ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kennel Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Innovetive PetCare

Kennel Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Kennel Assistant Department: Boarding Employment Type: Part Time Location: Atlanta, Georgia Compensation: $14.00 - $16.00 / hour Description Do you love working with animals and want to build a ...

Innovetive Petcare

Kennel Assistant

Atlanta, GA

$14 - $16/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in the care and comfort of our hospitalized patients and boarding guests while supporting our veterinary team behind the scenes. If you're ...

Vernon Woods Animal Hospital

Kennel Technician

Atlanta, GA

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Description Join our amazing team as our newest Kennel Assistant! You'll love the day-to-day care of patients and boarders including feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, and monitoring the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKennel JobsKennel Assistant JobsKennel Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

Kennel Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$7

$12

$17

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Decatur, GA is $12.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.38 and $14.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is it hard to be a kennel assistant?

Being a kennel assistant involves physically demanding tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals, 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 willingness to handle physical work are beneficial.

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 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.

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 experience working with animals.

Is being a kennel assistant worth it?

Kennel assistants perform tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding pets, and providing basic care, often working in animal shelters or veterinary clinics. The role can offer valuable experience for those interested in animal care, but it typically involves physically demanding work and low to moderate pay. Whether it is worth it depends on personal goals and interest in working with animals.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Kennel Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA? For Kennel Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,095 per year, or $12.1 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

Innovetive PetCare

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Innovetive Petcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Kennel Assistant
Department: Boarding
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Compensation: $14.00 - $16.00 / hour
Description
Do you love working with animals and want to build a career in veterinary medicine?
Vernon Woods Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Kennel Assistant to join our compassionate, team-oriented veterinary hospital in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Whether you're looking to gain hands-on veterinary experience or you're an experienced animal care professional seeking a supportive team, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets every day.
As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in the care and comfort of our hospitalized patients and boarding guests while supporting our veterinary team behind the scenes. If you're dependable, hardworking, enjoy staying active, and have a genuine passion for animal welfare, we'd love to meet you.
Why Join Vernon Woods Animal Hospital?
At Vernon Woods Animal Hospital, we believe every team member contributes to exceptional patient care. You'll work alongside experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who are committed to mentorship, collaboration, and helping you grow within the veterinary profession.
This position offers opportunities to:
  • Gain valuable hands-on veterinary experience
  • Learn from experienced veterinary professionals
  • Develop animal handling and patient care skills
  • Explore future career growth into veterinary support, client service, or technician roles
  • Become part of a positive, collaborative hospital culture that values teamwork and compassion

What You'll Do
As a Kennel Assistant, you'll help ensure every patient and boarding pet receives outstanding daily care while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital environment.
  • Provide daily care for hospitalized patients and boarding pets
  • Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments
  • Feed, water, walk, and provide enrichment throughout the day
  • Bathe pets as directed and assist with basic grooming needs
  • Monitor appetite, behavior, and overall well-being, promptly reporting concerns to the veterinary team
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient transport and safe restraint
  • Prepare kennels and patient areas for incoming pets
  • Help maintain organized treatment and boarding areas
  • Restock supplies and assist with general hospital organization
  • Maintain clean, sanitized kennels, runs, cages, and common areas
  • Perform laundry, disinfect equipment, and follow hospital sanitation protocols
  • Help create a safe, healthy environment for patients, clients, and team members

What We're Looking For
  • Passion for animal care and patient well-being
  • Positive attitude with a strong work ethic
  • Reliable, dependable, and punctual
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to follow directions while also working independently
  • Reliable transportation
  • Previous experience in a veterinary hospital, kennel, daycare, boarding facility, or animal care setting
  • Experience safely handling dogs and cats
  • Interest in pursuing a long-term career in veterinary medicine or animal care

Physical Requirements
This position is active and hands-on. Team members should be able to:
  • Stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move throughout the shift
  • Safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance when appropriate
  • Work comfortably around dogs, cats, animal dander, cleaning products, disinfectants, and veterinary equipment
  • Perform frequent cleaning, laundry, and sanitation duties

Schedule
  • Part-Time
  • Flexible scheduling based on hospital needs
  • Weekend and holiday availability may be required to support patient care and boarding services

What We Offer
Competitive hourly pay starting at $15/hour, with compensation based on experience and animal care background.
Part-time team members also enjoy:
  • Employee discounts on veterinary services and products
  • Paid training and ongoing mentorship
  • Professional development and skill-building opportunities
  • Supportive, team-oriented hospital culture
  • Opportunities for future growth and advancement as positions become available
  • The chance to build a rewarding career in veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families

Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're passionate about animal care, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and are looking for an opportunity to grow within the veterinary field, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to become a Part-Time Kennel Assistant with Vernon Woods Animal Hospital and help provide exceptional care to the pets and families who trust us every day.

What Innovetive Petcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply