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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Kennel Attendant is an invaluable member of the hospital team whose primary role is to ensure ... Assist with patient restraint as needed for diagnostics and treatments • Maintain accurate ...

Full Time Kennel Tech

Maple Valley, WA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

The Kennel Tech position is a fun, rewarding, team-oriented job, but be prepared to work hard and get dirty. You WILL be expected to work some weekends. You should expect to work most holidays ...

Part Time Kennel Tech

Maple Valley, WA

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

The Kennel Tech position is a fun, rewarding, team-oriented job, but be prepared to work hard and get dirty. You WILL be expected to work some weekends. You should expect to work most holidays ...

Bather

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30/hr

Background as a Veterinary Technician, Vet Assistant, Animal Care Technician, Kennel Assistant or Pet Care Specialist * Interest in growing into a Pet Groomer or Dog Groomer role * Patience ...

Student Groomer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30/hr

Background as a Veterinary Technician, Vet Assistant, Animal Care Technician, Kennel Assistant or Pet Care Specialist * Interest in growing into a Pet Groomer or Dog Groomer role * Patience ...

Background as a Veterinary Technician, Vet Assistant, Animal Care Technician, Kennel Assistant or Pet Care Specialist * Interest in growing into a Pet Groomer or Dog Groomer role * Patience ...

Kennel assistants * Strong technician support with 1-2 techs assigned per doctor * Team-oriented culture built around compassion, empathy, humor, and mutual support * Healthy work-life balance ...

Cleaning, disinfection, manage and care for: cat room, kennel room, inside runs and outside area ... May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders

Veterinary Assistant

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Cleaning, disinfection, manage and care for: cat room, kennel room, inside runs and outside area ... May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders

Veterinary Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Cleaning, disinfection, manage and care for: cat room, kennel room, inside runs and outside area ... May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders

Veterinary Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Cleaning, disinfection, manage and care for: cat room, kennel room, inside runs and outside area ... May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders

Cleaning, disinfection, manage and care for: cat room, kennel room, inside runs and outside area ... May assist in training of other team members as directed by hospital leaders

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Kennel Assistant information

See Renton, WA salary details

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How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Renton, WA is $13.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.82 and $16.20 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.
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,912 per year, or $13.9 per hour.
Kennel Assistant

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine (CBEAM) is an exclusive bird and exotic animal veterinary hospital with the expertise to provide compassionate, competent care for all species of non-traditional pets located near Seattle, WA. We are available for both scheduled appointments 7 days a week and are the only exotic-exclusive hospital to offer 24-hour emergency care. Our center is dedicated to providing optimal medical care for birds, small mammals, reptiles, and other exotic pets. This requires specialized treatments, diagnostic protocols, state-of-the-art equipment, and facilities designed for these species. Our doctors' advanced training in exotic animal medicine make them uniquely qualified to offer wellness, emergency, and critical care for avian and exotic pets.
CBEAM is seeking a motivated candidate with an interest in joining our fantastic team as a Kennel Attendant. The Kennel Attendant is an invaluable member of the hospital team whose primary role is to ensure the health and safety of our patients. The ideal candidate will have a love for all creatures great and small, an eagerness to learn new skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Demands
The Kennel Attendant will be required to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods of time and traverse stairs. The position may also require bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Work Environment
The Kennel Attendant will work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to animal hair, dander, and odors.
Job Responsibilities
• Provide appropriate diet and water to animals according to individual needs
• Clean and sanitize incubators, cages, kennels and other surfaces
• Janitorial duties including laundry, trash collection, sweeping and mopping
• Stock hospital supplies to exam rooms and treatment floor
• Assist with patient restraint as needed for diagnostics and treatments
• Maintain accurate records of animal care and behavior
• Monitor animal behavior and report any concerns to the veterinary team
• Other tasks as deemed appropriate
Job Requirements
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to move/lift/transport up to 40 pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and traverse stairs
• Ability to bend, stoop and kneel
• Ability to work with exposure to animal hair, dander, feces/urine and odors
• Ability to work with allergens such as hay
• Ability to work with cleaning chemicals (supplied with PPE)
• Willingness to handle a variety of species including small mammals, birds, reptiles and occasionally insects (provided proper training)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Animal handling experience (preferred)
• Experience working in a team environment (preferred)
Shift Availability
• Full-Time (36hr-40hrs/week) OR Part-Time (minimum of 20hrs/week)
• Sunday through Saturday Availability
No experience necessary! We are willing to train the right candidate! Apply today to join the team at CBEAM!
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Benefits:
  • Employee assistance program
  • On-the-job training
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Professional development assistance
  • Uniform allowance

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.