1

Kennel Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Attendant

Wixom, MI ยท On-site

$12/hr

  • Retirement

Fully interactive daycare, boarding, and grooming pet care facility is looking for PT kennel assistant to care for and help manage dogs. Must be at least 18 y/o, have your own transportation, and be ...

Kennel Attendant

Wixom, MI ยท On-site

$12/hr

  • Retirement

Fully interactive daycare, boarding, and grooming pet care facility is looking for PT kennel assistant to care for and help manage dogs. Must be at least 18 y/o, have your own transportation, and be ...

Kennel Tech

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$12 - $14/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Kennel Tech Share Apply Full-time Part-time $12.00 - 14.00 per hour 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 ...

Kennel Tech

Sterling Heights, MI ยท On-site

$12 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

Sterling Heights, MI ยท On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

Sterling Heights, MI

$12 - $15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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 ...

Veterinary Assistant 436

Metamora, MI ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support kennel and boarding staff as needed with dog walking, feeding, and check-in/check-out ... Minimum 6 months of experience as a Veterinary Assistant. * Proficiency in clinical tasks such as ...

Be Seen First

Dog Groomer

Waterford Township, MI ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... * Assist in managing appointments and maintaining accurate records of services provided ... Experience in kennel management or as a veterinary technician is a plus. * Ability to handle heavy ...

Be Seen First

Dog Groomer

Waterford Township, MI ยท On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... * Assist in managing appointments and maintaining accurate records of services provided ... Experience in kennel management or as a veterinary technician is a plus. * Ability to handle heavy ...

Be Seen First

Ability to lift and assist large dogs when needed * Excellent communication and customer service skills * Knowledge of pet sitting, kennel work, or animal restraint techniques is a plus * Experience ...

Be Seen First

Ability to lift and assist large dogs when needed * Excellent communication and customer service skills * Knowledge of pet sitting, kennel work, or animal restraint techniques is a plus * Experience ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kennel Assistant information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$6

$11

$16

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Rochester, MI is $11.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.85 and $13.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

Is being a kennel assistant worth it?

A kennel assistant performs tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding pets, and providing basic care, often in a fast-paced environment. The role can offer valuable experience for those interested in animal care and may lead to advancement in the veterinary or pet care fields, but it typically involves physical labor and low to moderate pay. Whether it is worth it depends on individual career goals and interest in working with animals.

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 prior experience working with animals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Rochester, MI?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Rochester, MI are:

What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Rochester, MI are:

What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Rochester, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $23,658 per year, or $11.4 per hour.

Kennel Attendant

Hounds Town Wixom

Wixom, MI โ€ข On-site

$12/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Fully interactive daycare, boarding, and grooming pet care facility is looking for PT kennel assistant to care for and help manage dogs. Must be at least 18 y/o, have your own transportation, and be reliable. Must have open availability weekdays, weekends, and holidays for a total of 15-25 hours/week with potential of increased hours and promotions. Must be able to handle heavy lifting and be on your feet 5-8 hours. Must love dogs and no experience required.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: From $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Retirement plan

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

  • Bonus pay
  • Tips

Company Description

One of the Newest & Best Dog Daycare, Boarding and SPA around!