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Kennel Cleaner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clean and disinfect equipment, exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and workspaces. * Assist with ... Experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, boarding kennel, grooming facility, daycare ...

Kennel Cleaner information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$26

How much do kennel cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel cleaner in Iowa is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kennel cleaner?

A Kennel Cleaner is responsible for maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in animal kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities. Their duties typically include cleaning cages, disinfecting surfaces, replenishing food and water, and ensuring animals have a safe and comfortable environment. They may also assist with basic animal care, such as monitoring for signs of illness or stress. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a love for working with animals.

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

To thrive as a Kennel Cleaner, you need attention to detail, basic animal care knowledge, and the physical stamina to handle cleaning and maintenance tasks for extended periods. Familiarity with cleaning agents, proper waste disposal methods, and sometimes basic record-keeping systems are useful in this role. Patience, reliability, and compassion for animals are important soft skills that help build trust and ensure a stress-free environment for pets. These attributes are vital for maintaining sanitation, preventing disease spread, and supporting the overall wellbeing of animals in the kennel.

What are some common challenges faced by kennel cleaners, and how is support provided in this role?

Kennel Cleaners often face challenges such as working with anxious or frightened animals, managing strong odors, and keeping up with thorough cleaning routines during busy periods. Teams usually work closely together to divide tasks, provide training on proper cleaning and animal handling techniques, and ensure a safe work environment. Supervisors are often on hand to provide guidance and address any concerns, making sure staff have the resources they need. By fostering teamwork and clear communication, kennels help cleaners manage these challenges and maintain high standards of care for the animals.

What are popular job titles related to Kennel Cleaner jobs in Iowa?

For Kennel Cleaner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Kennel Cleaner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,519 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Kennel Assistant Part-time at Avenue Veterinary Clinic

Heartland Veterinary Partners LLC

Waverly, IA • On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 4 days ago


Heartland Veterinary Partners rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Avenue Veterinary Clinic is a trusted provider of exceptional pet care services in the Waverly, IA area. We offer a wide range of veterinary services, including wellness programs, medical care, surgery, dental cleanings, and more.  With our commitment to utilizing new technology, we ensure that every check-up, procedure, or surgery is carried out with the utmost care and compassion.


Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Kennel Assistant provides care to address the needs of patients that are visiting the practice for grooming and / or boarding.  The Kennel Assistant ensures that the boarding area is clean and safe for all patients by cleaning cages, runs, and ward areas and washing laundry.  The Kennel Assistant walks, feeds, and administers medication to patients (as needed and supervised by Doctor or Technician and based on confidence and experience).

Anticipated Schedule:
Monday - Friday 4:00pm-7:00pm

No weekends

2-3 shifts a week

Pay $11 - $13


  • Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making Doctors, teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with practice team members. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results.  Sharing ideas and being open to other’s ideas.  Continually looking for ways to help others.
  • Communicating: Conveying boarding outcomes to clients and teammates to ensure successful client care.
  • Active Listening: Following the expressed wishes of clients.
  • Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

  • Provides great care for patients visiting the practice for grooming and / or boarding.
  • Ensures patients are admitted noting the client’s specific instructions to ensure a quality outcome including contact information and pick up time.
  • Accurately and legibly records information related to the patient such as feeding schedules, appearance, and behavior during practice visit.
  • Observes patient’s appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
  • Appropriately handles patients and as needed, properly restrains hard-to-control patients.
  • Walks patients several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
  • Applies knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements and as required, provides special food and liquids.
  • Ensures patients are clean and fresh smelling and have been checked by a Technician / Doctor prior to discharge; ensures patient has all personal property upon exit.
  • Ensures cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper areas and identified.
  • Regularly cleans, disinfects and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Performs general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Washes and sterilizes water and food bowls.
  • Launders and dries towels and blankets.
  • Walks hospital grounds regularly and cleans any trash and stool material; empties trash throughout the practice and grounds.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Previous veterinary experience preferred
  • Ability to lift patients up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients over 25 pounds with assistance
  • Practices OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE

  • Flexible work schedules
  • Career and professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy. 


USD $11.00 - USD $13.00 /Hr.

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