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Kennel Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Tech

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Helping out with kennel and general facility upkeep, because everyone pitches in here. Who We're ... In person - Herndon, VA National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization ...

Provide veterinary expertise and inspections for facilities used to kennel Working Dog populations ... Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology or a current Veterinary Technician Certificate from an ...

Showing results 41-47

Kennel Associate information

What is a kennel associate?

Kennel Associates are animal care professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in kennels, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or boarding facilities. Their duties include feeding, cleaning enclosures, exercising animals, and monitoring their health and behavior. Kennel Associates also assist with basic grooming, record keeping, and sometimes help veterinarians or technicians during treatments. They play a vital role in ensuring animals are safe, comfortable, and healthy during their stay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kennel associate?

To thrive as a Kennel Associate, you need basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, cleaning supplies, and sometimes pet care management software is commonly required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong communication with both pets and their owners are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure animal safety, cleanliness, and a positive experience for both pets and clients in a kennel environment.

What are some common challenges faced by kennel associates and how can they be managed effectively?

Kennel Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple animals with varying temperaments, maintaining cleanliness in a high-traffic environment, and handling emergency situations like sudden illness or injuries. Effective time management, strong communication with team members, and adhering to established safety protocols are key to overcoming these challenges. Regular training and a supportive team environment also help ensure both the animals' well-being and a positive workplace experience for associates.

What is the difference between Kennel Associate vs Pet Care Technician?

AspectKennel AssociatePet Care Technician
CertificationsNone required or basic animal handlingBasic animal care, possibly pet first aid
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, pet boarding facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Job DutiesCleaning, feeding, supervising animals in kennelsAdministering medications, assisting vets, monitoring health

While both roles involve caring for animals, Kennel Associates primarily focus on cleaning, feeding, and supervising animals in kennels or shelters. Pet Care Technicians often work in veterinary settings, providing more advanced care like administering medications and assisting veterinarians. The roles share some basic animal handling skills but differ in complexity and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Kennel Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Kennel Associate job openings:

Veterinary Tech

NVA

Herndon, VA • On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description


Veterinary Technician
Herndon Animal Medical Center - Herndon, VA
Full-time / Part Time
| $19 - $24/hour based on experience.
About Herndon Animal Medical Center
At Herndon Animal Medical Center, we believe great care starts with really knowing the pets and families we serve. Every visit is personal, not just a number on the schedule. Great medicine here starts with a great team: our doctors, technicians, assistants, and client service crew work together, and we've built a culture around communication, respect, and speaking up for the patient in front of you. If you bring a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and genuine care for people and animals, you'll fit right in.
What You'll Be Doing
This isn't a "stand around and hold the leash" job. You'll be in the thick of it:
  • Right there next to our doctors and LVTs during exams, treatments, and procedures, and not just watching from the doorway.
  • Handling and restraining dogs and cats with a calm, confident touch (the wiggly ones and the growly ones both need you to be the steady hand).
  • Drawing blood, collecting samples, and running in-house labs like you know what you're doing (or learning fast if you don't yet).
  • Prepping samples for outside reference labs so results come back right the first time.
  • Giving vaccines, meds, and treatments under vet supervision.
  • Helping with surgical prep, keeping an eye on patients under anesthesia, and easing them through recovery.
  • Taking radiographs and pitching in on other diagnostics.
  • Talking to clients - real conversations about their pet's care, what to do at home, and what happens next. You're often the friendly, informed voice they remember.
  • Keeping medical records accurate and charges entered (unglamorous, but it keeps the whole place running).
  • Making sure exam rooms and treatment areas are clean, stocked, and ready to go - no scrambling mid-appointment.
  • Helping out with kennel and general facility upkeep, because everyone pitches in here.
Who We're Looking For
  • Veterinary experience is a plus, but if you're new and genuinely motivated, we want to talk to you.
  • You're not squeamish about venipuncture, lab work, or the occasional less-glamorous clinical task.
  • You can handle dogs and cats safely and with compassion - even the ones having a rough day.
  • You communicate clearly, whether it's with a nervous client, a busy doctor, or a teammate mid-shift.
  • You stay organized and level-headed when things get hectic (and in a vet hospital, they will).
  • You show up, on time, and own your work.
  • You're eager to learn and grow - we'd love to help you build a real career here.
  • You're comfortable with computers and practice management software.
  • You can lift and restrain pets as needed.
What You Get in Return
  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Continuing education support, because we want you leveling up.
  • Uniform allowance.
  • Employee pet care discounts (yes, for your own pets).
  • Real training and professional development, not just a binder you skim once.
  • A team that's got your back, focused on great care and great people.

Benefits may vary based on full-time or part-time status.
Schedule: Full-time & Part- time positions available; No nights or Weekends.
Location: In person - Herndon, VA
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:
- We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Industry

Veterinary services

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US