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Entry Level Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NEXUS WELLNESS HEALTH HUB

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Veterinary Technician

Union, MO · On-site

... entry-level Veterinary Assistant / Technician to join our team. This position is ideal for someone ... Prior animal handling, kennel, daycare, customer service, or medical office experience is helpful ...

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Entry Level Kennel Assistant information

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How much do entry level kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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.

Can you work at an animal hospital with no experience?

Entry level kennel assistant positions at animal hospitals often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Basic skills such as a love for animals, good communication, and the ability to follow instructions are valued, and certifications like pet first aid can be helpful. Prior experience is not usually mandatory for entry-level roles in this field.

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

AspectEntry Level Kennel AssistantPet Care Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic animal handling skillsHigh school diploma; animal care knowledge
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinicsPet stores, grooming salons, kennels
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, sheltersPet retail, grooming, boarding facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Kennel Assistant and a Pet Care Attendant lies in their typical work environments and specific responsibilities. Kennel Assistants primarily focus on caring for animals in shelters or kennels, while Pet Care Attendants often work in pet stores or grooming salons. Both roles require basic animal handling skills and similar credentials, but their job settings and daily tasks differ slightly.

Can you be a veterinary assistant with no experience?

Entry level veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are typically sufficient for starting in this role.

Is it hard to be a kennel assistant?

Being a kennel assistant involves physically demanding work, such as cleaning, feeding animals, and handling pets, often requiring attention to detail and good communication skills. The job can be repetitive and may involve working in various weather conditions or long hours, but it generally does not require advanced qualifications. Experience with animals and a caring attitude can help make the role easier to perform.

What do you need to become a kennel assistant?

To become a kennel assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic knowledge of animal care. Physical stamina, the ability to lift heavy objects, and good communication skills are also important. Some employers may require previous experience or certifications in pet first aid or animal handling.
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Entry Level Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Kennel Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,703 per year, or $12.4 per hour.
Veterinary Kennel Technician

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Alliance Animal Health

Fort Lee, NJ

$15.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Alliance Animal Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Company Description

Fort Lee PetVet is a full-service animal hospital founded by two dedicated veterinarians, Dr. Nazar and Dr. Han. Our team of skilled professionals combines medical expertise with a friendly, compassionate approach to deliver an exceptional experience for both pets and their owners.

We take a unique, comprehensive approach to pet health that truly sets us apart. From preventive care to complex treatments, every pet receives a personalized care plan tailored to their individual needs.

If you're seeking a veterinary team that genuinely cares and is committed to delivering outstanding care, look no further than Fort Lee PetVet.

To learn more about us visit our website at: Fort Lee PetVet

Job Description

Job duties include, but are not limited to: 

The Kennel Tech is responsible for the care, feeding, medicating, and cleaning of our patients in the hospital and boarding facility. This job involves cleaning, laundry, bathing, feeding, walking dogs, and medicating patients. You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper recordkeeping of medications, special foods, appetite, behavior and any issue that may arise while the animal is in our care. You may be trained to clean and sterilize surgical instruments.  

Qualifications

We are looking for someone with:

  • Knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting methods.
  • Proper methods of animal restraint.
  • Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. 
  • Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc).
  • Ability to sympathetically and patiently attend to sick, scared and injured animals. 
  • Ability to learn to administer medications and to recognize abnormal conditions.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the job. 
Additional Information

Pay Range: $15.92/per hour for entry-level; pay increases with experience 

We offer our staff:

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
  • Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/.

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