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

Hounds Town Millersville

Kennel Assistant

Millersville, MD · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by their owners * Providing lots of love and attention to our furry guests * Helping to manage daily ...

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

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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 ...

Southern Oasis Pet Resort

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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 ...

Southern Oasis Pet Resort

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Weekend Kennel Attendant - Saturday and Sunday

Fort Washington, MD · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Weekend Kennel Attendant with Reception Experience (Saturdays and Sundays) Location: Southern Oasis ... Greet customers with a warm, professional attitude. * Assist with pet check-ins, reservations, and ...

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Southern Oasis Pet Resort

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Weekend Kennel Attendant - Saturday and Sunday

Fort Washington, MD · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Weekend Kennel Attendant with Reception Experience (Saturdays and Sundays) Location: Southern Oasis ... 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

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How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to be a kennel assistant?

Being a kennel assistant involves physically demanding tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals, often requiring attention to detail and good communication skills. The job can be repetitive and may involve working in various weather conditions or long hours, but it generally does not require advanced qualifications. Experience with animals and a willingness to handle physical work are beneficial.

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 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 experience working with animals.

Is being a kennel assistant worth it?

Kennel assistants perform tasks such as cleaning animal enclosures, feeding pets, and providing basic care, often working in animal shelters or veterinary clinics. The role can offer valuable experience for those interested in animal care, but it typically involves physically demanding work and low to moderate pay. Whether it is worth it depends on personal goals and interest in working with animals.
More about Kennel Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Kennel Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Kennel Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:
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 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% 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

Hounds Town Millersville

Millersville, MD

$15 - $17/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Attention all dog lovers! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job that lets you spend your days surrounded by furry friends? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
 

We're looking for a dedicated K9 Attendant to join our pack. As a K9 Attendant, you'll be responsible for supervising and caring for our furry clients, ensuring they have a fun and safe experience while they're with us, and keeping the facility clean at all times.
 
 
Responsibilities:
 

  • Providing care and supervision for dogs of all sizes and breeds in a fully interactive environment
  • Assisting with check-ins, check-outs, and grooming appointments
  • Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment
  • Administering medication to dogs as directed by their owners
  • Providing lots of love and attention to our furry guests
  • Helping to manage daily operations of the facility
This is not a play and exercise role
 

Qualifications:
 

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have your own reliable transportation
  • Must have open availability weekdays, weekends, and holidays for a total of 15-30 hours/week with potential for increased hours
  • Must have a passion for working with dogs
  • Previous experience working in a dog daycare or kennel is a plus
  • Ability to handle dogs of all sizes and breeds
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a pack
  • Willing to clean up after dogs all day long (You know what we mean)
Benefits:
 

  • Competitive pay
  • Opportunity to work with dogs every day
  • Fun and supportive culture at work
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
  • Lots of slobbery kisses and tail wags!
Compensation:
$15- $17 per hour
 
 
If you're a dog lover looking for a fun and fulfilling job, we want to hear from you!
 
 
Apply now to join our team as a kennel attendant.
 
 
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
 
 
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
 
 
Expected hours: 15 – 30 per week
 
 
Benefits:
 
 
  • Flexible schedule
  • On-the-job training
  • Opportunities for advancement
Shift:
 
 
  • 6 hour shift
  • 6.5 hour shift
  • Morning shift
  • Evening shift
Supplemental Pay:
 
 
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Tips
Work Days:
 
 
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Saturday
  • Weekends as needed
Education:
 
 
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)
  •  
Work Location: In person