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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hounds Town Wixom

Kennel Attendant

Wixom, MI · On-site

$12/hr

Fully interactive daycare, boarding, and grooming pet care facility is looking for PT kennel assistant to care for and help manage dogs. Must be at least 18 y/o, have your own transportation, and be ...

Hounds Town Wixom

Kennel Attendant

Wixom, MI · On-site

$12/hr

Fully interactive daycare, boarding, and grooming pet care facility is looking for PT kennel assistant to care for and help manage dogs. Must be at least 18 y/o, have your own transportation, and be ...

BreedAbove

Overnight - Kennel Tech

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$16/hr

Overnight Kennel Technician Full-Time | Overnight Shift Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently? We're looking for a trustworthy Overnight Kennel Technician to care ...

PetSuites

Kennel Tech

Sterling Heights, MI

$12 - $15/hr

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

BreedAbove

Overnight - Kennel Tech

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Overnight Kennel Technician Full-Time | Overnight Shift Are you dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently? We're looking for a trustworthy Overnight Kennel Technician to care ...

PetSuites

Kennel Tech

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

PetSuites

Kennel Tech

Novi, MI

$12 - $14/hr

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

PetSuites

Kennel Tech

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$6

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$15

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Michigan is $10.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.37 and $12.55 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.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Kennel Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Kennel Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $22,403 per year, or $10.8 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

Associated Veterinary Partners

Owosso, MI

$13.73 - $14.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

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 delivering high-quality care using advanced diagnostics and treatments-including ultrasound, echocardiography, full in-house lab work, laser therapy, and a wide range of surgical procedures from routine to complex.

Our story began in 1953 with Dr. Jerry Fries, a legendary mixed animal practitioner who served his community with dedication-even making house calls by plane and motorcycle! Since then, the hospital has evolved under compassionate, forward-thinking leadership, and today we continue that legacy of excellence under Dr. Pritpal Rangi.

What You'll Be Doing

As a full-time Kennel Assistant, you'll be a vital part of our clinical team. Key responsibilities include:

  • Provide gentle, compassionate care to all animals in our facility
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and animal areas
  • Walk, feed, and observe pets throughout the day, noting any changes
  • Assist with bathing and light grooming tasks
  • Keep laundry, dishes, and common areas clean and organized
  • Help veterinary and technician staff with safe animal handling
  • Report any signs of illness, stress, or unusual behavior to the medical team
  • Follow all hospital protocols and safety procedures
  • Help restock supplies in exam rooms and treatment areas
  • Alert team members to low inventory of cleaning or animal care supplies
  • Assist with keeping outdoor areas (yards/runs) clean and secure
  • Assist with restraining animals during exams or treatments (under supervision)

Requirements

What We're Looking For
  • Comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments
  • Previous animal care or kennel experience preferred, but not required. We will train qualified candidates!
  • Veterinary clinic experience is a plus
  • Must be able to safely lift 50 pounds
  • Ability to perform physical tasks like bending, standing, and walking for long periods
  • Skilled at multitasking in a fast-paced environment
  • Eagerness to learn and grow within the field
  • Reliable, punctual, and detail-oriented
  • Team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
  • Willing to work weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as needed
Schedule
  • Full-time (8-10 hour shifts)
  • Monday - Friday
  • Availability on Saturday's required
  • No Sunday Hours

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits
  • Hourly pay: $13.73- $14.25 (based on experience)
  • 401(k) with match
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Employee pet care discount
  • Flexible scheduling

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