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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Victor, NY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

We offer a team of experienced veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, animal care assistants, client service representatives, and veterinary kennel staff dedicated to providing the best ...

Oversee daily care routines, including feeding, medication administration, and kennel sanitization ... Excellence * Assist the Manager with daily task lists, ensuring the facility remains clean ...

Lead The Pack

Webster, NY · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Oversee daily care routines, including feeding, medication administration, and kennel sanitization ... Excellence * Assist the Manager with daily task lists, ensuring the facility remains clean ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$7

$12

$17

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Rochester, NY is $12.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.47 and $14.23 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 are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,360 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Attendant

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Fairport, NY • On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Thrive Pet Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Description
Kennel Attendant/Veterinary Assistant
Fairview Veterinary Hospital
Fairport NY
Full -Time
Thrive Pet Healthcare is one of the first veterinary services offering a comprehensive continuum of care for pets' primary, specialty, and acute needs. Through a nationwide community of over 360 veterinary providers, and an industry-leading membership program, Thrive Pet Healthcare provides personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet's life and health. Founded by veterinarians, the organization provides industry-first benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs of care providers and professional collaboration, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence.
Our Ideal Candidate:
An upbeat, self-starter who is passionate about animal care, highly motivated, and pays attention to detail. This position would be crossed trained to be a Veterinary Assistant. Our teammates are critical to the success of our hospital and to those pet parents who choose to board their beloved pets with us . We are looking for someone who has strong work ethic, self-motivated and punctual. This candidate also wants to work in a team that works hard to ensure all tasks are completed and completed well . A full -time position would require working between 30-40 hours a week.
Job Duties:
  • Communicating and educating clients on medical procedures and next steps.
  • Assisting DVMs and LVTs with patients during pre-op, surgery, and post-op.
  • Stocking exam and treatment rooms with supplies, maintaining a sterile environment for treatment, x-ray, surgery, labs, and isolation wards.
  • Monitoring pets, includes noting their behaviors such as eating, drinking, and identifying potential problems to the supervisor or Veterinarian.
  • Providing enrichment and comfort to boarding pets through walking, feeding, playtimes, baths and nail trims.
  • Maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital and boarding areas which includes but is not limited to sweeping, mopping, dusting, scrubbing runs/cages, bathroom facilities spot cleaning as needed.

Job Requirements:
  • At least 1 year of experience in animal husbandry.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • High school diploma or equivalent, AAS or higher preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, squatting, reach, standing, and walking throughout the day.

About the Hospital
For over 30 years, our hospital has been a trusted cornerstone of the Fairport, Perinton, Victor, Pittsford, and Rochester communities, dedicating our hearts to nurturing the special bond between you and your pet. We passionately believe that you are a vital partner in your pet's healthcare journey, and we walk alongside you every step of the way with empathy, open communication, and deep compassion.
Our experienced veterinarians combine this gentle, loving care with the highest standards of medical quality. To ensure your pet receives the most precise diagnostics when they need them most, we are proud to provide advanced on-site imaging, including abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms. From routine wellness, nutrition, and behavioral guidance to advanced surgery, oral care, boarding, and bathing, we offer a comprehensive, comforting environment for all your dog's and cat's needs.
Benefits - our care in action
Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members' emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:
  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr- ental leave for when you adopt a pet
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care

Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
  • Student loan support tools and assistance

Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.
Who We Are
Thrive Pet Healthcare is united by our mission to create the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. We exist to nurture both pets and people through meaningful relationships and exceptional veterinary care.
Our Support Office teams' power that mission by supporting our hospitals through operational excellence, innovative programs, people-centered culture, and forward-thinking business solutions - all while having plenty of fun along the way.
We nurture pets & people through meaningful relationships and exceptional pet care-and we are united by a shared set of values.
  • Service - delivering exceptional service
  • Empathy - leading with care
  • Accountability - achieve meaningful outcomes
  • Joy - be a source of light
  • Exploration - learn to fuel growth
  • Team - connect for success

Read more about us here.
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with a starting rate ranging from $ 16-17 /hr. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

What Thrive Pet Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Thrive Pet Healthcare logo

About Thrive Pet Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thrive Pet Healthcare, located in Austin, TX, US, operates within the veterinary services industry, providing high-quality healthcare solutions for pets. The company offers an extensive range of pet care services, from vaccinations and routine exams to dental care and surgical procedures. Founded on the principle of making pet healthcare both affordable and convenient, Thrive Pet Healthcare has become an integral part of the pet care community, upholding this mission with unmatched dedication. They believe in providing comprehensive care that benefits the overall well-being of pets and have made substantial progress in incorporating advanced methodologies and equipment in their facilities.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Year founded

2003