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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Davis R. Hall, DVM, PLC

Veterinary Assistant

Annandale, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Veterinary Assistant - Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center About: Located in Northern ... Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing ...

Davis R. Hall, DVM, PLC

Veterinary Assistant

Annandale, VA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Veterinary Assistant About: Located in Northern Virginia, our hospitals are under the same private ... Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing ...

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

What You'll Do As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside our doctors and licensed ... kennel and facility maintenance. Who You Are • Previous experience in a veterinary setting ...

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Great medicine here starts with a great team: our doctors, technicians, assistants, and client ... Helping out with kennel and general facility upkeep, because everyone pitches in here. Who We're ...

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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.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs
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:
Kennel Assistant jobs near you
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.

Veterinary Assistant

Davis R. Hall, DVM, PLC

Annandale, VA • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center

About:

Located in Northern Virginia, our hospitals are under the same private and actively involved ownership since 1974. Our focus has always been on providing excellent veterinary care to our patients coupled with the highest standard of customer service for our clients.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to offer World-Class veterinary care. In everything we do, we believe in innovation. We believe in advancing the standard of what is possible within veterinary care. You will find innovation in the way we teach and educate, it’s at the core of who we are. Whether it’s for our team, in cultivation professional growth, or four our clients, here we empower through knowledge.

This Opportunity:

The Veterinary Assistant must have a true passion for animal welfare and veterinary care as they work with our Doctors and LVTs to provide exceptional care to our patients. They will help ensure the safety of the pets during their stay with us both in-room and in the treatment areas. They will be a vital member of our veterinary team.

You and Your Career:

If you are a problem-solver, collaborator, and doer, and have a passion for Veterinary Medicine we are interested in hearing from you. We are a teaching organization and provide growth opportunities from the start. We pride ourselves on giving you the freedom, resources, and guidance to chart a fulfilling career!

Reporting and Supervision:

This position reports to Hospital Operations Manager

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assisting with exam room appointments, take vital signs and weight to prepare for the patient's appointment.
  • Utilizing proper and safe handling techniques to hold cats and dogs during procedures.
  • Assisting LVTs and Veterinarians in the treatment room by completing blood draws, preparing, and completing lab work, monitoring patients during surgical procedures, collecting samples from the animals, and preparing vaccines.
  • Conduct rounds on hospitalized animals, completing nursing/assisting care as needed.
  • Updating medical records through the patient file system (Cornerstone).
  • May include shifts in the pharmacy, filling prescriptions and maintaining proper inventory protocol.
  • Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing/drying bedding, and towels, sweeping/mopping of treatment room.
  • Walking hospitalized animals; picking up and mopping of animal waste from runs/crates and dog walk area. Feeding dogs/cats and administering medication as directed.
  • Maintain cleanliness of workspace, equipment, treatment room, and exam rooms. Ensuring hospital protocols are followed to maintain high standards of care.

Other Key Job Aspects

  • Ability to remain calm when interacting and handling a variety of dog/cat breeds and appropriately respond to behavioral and temperament cues.
  • Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task and respond with a sense of urgency, perform work duties with initiative and commitment to high standards.
  • Enthusiasm for teamwork, possessing a strong work ethic with excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to learn and perform a variety of tasks to contribute to overall team success. Work independently on tasks as assigned.
  • Dedication to excellent customer service and animal welfare. Treat all patients, clients, and hospital/kennel staff with respect and compassion.

Key Competencies Required:

  • Reliable transportation to and from work.
  • Availability to work weekends and all major holidays.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 30lbs; work involves continual walking and standing throughout shift; physical demands include walking, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Must be at least 18 years or older; high school level education or equivalent.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Previous Work Experience:

Animal Hospital, any position: (Preferred)

Veterinary Assistant Experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Customer Service: 1 year (Required)

Job Type:

Full-time

Schedule/Availability:

  • Full time employees are scheduled to work 3-12 hour shifts averaging at least 36 hours per week
  • Weekend and holiday availability is required.
  • Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K; Scrub Allowance, pet discounts, Employee Tuition Assistance available for LVT candidates.