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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Innovetive PetCare

Kennel Assistant

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15/hr

Kennel Assistant Department: Boarding Employment Type: Full Time Location: Baltimore, Maryland Compensation: $15.00 / hour Description Doc-Side Veterinary Medical Center Join our amazing team as our ...

Innovetive Petcare

Kennel Assistant

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting both our medical team and the pets entrusted to our care. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on work, thrives in a ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Centreville, VA · On-site

We are seeking an Animal Care Attendant to join our team in a part time role. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the ...

Southern Oasis Pet Resort

Kennel Attendant

Waldorf, MD · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Part-Time Kennel Attendant with Reception Experience Location: Southern Oasis Pet Resorts - Waldorf ... Greet customers with a warm, professional attitude. * Assist with pet check-ins, reservations, and ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $12.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.95 and $14.90 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.
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Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,571 per year, or $12.8 per hour.

Kennel Assistant

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Innovetive PetCare
Veterinary Services • 51 - 200 employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 52 rated veterinary

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Innovetive PetCareexternal

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Kennel Assistant
Department: Boarding
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Compensation: $15.00 / hour
Description
Doc-Side Veterinary Medical Center
Join our amazing team as our newest Kennel Assistant! We are looking for a compassionate, dependable animal lover to help provide exceptional care for our patients and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital environment.
As a Kennel Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting both our medical team and the pets entrusted to our care. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys hands-on work, thrives in a team environment, and is passionate about animal welfare.
Some of the responsibilities you will own in this role:
  • Safely handle and restrain patients using Fear Free techniques
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary hospital environment, including cleaning kennels, laundry, sweeping, and vacuuming
  • Feed and provide fresh water to hospitalized pets
  • Walk and exercise patients
  • Restock supplies and monitor inventory levels
  • Ensure the comfort, safety, and overall well-being of all animals in our care
  • Assist the medical team with outpatient and surgical procedures, including patient monitoring
  • Support daily hospital operations and collaborate with team members to provide outstanding patient care

What You'll Bring:
  • Previous experience working with animals is required
  • Previous cleaning or custodial experience preferred
  • The physical ability to lift and move large pets and equipment, as well as remain active throughout the shift
  • A positive attitude and strong team mentality-smiles and laughter are highly encouraged!
  • Reliability and the ability to work independently
  • A willingness to learn and grow within the veterinary field
  • A passion for providing gentle, compassionate care to every patient

Please note: References, background checks, and drug testing are required.
Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible scheduling
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Training and career development opportunities

If you're passionate about animal care and want to make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you! Join the team at Doc-Side Veterinary Medical Center and help us provide exceptional care to pets and the people who love them.

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