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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Reno, NV · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

VCA Lakeside Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team. Location: Reno, NV Compensation: $18 - $21 / hr. This position is full-time, 4x10's At VCA Animal ...

Our North American Semiconductor group is searching for an experienced Administrative Assistant in the Reno, NV office. Key Responsibilities include: * Prepares correspondence, quotes, proposals ...

Administrative Assistant

Reno, NV · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Job Summary Our client is seeking an Administrative Assistant to play a pivotal role in event management and attendee tracking through Microsoft Forms, ensuring HIPAA compliance and providing ...

Administrative Assistant- Field

Reno, NV

$18 - $24.25/hr

Gray Construction is looking to add an experienced Construction Administrative Assistant to join their team in Reno, NV. Why Gray? Gray is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end ...

Administrative Assistant- Field

Reno, NV · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Overview Gray Construction is looking to add an experienced Construction Administrative Assistant to join their team in Reno, NV. Responsibilities Why Gray? Gray is a fully integrated design-builder ...

Distinguishing Characteristics This position is considered intermediate-level in the Administrative Assistant classification. As such, the position provides a variety of administrative and clerical ...

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Pet Care Assistant

Reno, NV · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

We are seeking an experienced cat loving customer service orientated person to assist in the day-to-day functions of a busy boarding resort and grooming spaw for cats only. The successful candidate ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Reno, NV salary details

$7

$12

$17

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Reno, NV is $12.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.57 and $14.38 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Reno, NV? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Reno, NV are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,628 per year, or $12.3 per hour.

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 657 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

VCA Lakeside Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team.
Location: Reno, NV
Compensation: $18 - $21 / hr.
This position is full-time, 4x10's
At VCA Animal Hospitals, we take our mission to help animals seriously. Check out our hospital's reviews as we exceed our clients' expectations with stellar veterinary care.
The successful candidate will be a believer in the possibilities of high quality veterinary medicine and patient care - with the expertise and technical know-how to make them happen.
In this position you will be supporting our Doctor and Technician team by creating a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Duties will include:
  • Maintaining medical records
  • Assisting doctors in exam rooms with patient care and assessments
  • Preparing surgical suite and surgical patients
  • Filling prescriptions
  • Performing laboratory work and diagnostic imaging
  • Providing compassionate care and a home away from home for hospitalized pets
  • Be willing to work a rotating schedule between the front desk and treatment as or if needed

At VCA, your compassion for companion animals and clients is matched with a commitment to your own professional growth.
You will enjoy exposure to a diverse and stimulating caseload, employ the most advanced imaging and monitoring tools, and tap into the expertise of more than 4,500 doctors, including 600+ boarded specialists.
You will sharpen your skills-and learn new techniques-and explore career options that only VCA can offer, such as continuing education, transfer, specialization, and leadership opportunities. Thank you!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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