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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Designer Dog Of West Cobb

Be Seen First

Boarding tech

Marietta, GA · On-site

$10 - $14/hr

The Boarding Technician will also maintain a clean, sanitary kennel environment and closely monitor pets behavior, promptly reporting any concerns to management. The ideal candidate is reliable ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Oversee a daily kennel inventory and assist with the daily care of all shelter animals * Enforce and maintain disease control, animal health and sanitation protocols to further LifeLine's mission to ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 Assitant 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 kennel assistants?

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.

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 does a kennel assistant do?

A kennel assistant is responsible for caring for animals in a kennel or shelter, including feeding, cleaning, and providing basic health monitoring. They often assist with grooming, exercise, and maintaining a clean environment, requiring physical stamina and attention to animal safety. The role may involve working early mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on the facility's schedule.

Is being a kennel assistant worth it?

A kennel assistant performs tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding pets, and providing basic care, often requiring physical stamina and attention to detail. The role can offer experience in animal care and may lead to advancement in the pet care industry, but it typically offers low to moderate pay and may involve physically demanding work. Overall, it can be worthwhile for those interested in animal care and seeking entry-level employment in the field.

What skills do you need to be a kennel attendant?

Kennel attendants need good animal handling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene protocols. Physical stamina is important for tasks like cleaning and lifting, and basic communication skills help in interacting with pet owners and team members.

Do you need a degree to be a kennel assistant?

A kennel assistant typically does not need a degree to work in the role. Employers often prioritize relevant skills such as animal care, cleanliness, and the ability to handle animals over formal education, though some positions may require basic training or certifications in pet first aid or animal handling.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,095 per year, or $12.1 per hour.
Veternary Assistant

Veternary Assistant

RED OAK ANIMAL HOSPITAL INC

Atlanta, GA

$12 - $14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Required skills and abilities:

1) Must be conscientious, dedicated, and have a love for animals.

2) Must be able to manage other employees and delegate responsibility.

3) Must have good organizational skills

4) Must be able to prioritize assignments and be efficient in time management.

5) Must have good math, reading, filing, and good computer skills.

6) Must be able to educate themselves and clients in proper animal care.

7) Must be client oriented and have good communication skills.

8) Must be on time and adhere to work schedule.

9) Must work well with Veterinarian and other staff members.

10) Must have good record keeping skills.

Duties and responsibilities:

1) Care and upkeep of kennel (indoor and outdoor).

2) General care of boarders and hospitalized patients.

3) Animal Restraint.

4) Launders clinic towels, bedding, and smocks.

5) Surveillance of kennel and animals throughout day.

6) Thorough cleaning and disinfection of kennel, cages,and runs.

7) Assists Veterinarian when so directed.

8) Performs routine treatments and data collection.

9) General cleaning of surgery/treatment area daily.

10) Assists in surgery preparation, anesthesia, and treatments.

11) General medical record keeping.

12) Secures drugs and supplies for Veterinarian when so directed