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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Western Veterinary Partners

Kennel Assistant

Morton, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Morton, IL is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical ...

Western Veterinary Partners

Kennel Assistant

Morton, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Morton, IL is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical ...

Collabera

Administrative Assistant

East Peoria, IL

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Industry Manufacturing Work Location East Peoria, IL 61630 Job Title Administrative Assistant Duration 1 Year (Strong possibility of extension) Candidate Responsibilities: Position supports ...

WestCare

Administrative Assistant (52063)

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15.87 - $18.75/hr

Administrative Assistant (52063) Logan Correctional Facility - 1096 1350th - Lincoln, IL 62656 Overview Salary Range $15.87 - $18.75 Hourly Position Type Full-Time/Part-Time Job Shift Day Education ...

WESTCARE INC

Administrative Assistant (52063)

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15.87 - $18.75/hr

Provide administrative/secretarial support to the assistant program director/supervising clinical counselor, e.g., scheduling appointments; correspondence; handling incoming/outgoing phone contacts ...

BCforward

Administrative Assistant

East Peoria, IL

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Company Description About BCforward BCforward began as an IT business solutions and staffing firm. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers' needs into a full service personnel ...

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All JobsKennel JobsKennel Assistant JobsKennel Assistant Jobs in Normal, IL

Kennel Assistant information

See Normal, IL salary details

$7

$12

$17

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Normal, IL is $12.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.42 and $14.09 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.
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Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Normal, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,129 per year, or $12.1 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

Morton, IL • On-site

Western Veterinary Partners
Veterinary Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Western Veterinary Partnersexternal

$15 - $16.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Western Veterinary Partners rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Morton, IL is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical support to the veterinary team.  

In this role, you will focus on patient husbandry and care as well as general housekeeping duties throughout the hospital. You will provide meals and walks to boarding patients, administer medication, and monitor for any medical or behavioral concerns while providing detailed documentation about your observations. You will ensure kennels, common spaces and treatment areas are sanitized and well stocked with supplies.   

This position is ideal for those who are self-driven, detail-oriented, enjoy cleaning and organization, and are committed to contributing to a team-focused environment. 

Schedule and compensation:

  • Compensation: $15-16.50 per hour, for each hour worked
  • This is a full-time or part-time position, with a flexible schedule and availability needed Monday-Sunday. Shifts consist of a 6:30am-2pm and 2pm-9pm schedule. 

Full-time Benefits Package*:

  • Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law
  • Personal pet discount
  • Uniform allowance

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Your qualifications:

  • 1+ years of experience as a veterinary kennel assistant / kennel technician preferred
    • Will consider related experience within animal care such as boarding / doggy daycare attendant, FFA or 4H background
  • A genuine passion for animal care and patient wellbeing
  • Confidence working with dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
    • Ability to safely handle, restrain, walk, and monitor animals under supervision
    • Strong awareness of animal behavior and willingness to learn patient safety and handling techniques
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative
  • Ability to stay organized and maintain a clean, safe environment
  • Dependability and attention to detail
  • A positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Physical ability to meet the demands of a hands-on animal care role
  • Strong observational skills and willingness to communicate patient concerns to the veterinary team
  • Interest in learning and growing within the veterinary profession

Why choose Tender Care Animal Hospital?

At Tender Care Animal Hospital in Morton, Illinois, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our patients while fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace for our team. Our newly renovated 9,000-square-foot hospital is designed to support high-quality medicine and an outstanding client experience. With four experienced veterinarians, our team works together to provide comprehensive care for companion animals in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

In addition to preventive, medical, surgical, and dental services, we also offer boarding, professional grooming, and dog training, allowing us to meet a wide range of our clients' and patients' needs under one roof. We value professional growth and provide opportunities for learning and development, creating an environment where employees are respected, empowered, and encouraged to advance their skills. By joining Tender Care Animal Hospital, you'll become part of a compassionate team that prioritizes both exceptional veterinary medicine and a positive, rewarding workplace culture.

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