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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Monthly & Periodic Duties • Steam clean carpets. • Perform detailed deep cleaning throughout the hospital. • Assist with seasonal maintenance projects. • Complete additional facility ...

We are seeking an Animal Care Attendant to join our team in a part time role. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the ...

Be Seen First

Weekend Kennel Attendant with Reception Experience (Saturdays and Sundays) Location: Southern Oasis ... Greet customers with a warm, professional attitude. * Assist with pet check-ins, reservations, and ...

New

Be Seen First

Weekend Kennel Attendant with Reception Experience (Saturdays and Sundays) Location: Southern Oasis ... Greet customers with a warm, professional attitude. * Assist with pet check-ins, reservations, and ...

New

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

Kennel Tech

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

Kennel Technician (Pet Pro) Join Our Pet-Loving Team Do you love working with dogs and cats? Want to be part of a trusted team that makes pets feel safe, loved, and at home? We're looking for a ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Reston, VA is $12.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.00 and $15.00 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 popular job titles related to Kennel Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Kennel Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,740 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Kennel Assistant - Old Mill Boarding & Kennel - (OLDMIL)

Mission Pet Health

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

General Information
Ref #
53130
Department
Kennel
Job Site
Old Mill Boarding & Kennel
Date Published
07-27-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 16
Base Max.
$ 16
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
Welcome to Old Mill Boarding Kennel and Grooming, a cornerstone of veterinary care in Leesburg, VA. While our name reflects our deep commitment to all aspects of pet wellness, our reputation is built on clinical excellence and community trust. The community has recognized our dedication, reflected in our exceptional 4.8-star Google rating. We are seeking passionate and dedicated teammates who are ready to join a practice where collaborative medicine and patient advocacy are paramount. This is a unique opportunity for you to do your best work alongside an experienced team.
We believe that fostering an environment where every teammate can grow is essential to providing the highest level of care. Because Old Mill is part of a larger supportive network, you benefit from a culture that actively invests in your professional development. Whether you are aiming to achieve a new specialization, move into leadership, or become a credentialed veterinary technician, we have programs in place to help you achieve your career goals. We prioritize a supportive environment so you can succeed and feel valued in your daily role.
While we pride ourselves on exceptional general practice services, we ensure that complex medical cases are handled with robust support and resources. Veterinarians have direct access to internal specialty consultations across the network, allowing you to quickly collaborate on challenging diagnostics and treatment plans without having to refer out unnecessarily. This commitment to continuous learning and advanced support means you always have the tools and expertise required to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Located in the heart of Loudoun County, Leesburg, VA, offers an exceptional blend of historic charm and modern amenities. You will find yourself practicing medicine in a vibrant community known for its picturesque historic district, local vineyards, and accessible outdoor recreation. Leesburg provides a desirable lifestyle with excellent schools and easy access to the greater Washington D.C. area, balancing professional rigor with quality of life. Joining us here means finding a true community where you can build both a successful career and a rich personal life.
Job Description
At Mission Pet Health, we do things a little differently! As part of our hiring process, we invite candidates to complete a short online assessment so we can better understand your skills and strengths. If you are being considered for the position, you will receive an e-mail from a Mission Pet Health recruiter with a link to complete the assessment at your convenience. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these messages get filtered out.
Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant
  • Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
  • Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
  • Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
  • Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
  • A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
  • The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
  • Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
Health & Wellbeing
We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.