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Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DAVID C RANDALL DVM PA

Kennel Assistant

Naples, FL

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

American Veterinary Group

Kennel Assistant

Cordova, TN · On-site

Kennel Assistant Department: General Practice Hospitals Employment Type: Full Time Location: Cordova Station Animal Hospital Reporting To: Anna McNinch Description We are seeking a Full-Time Kennel ...

SuVeto

Kennel Assistant

Chino Valley, AZ · On-site

Our Kennel Assistants provide daily care for our boarders and assist with kennel maintenance. Their main objective is to properly board our dogs and cats, provide a fun-filled and safe environment ...

DAVID C RANDALL DVM PA

Kennel Assistant

Naples, FL

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

Orchard Point Kennels

Kennel Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play ...

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Kennel Assistant information

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How much do kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel assistant in the United States is $12.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $14.42 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.

Is being a kennel assistant hard?

Being a kennel assistant involves physically demanding tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals, often requiring attention to detail and good time management. The job can be repetitive and may involve working in various weather conditions or handling difficult animals, but it generally does not require advanced qualifications. Experience with animals and a willingness to perform manual labor are beneficial for success in this role.

What is the salary of a kennel technician?

The salary of a kennel technician typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Full-time positions often include benefits such as paid time off and health insurance.

How to be a kennel assistant?

To become a kennel assistant, you should have a genuine interest in caring for animals, good physical stamina, and the ability to perform tasks such as cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and providing basic care. Prior experience with animals or certifications in pet first aid can be beneficial. A positive attitude, reliability, and the ability to work in a team are important qualities for this role.

What is the job description of a kennel assistant?

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 maintaining a clean environment, handling animals safely, and supporting veterinary staff as needed. Good communication skills and the ability to work in a physically active environment are important for this role.
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Kennel Assistant jobs near you

Kennel Assistant

Great Plains Veterinary Clinic

Hobbs, NM

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Great Work Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
Job Summary
We are seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our team! As a Kennel Assistant, you will be providing daily care for the animals we are responsible for, ensuring all of their needs are met. That can include feeding them, cleaning their kennels and play spaces, engaging them in play, walking them, and more. You will also be responsible for creating and maintaining excellent records of the animals and their care, including temperament and preferences. The ideal candidate loves animals, has basic knowledge of good animal handling procedures, and works well independently and within a team environment.

Responsibilities 
  • Meet the basic and higher needs for all animals under our care, including feeding
  • Play or walk the animals, as needed
  • Clean kennels and work areas daily
  • Wash bedding and toys
  • Greet and assist customers or adopters
  • Maintain excellent records of all animals
Qualifications
  • Experience working with animals desired
  • Familiarity with animal handing procedures and best practices
  • Strong organizational skills