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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Assistant

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

Kennel Assistant

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

Kennel Assistant

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

$12/hr

North Mecklenburg Animal Hospital is located beside Lake Norman in Cornelius, North Carolina, which is a quick 20 minute drive to the heart of uptown Charlotte and a short road-trip away from the ...

Kennel Technician

Salem, OR ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

As a Kennel Technician, you will play a crucial role in the well-being of animals. Your ... Key Responsibilities: Assist in caring for all animal enclosures which includes: * Properly clean ...

On-Call Kennel Worker

Astoria, OR ยท On-site

$26.22/hr

Kennel Attendant (On-Call) $ 21.57 to $26.22 PER hour our mission... Neighbor to neighbor, serving Clatsop County with integrity, honesty and respect. ABOUT CLATSOP COUNTY Today Clatsop County is one ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Oregon is $13.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.14 and $15.24 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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,176 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

Orchard Point Kennels

Eugene, OR โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free food & snacks
  • Paid time off

Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment
  • 401K
  • Employee Discounts 
  • PTO
  • Bonuses
Job Summary
We are seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our team! As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play spaces, engaging them in play, walking them, and more. You will also be responsible for creating and maintaining excellent records of the animals and their care, including temperament and preferences. The ideal candidate loves animals, has basic knowledge of good animal handling procedures, and works well independently and within a team environment.
Right now we are hiring for someone that is available to work Sunday-Thursday, 6:45AM-1PM and Sundays 7AM-1PM. We are also hiring for someone to work some mornings and evenings. The scheduling for the role is a bit more dynamic than the above. 
Responsibilities 
  • Meet the basic and higher needs for all animals under our care, including feeding
  • Play or walk the animals, as needed
  • Clean kennels and work areas daily
  • Wash bedding and toys
  • Greet and assist customers or adopters
  • Maintain excellent records of all animals
  • Be able to fill in for last minute shifts
Qualifications
  • Experience working with animals desired
  • Familiarity with animal handing procedures and best practices
  • Strong organizational skills