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Kennel Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Associate information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do kennel associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel associate in Santa Rosa, CA is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Kennel Associate jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Kennel Associate job openings:

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

VCA PetCare East Veterinary Hospital is seeking an entry level Patient Care Attendant to join our team. If you are looking to get your foot in the door and start an exciting career in veterinary medicine, this is the position for you.
The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the highest quality care to their boarded and hospitalized pets.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Cleaning cages.
Feeding and caring for dogs and cats.
Walking dogs.
Bathing dogs.
Doing laundry.
Cleaning and maintaining hospital premises.
Assisting Doctors and Technicians when necessary.
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits for eligible employees, including medical/dental, generous personal pet care discounts and more!
Hourly wage range: $19-$20

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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