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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Vetcor

Veterinary Assistant

Olympia, WA

$19 - $20/hr

Experienced Veterinary Assistant * Status: Full-time * Salary: $19-$20 per hour * Schedule: Four ten-hour shifts to include a Saturday rotation Benefits Highlights * Financial Rewards that Grow with ...

Express Employment Professionals - Olympia, WA

Be Seen First

Office Assistant

Olympia, WA · On-site

$20/hr

Office Assistant Location: Olympia, WA | Industry: Insurance Employment Type: Evaluation-to-Hire Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:15 AM-5:00 PM Pay: $20.00/hr About the Job Express Employment ...

WellHaven Pet Health

Veterinary Assistant

Tumwater, WA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Job Summary The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the well-being of pets, educating clients, and maintaining the highest ...

WellHaven Pet Health

Veterinary Assistant

Tumwater, WA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Job Summary The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the well-being of pets, educating clients, and maintaining the highest ...

CrossCountry Mortgage

Administrative Assistant

Lacey, WA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

The Branch Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support and handling various operational functions to ensure the branch is operating in an efficient manner. This ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Administrative Assistant

Olympia, WA · On-site

$24.10 - $36.11/hr

Field phone calls for the managers and assist with responding to customer requests. * Business systems support for programs. (Programs: LIMS/CAPS, Abecas, UKG, SAP, Weighwiz) * Help drive and support ...

Mission Pet Health

Veterinary Assistant

Lacey, WA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

General Information Ref # 53958 Department Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus Job Site Pinehurst Veterinary Hospital Date Published 08-18-2026 Pay Class Full-Time Base Min. $ 19 Base Max. $ 21 ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Administrative Assistant

Olympia, WA · On-site

$24.10 - $36.11/hr

Field phone calls for the managers and assist with responding to customer requests. * Business systems support for programs. (Programs: LIMS/CAPS, Abecas, UKG, SAP, Weighwiz) * Help drive and support ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Lacey, WA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

VCA Lacey Animal Hospital is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our team. Location : 4242 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Compensation : $ 16. 50 - $ 18 / hr Schedule : PT Why join the VCA ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Lacey, WA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

VCA Lacey Animal Hospital is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our team. Location : 4242 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 Compensation : $ 16. 50 - $ 18 / hr Schedule : PT Why join the VCA ...

State of Washington

Office Assistant 3

Olympia, WA · On-site

$3.4K - $4.6K/mo

About the Position As the Office Assistant 3 with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), you will be the welcoming face and steady center of a dynamic, mission-driven state ...

State of Washington

Office Assistant 3

Olympia, WA · Hybrid

$3.4K - $4.6K/mo

About the Position As the Office Assistant 3 with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), you will be the welcoming face and steady center of a dynamic, mission-driven state ...

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All JobsKennel JobsKennel Assistant JobsKennel Assistant Jobs in Rochester, WA

Kennel Assistant information

See Rochester, WA salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Rochester, WA is $12.91, 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 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.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs

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

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

Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Rochester, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,843 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

South Bay Veterinary Hospital

Olympia, WA • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Who we are:

South Bay Veterinary Hospital is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant!

Position Details

  • Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant
  • Status: Full-time
  • Salary: $19-$20 per hour
  • Schedule: Four ten-hour shifts to include a Saturday rotation

Benefits Highlights

  • Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support, and referral bonuses
  • Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; up to three weeks of paid parental leave; generous PTO; and employee discounts
  • Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, state license & VTNE fee reimbursement, and uniform allowance
  • Lifestyle Perks You'll Appreciate: Six paid holidays and an Employee Assistance Program

Are you an experienced Veterinary Assistant looking for a supportive, team-oriented environment where your skills are valued? We're seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant who enjoys hands-on patient care, thrives in a fast-paced setting, and wants to grow alongside a collaborative team.

Why You'll Love Working Here

  • A positive, team-first environment that values collaboration and respect
  • Opportunities to grow your skills and expand your knowledge
  • A workplace that supports work-life balance and professional development
  • A meaningful role making a difference for pets and their families

What You'll Do

  • Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams, treatments, and procedures
  • Safely restrain animals for exams, blood draws, and treatments
  • Clean and disinfect exam rooms, kennels, and equipment
  • Feed, water, walk, and monitor hospitalized or boarding animals
  • Prepare supplies, medications, and instruments for daily procedures

What You Bring

  • Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
  • Compassionate approach to patient care and client interactions
  • Willingness to learn, grow, and support fellow team members

Benefits Include

Financial Benefits

  • A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
  • 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
  • 529 Savings Plan
  • Tuition Support Program (full-time only)
  • Referral bonus program

Wellness Benefits

  • Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)
  • Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)
  • Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full-time employees only; available after one year of service). In states with paid family leave programs, this benefit does not apply.
  • Sick Time / Paid Time Off
  • Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets
  • Pet discounts on services and products
  • Pet food discount program

Workplace Benefits

  • Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
  • State license reimbursement
  • VTNE exam fee reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Continuing education allowance
  • Uniform allowance

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Six paid holidays (full-time only)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discount program

Join Our Team!

If you're a passionate Veterinary Assistant ready to grow your career in a supportive and engaging environment, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and take the next step as a Veterinary Assistant!

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at South Bay and Vetcor. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees. Every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to various ways to understand and engage with the world. That's why we're committed to a workplace culture where employees are comfortable being their authentic selves, feel a complete sense of belonging, and are empowered to reach their highest potential.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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