-$20 per hour
Location: 2965 Edinger Avenue Tustin, CA 92780
POSITION SUMMARY
Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a compassionate and dependable Kennel Attendant to support the daily care and comfort of hospitalized patients at a Partner Hospital. The Kennel Attendant plays a foundational role in the patient care environment by ensuring animals in our care are clean, comfortable, fed, exercised and well-monitored throughout their stay. This is an entry-level position on the patient care team and an excellent starting point for individuals pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. The Kennel Attendant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, consistent with AVMA guidelines for animal care support staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ANIMAL CARE AND HUSBANDRY

• Feed, water and exercise hospitalized patients according to individual care plans and dietary instructions as directed by the clinical team.
• Walk and exercise patients as scheduled, monitoring each animal's physical condition and behavior throughout.
• Monitor and report changes in patient behavior, appetite, elimination or physical condition to the supervising technician or veterinarian promptly.
• Provide gentle and humane handling and comfort to hospitalized patients, minimizing stress throughout their stay.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, elimination, exercise and behavioral observations within the practice management system as directed.

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Clean, sanitize and maintain kennels, cages, runs and housing areas to hospital standards following each patient's discharge and throughout the day.
• Launder bedding, towels and kennel materials regularly, maintaining a clean and organized inventory of patient care supplies.
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms, treatment areas and common spaces in coordination with clinical and facilities teams as directed.
• Manage biohazard waste, soiled materials and animal waste according to hospital infection control protocols and applicable safety guidelines.
• Report maintenance needs, equipment malfunctions or safety hazards in kennel and care areas to the supervisor promptly.

PATIENT SUPPORT AND TEAM COLLABORATION

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations and procedures as directed.
• Transport patients safely between kennel, treatment and examination areas as needed.
• Communicate patient status and care notes to oncoming team members during shift transitions.
• Operate as a reliable and proactive member of the patient care team, responding to requests from technicians and veterinarians with urgency and a positive attitude.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED

• Genuine love and respect for animals with the ability to handle a wide variety of species and temperaments safely and humanely.
• Physical ability to perform hands-on animal care including lifting, restraining and transporting patients of varying sizes.
• Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to follow care protocols and instructions accurately.
• Comfort working in a clinical environment including exposure to animal waste, biological materials and clinical noise.
• Strong communication skills and a team-first attitude.

PREFERRED

• Prior experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, boarding facility or related animal care environment.
• Familiarity with basic animal behavior and humane restraint techniques.
• Interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
• Prior completion of or enrollment in a veterinary assistant training program, such as a NAVTA-approved program.

CORE COMPETENCIES
At Veritas Veterinary Partners, we harness the hearts, minds and effort of our teammates, united in our CIRCLE of Core Values, to help us unlock our full potential.
Compassion: We lead with heart in every interaction. For our patients, this means attentive care. For clients, it means guiding them with understanding. For each other, it means creating a culture founded on respect and trust.
Integrity: We always do what's right. Through accountability, honesty and transparency, we uphold the highest ethical and medical standards and honor the trust placed in us in every decision.
Respect: The best outcomes come from working together with heart and valuing every perspective. By honoring each others' expertise, we create an environment where collaboration thrives and ideas emerge at every level.
Community: We harness the strengths of our people to build a culture where everyone is seen, heard and valued. This unity fosters trust across teams and assures clients their pets are cared for by one team.
Leadership: We set the standard for exceptional care by combining sharp minds, medical expertise and compassion. Through best-in-class tools, collaboration and a growth mindset, we uphold our role as leaders in specialty and emergency veterinary care.
Evolution: We stay curious, adaptable and seek ways to elevate patient care. By committing to a growth mindset and supporting each other, we unlock the fullest potential of individuals, teams and our organization.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is onsite full-time at a Partner Hospital. The role requires frequent physical activity including walking, lifting, bending and standing throughout the shift. The Kennel Attendant will regularly handle animals of various sizes, temperaments and medical conditions and must be comfortable in a clinical environment with exposure to animal waste, biological materials, cleaning agents and clinical noise. Hours include evenings, weekends and holidays consistent with 24-hour hospital operations.
Benefits
We are committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid basic life insurance with optional add-on policies
• Paid time off and sick pay
• Uniform allowance
• Continuing education support for licensed staff
• Career development and advancement within specialty departments
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts and insurance perks
• Mental health and wellness support resources (including Talkspace)

Location: 2965 Edinger Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780
Base Pay
$18-$20 USD
Veritas Veterinary Partners is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. All current positions require the ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently. Additional fluency in other languages is preferred but not required.
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