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Kennel Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Position open for a Kennel Attendant! If you love animals and enjoy a busy pace this might be the job for you! The position is part-time or full-time. Pay: Starting pay is $15.00. Requirements: * You ...

About the Job Position open for a Kennel Attendant! If you love animals and enjoy a busy pace this might be the job for you! The position is part-time or full-time. Pay: Starting pay is $15.00.

Address: 700 West Republic Road Springfield, MO 65807 VCA Parkcrest Animal Hospital and Pet Lodge is excited to expand our team and is currently seeking a Veterinary Assistant ! Schedule: Full-time ...

Office Assistant

Miller, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Office Assistant The Office Assistant provides administrative support to the Accounting, Budget, and Purchasing departments at MoWest. The role assists with daily office operations, supports ...

Administrative Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team! You will perform clerical and administrative functions in order to drive company success. Benefits: * Medical * Dental * Vision * 401(k)

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team! You will perform clerical and administrative functions in order to drive company success. Benefits: * Medical * Dental * Vision * 401(k)

We are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team! You will perform clerical and administrative functions in order to drive company success. Benefits: Medical Dental Vision 401(k) Life ...

Dealership Administrative Assistant

Ozark, MO · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

This position will assist with a variety of administrative responsibilities throughout the dealership, with a primary focus on processing service contract, GAP, and other aftermarket product ...

New

Directly assist members of management with ongoing projects. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED required * Competency in PC required: * Outlook/Email * MS Office (Excel, Word) * General ...

Directly assist members of management with ongoing projects. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED required * Competency in PC required: * Outlook/Email * MS Office (Excel, Word) * General ...

Directly assist members of management with ongoing projects. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED required * Competency in PC required: Outlook/Email, MS Office (Excel, Word) * General office ...

Directly assist members of management with ongoing projects. Qualifications: * High School Diploma or GED required * Competency in PC required: * Outlook/Email * MS Office (Excel, Word) * General ...

Veterinary Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $18.39/hr

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ...

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Kennel Assistant information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$6

$11

$16

How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in Springfield, MO is $11.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.75 and $13.12 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What job categories do people searching Kennel Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennel Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Kennel Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Kennel Assistant job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $23,380 per year, or $11.2 per hour.

Kennel Assistant (pt) - Best Friends Animal Hospital

Mission Pet Health

Ozark, MO • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Mission Pet Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

General Information
Ref #
52217
Department
Kennel
Job Site
Best Friends Animal Hospital (Ozark)
Date Published
06-29-2026
Pay Class
Part-Time
Base Min.
$ 15
Base Max.
$ 16.5
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
Join a practice dedicated to clinical excellence at Best Friends Animal Hospital, where your passion for animal welfare meets high-quality medicine. As a facility with an impressive 4.7-star Google rating, we provide comprehensive care ranging from advanced diagnostics to specialized surgery. You will work in a modern environment that prioritizes the human-animal bond, ensuring every patient receives the compassionate attention they deserve.
Your professional journey is supported by collaborative teammates who value open communication and mutual respect. We believe in fostering an environment where you can grow through mentorship and continuous learning. Whether you are looking to refine your surgical techniques or expand your internal medicine knowledge, you will succeed and reach your full potential here. We empower you to take ownership of your role within a culture that celebrates individual contributions.
Beyond the clinic, you will discover the charm and natural beauty of Ozark, Missouri. Nestled near the Ozark Mountains, this vibrant community offers a perfect backdrop for work-life balance. Spend your weekends exploring trails at Finley River Park or enjoying local dining in the historic downtown area. With its friendly atmosphere and proximity to Springfield, Ozark provides the ideal blend of small-town comfort and modern amenities.
Location Address
903 W South Street Ozark MO 65721
Job Description
At Mission Pet Health, we do things a little differently! As part of our hiring process, we invite candidates to complete a short online assessment so we can better understand your skills and strengths. If you are being considered for the position, you will receive an e-mail from a Mission Pet Health recruiter with a link to complete the assessment at your convenience. Please be sure to check your spam or junk folder - sometimes these messages get filtered out.
Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant
  • Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
  • Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
  • Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
  • Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
  • A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
  • The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
  • Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.

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