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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Valley Animal Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Valley Animal Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

City of Norco

Kennel Aide (PT)

Norco, CA

$31K - $39K/yr

Description PART-TIME POSITION -20 HRS PER WEEK (Hours Vary, Maximum 999 in fiscal year) Days/Hours: Weekdays, evenings, weekends and occasional holidays Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS ...

House of Woof

Be Seen First

Kennel Attendant - House of Woof

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Our team is looking for Kennel Attendants! We're looking for passionate and reliable animal lovers to join our growing team! Location: 3203 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704. Schedule: Part-time or ...

House of Woof

Be Seen First

Kennel Attendant - House of Woof

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Our team is looking for Kennel Attendants! We're looking for passionate and reliable animal lovers to join our growing team! Location: 3203 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704. Schedule: Part-time or ...

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All JobsKennel JobsKennel Assistant JobsKennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Kennel Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Riverside, CA is $12.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.05 and $15.05 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.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,815 per year, or $12.9 per hour.
Kennel Assistant

Kennel Assistant

Valley Animal Hospital

Rialto, CA

$16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Kennel Assistant 

 Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal  Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you! 

What to Expect 

As you join our team, expect to be supported in your work and home life with: 

  • A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Paid time off and a 401(k) plan for full-time employees 
  • Professional development opportunities  

Salary: $16.50 dependent on experience and skills 

Schedule: Between 6-58 hours a week depending on business demand. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Monitor the health and comfort of animals, recognize and respond to emergency situations, and report health concerns. 
  • Document treatments, activities, and observations. 
  • Walk dogs in all weather conditions. 
  • Feed and provide scheduled fresh water to dogs and cats. 
  • Maintain cleanliness by washing dishes, bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and cages. 
  • Change and replace soiled bedding and manage laundry tasks. 
  • Bathe animals as necessary before discharge. 
  • Perform general housekeeping duties in animal housing, food preparation, and laundry areas. 
  • Administer oral and topical medications, including flea and tick treatments. 
  • Assist with checking in and out boarding patients, ensuring proper labeling and ID collars. 

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