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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced Animal Care Attendant to join our team. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the highest ...

Feeding Technician

Marcus, IA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

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... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Be Seen First

... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Be Seen First

... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Be Seen First

... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Be Seen First

... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Be Seen First

... assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and ... kennel cleaning; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning ...

Administrative Assistant Express Employment Professionals 1 Positions ID: 14582614 Posted On 08/18/2026 Job Overview Express Employment Professionals is seeking candidates for an Administrative ...

Veterinary Assistant

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital For those who want to put their love of pets into action, there are few jobs more rewarding than that of Vet Assistant. While working closely ...

Veterinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital Clive location: AAHA accredited This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the postingdate. For those who want to put their ...

Veterinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital Clive location: AAHA accredited This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the posting date. For those who want to put their ...

Veterinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital Clive location: AAHA accredited This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the posting date. For those who want to put their ...

Veterinary Assistant

Clive, IA · On-site

$15.19 - $19.41/hr

Veterinary Assistant Careers at Banfield Pet Hospital Clive location: AAHA accredited This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the postingdate. For those who want to put their ...

Administrative Assistant

Algona, IA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Description As a primary contact for the organization, the Administrative Assistant & CSR role is responsible for supporting daily business operations through various administrative and customer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Kennel Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$6

$11

$16

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Iowa is $11.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.04 and $13.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kennel assistant?

Kennel assistants are animal care workers responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals, usually in boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, or animal shelters. Their duties include feeding, cleaning cages, exercising the animals, and monitoring their health and behavior. Kennel assistants also help with basic grooming and may assist veterinarians or other staff with medical treatments. They play a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for animals and ensuring their comfort while they are away from their owners.

What does a kennel assistant do?

A kennel assistant performs a number of duties at a kennel, veterinary office, animal care shelter, or rescue facility. In this career, your responsibilities are to care for the animals at the facility and provide support to other, more senior animal care professionals, such as vet techs or veterinarians. You also feed the animals, take them for walks or exercise, and ensure that each cage is clean. More senior kennel assistants also help vet professionals with administering medication and vaccinations or perform those functions under supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kennel assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kennel Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, animal handling equipment, and sometimes pet management software is useful. Dependability, attention to detail, and compassion for animals are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the well-being of animals, maintain a clean and safe environment, and support effective kennel operations.

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

Kennel assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple animals with different temperaments, maintaining strict cleanliness standards, and working in a fast-paced environment. Effective time management and strong attention to detail help ensure all animals receive proper care and that the facility remains sanitary. Building good communication with team members and supervisors also makes it easier to handle emergencies or behavioral issues. Many facilities provide training on safety protocols and animal handling, so staying proactive in learning and asking questions can make the role more manageable and rewarding.

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

AspectKennel AssistantPet Care Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, basic pet 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

While both Kennel Assistants and Pet Care Attendants work with animals in similar environments, Kennel Assistants typically focus on cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals in shelters or kennels. Pet Care Attendants may have broader responsibilities, including customer service and pet grooming. The roles often overlap, but Kennel Assistants usually work more directly with animal care tasks in shelter settings.

Is being a kennel assistant worth it?

A kennel assistant performs tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding pets, and providing basic care, often in a fast-paced environment. The role can offer valuable experience for those interested in animal care and may lead to advancement in the veterinary or pet care fields, but it typically involves physical labor and low to moderate pay. Whether it is worth it depends on individual career goals and interest in working with animals.

What education do you need to be a kennel assistant?

Kennel assistants typically do not need formal higher education but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and the ability to handle physical tasks are important; some employers may provide on-the-job training or prefer candidates with prior experience working with animals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Iowa 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 $24,142 per year, or $11.6 per hour.

Kennel Assistant - Boone Veterinary Hospital

Mission Pet Health

Boone, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Mission Pet Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

General Information
Ref #
53916
Department
Kennel
Job Site
Boone Veterinary Hospital
Date Published
08-17-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 15
Base Max.
$ 17
Location Address
2507 Eastgate Dr., Boone, IA 50036
Job Description
At Mission Pet Health, we do things a little differently! As part of our hiring process, we invite candidates to complete a short online assessment so we can better understand your skills and strengths. If you are being considered for the position, you will receive an e-mail from a Mission Pet Health recruiter with a link to complete the assessment at your convenience. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these messages get filtered out.
Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant
  • Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
  • Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
  • Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
  • Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
  • A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
  • The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
  • Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
Health & Wellbeing
We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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