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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Tractor Supply Company

Groomer, Petsense

Raeford, NC · On-site

Sweep, vacuum, clean and sanitize cages, tubs and other cleaning as needed to maintain standards * Assist in store operations as needed Required Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 1-year ...

Tractor Supply Company

Groomer, Petsense

Raeford, NC · On-site

Sweep, vacuum, clean and sanitize cages, tubs and other cleaning as needed to maintain standards * Assist in store operations as needed Required Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 1-year ...

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All JobsKennel JobsKennel Assistant JobsKennel Assistant Jobs in Rockingham, NC

Kennel Assistant information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$6

$10

$14

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Rockingham, NC is $10.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.08 and $12.16 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 Rockingham, NC? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Rockingham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Rockingham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $21,639 per year, or $10.4 per hour.

Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Pinehills Veterinary Hospital

West End, NC • On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Opportunity for further skill development
  • Competitive Hourly Compensation
  • No weekends or evening hours

Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate Veterinarian Assistant to join the team at our successful clinic. Veterinary Assistant responsibilities may include assisting the Veterinarian with surgeries and procedures, coordinating animal care, and monitoring animal recovery. You will work closely with the entire clinic staff to ensure the health and well-being of all of our pet patients. If you are passionate about providing exceptional animal care, we’d like to meet you.

Responsibilities 
  • Triage pets as they arrive at the clinic
  • Interview pet owners to obtain a patient history
  • Take vital signs and acquire blood samples
  • Assist with surgeries and monitor animals after surgery (depending on experience)
  • Administer medications and provide at-home dosage instructions for clients
  • Keep accurate patient records
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant or in a similar role
  • Knowledge of animal care and handling
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Ability to multi-task and remain organized in a busy environment
  • Patience and a love for animals