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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

EverVet Partners

Kennel Assistant

Waynesboro, VA

$12.77 - $13/hr

Why You'll Love this Kennel Assistant Job! Are you enthusiastic about animals and enjoy a lively work environment? If so, this Kennel Assistant position may be the ideal role for you! When you join ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

Kennel Assistant duties and responsibilities The goal of the Kennel Assistant is to keep the kennel facility running smoothly while ensuring the animals remain safe and well cared for. Some specific ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.74/hr

JOB TITLE Kennel Assistant SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The Kennel Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of boarded and hospitalized pets at the ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Newport News, VA

$15 - $18.74/hr

JOB TITLE Kennel Assistant SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION The Kennel Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of boarded and hospitalized pets at the ...

EverVet Partners

Kennel Assistant Job

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

Why You'll Love this Kennel Assistant Job! Are you enthusiastic about animals and enjoy a lively work environment? If so, this Kennel Assistant position may be the ideal role for you! When you join ...

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Ashland, VA · On-site

Kennel Assistant (Weekend Availability Required) Are you passionate about animals and interested in a future career in veterinary medicine? Our busy veterinary hospital and boarding facility is ...

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

... assist clients. 13) Willing to be trained and able to receive and incorporate constructive feedback. Kennel Qualifications 1) Hardworking 2) Ok under stressful situations 3) Can handle cleaning ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

kennel assistant

Woodbridge, VA

Perform detailed deep cleaning throughout the hospital. Assist with seasonal maintenance projects. Complete additional facility maintenance tasks as assigned. Exterior Responsibilities Keep sidewalks ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

kennel assistant

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

Monthly & Periodic Duties • Steam clean carpets. • Perform detailed deep cleaning throughout the hospital. • Assist with seasonal maintenance projects. • Complete additional facility ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Centreville, VA · On-site

We are seeking an Animal Care Attendant to join our team in a part time role. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the ...

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Kennel Assistant information

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$17

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Virginia is $12.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $14.28 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,483 per year, or $12.3 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

EverVet Partners

Waynesboro, VA

$12.77 - $13/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Why You’ll Love this Kennel Assistant Job!     

Are you enthusiastic about animals and enjoy a lively work environment? If so, this Kennel Assistant position may be the ideal role for you! 

When you join Animal Hospital of Waynesboro , an EverVet Partner, you will be part of a strong community that is driven by the desire to truly make a difference for pets and pet parents. As a vital member of our team, our Kennel Assistants ensure excellent service to our clients while maintaining high standards of animal care through tasks such as cleaning cages, administering medication, and providing food and water to animals under our supervision. 

Apply today for the Kennel Assistant position! 

Pay Range:  Insert Pay Range / hour
Benefits:  
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Medical, Dental, Vision with a Health Savings Account* 
  • Employee Assistant Program available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week* 
  • Supplemental Life Insurance & AD&D Insurance* 
  • 401K Plan with Generous Employer Match  
  • Maternity Leave * 
  • Bereavement Leave  
  • Life, Short Term, & Disability Insurance* 
  • Discount Programs  
  • Discounted Veterinary Care  
  • On-Demand Pay Options  
  • Referral Bonus  
Career Enhancement Benefits: 
  • The opportunity for full tuition payment to attend Penn Foster's veterinary technician program*  
  • Access to Zoetis Clinical & Professional Program and Events  
  • Access to a multitude of VMG resources  

*Indicates eligibility for Full-Time positions only 

Responsibilities
  • Transport animals to and from the kennels 
  • Ensure that the animals have ample fresh food and water at all times 
  • Clean animal waste, spilled food, hair, and other debris from the kennels 
  • Dispose of trash in a timely manner 
  • Groom, play with and administer treatment to animals under the auspices of the Veterinarian 
  • Accompany animals on walks, if required 
  • Calm animals who are in distress 
  • Adjust the air temperature to ensure that the animals remain comfortable 
  • Report significant changes in functioning to the Veterinarian or medical professional on duty 
  • Evacuate all animals if an emergency occurs 
Required Skills
  • High School Diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent 
  • At least one year experience preferred 
  • Experience handling a variety of animals 
  • Strong customer service skills 
  • Ability to communicate effectively 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
  • Basic math and writing skills 
  • Ability to express compassion 
  • Available to work during evenings, and on weekends and public holidays, if required