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Kennel Help Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Veterinary Health

Kennel Attendant

Henrico, VA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Kennel Attendant The Veterinary Kennel Attendant is an introduction position for those interested ... Employees in this position will help to support the hospital by following proper stocking and ...

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr (+ commission)

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by ... Helping to manage daily operations of the facility Qualifications: * Must be at least 16 years old

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr (+ commission)

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by ... Helping to manage daily operations of the facility Qualifications: * Must be at least 16 years old

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Seeking a Kennel Assistant North Oatlands Animal Hospital is hiring a full-time Kennel Assistant to ... If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of ...

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Seeking a Kennel Assistant North Oatlands Animal Hospital is hiring a full-time Kennel Assistant to ... If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of ...

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

... help clients. 8) Animal lover - Clients love it when the receptionist dote on animals. 9) ... Kennel Qualifications 1) Hardworking 2) Ok under stressful situations 3) Can handle cleaning animal ...

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Kennel Help information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do kennel help jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel help in Virginia is $13.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is kennel help?

Kennel help, also known as kennel assistants or kennel attendants, are individuals who care for animals in boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, or animal shelters. Their main duties include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the health of animals such as dogs and cats. Kennel help also assist with basic grooming, cleaning cages and facilities, and sometimes interacting with pet owners. This role is essential for maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for animals while they are away from their homes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as kennel help, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kennel Help, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning supplies, animal handling equipment, and sometimes pet management software is beneficial. Dependability, patience, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and coworkers. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting effective team operations in a kennel setting.

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

Kennel help staff often encounter challenges such as managing multiple animals with different temperaments, maintaining cleanliness in a fast-paced environment, and communicating effectively with both the team and pet owners. Staying organized and adhering strictly to cleaning and feeding schedules helps ensure animal wellbeing and a sanitary environment. Building strong teamwork skills and developing patience are key to handling unpredictable situations, such as anxious or aggressive animals. Regular training and clear protocols can make daily tasks more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Kennel Help vs Pet Care Assistant?

AspectKennel HelpPet Care Assistant
CertificationsNone required, basic animal handling skillsOften requires basic pet first aid or animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, boarding facilitiesVeterinary clinics, pet stores, grooming salons
Job DutiesCleaning kennels, feeding animals, basic careAssisting veterinarians, feeding, bathing, and monitoring pets

While both roles involve caring for animals, Kennel Help primarily focuses on cleaning and basic care in kennel environments, whereas Pet Care Assistants often work in veterinary or retail settings, providing more comprehensive pet care and support services.

How to get a job in a kennel?

To get a job as kennel help, applicants should have a love for animals, basic knowledge of pet care, and physical stamina. Relevant experience or certifications in animal handling or pet first aid can improve chances, and applying directly to kennels or animal shelters with a resume highlighting these skills is recommended.

Is being a kennel help worth it?

Kennel help involves cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals in a shelter or facility, often requiring physical stamina and attention to hygiene. The job can be rewarding for animal lovers but typically offers low pay and limited advancement opportunities. It is suitable for those seeking entry-level work with flexible hours and a focus on animal care.

What education do you need to be a kennel help?

Kennel help positions typically do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers often look for basic skills such as the ability to handle animals, good communication, and physical stamina; some roles may require training on specific cleaning or care procedures. Certifications are generally not mandatory but can be beneficial for specialized tasks or advancement.

What are popular job titles related to Kennel Help jobs in Virginia?

For Kennel Help jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kennel Help jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennel Help jobs in Virginia are:

Kennel Help jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Help job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,455 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Kennel Attendant

Ethos Veterinary Health

Henrico, VA • On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the hospital by following proper stocking and cleaning protocols.

  • Assist in animal husbandry and care, including transporting patients and ensuring their comfort.

  • Learn and perform animal restraint techniques to assist in examinations, diagnostics, and procedures.

Job description

Kennel Attendant
The Veterinary Kennel Attendant is an introduction position for those interested in joining the veterinary field with little to no experience required. Employees in this position will help to support the hospital by following proper stocking and cleaning protocols, assist in animal husbandry and care, and receiving an introduction in animal restraint techniques.
Kennel Attendant | $12.77/hr
Location: Short Pump, VA
Part-Time | 3x8 hour shifts per week | Night shift
$12.77/hr
Join the Virginia Veterinary Centers, a 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital, where you'll build advanced ER/CC skills.
Pay & Benefits for Kennel Attendants
  • $12.77/hr

Part-time benefits include:
  • Free VetBloom (RACE-approved CE) access
  • Veterinary Technician scholarship opportunities
  • Employee pet discount

Schedule
  • 3, 8- hour shifts per week
  • 6pm - 2am

Kennel Attendant Responsibilities
  • Transporting patients to and from the kennel for required bedding changes.
  • While following proper hospital protocol, walking the patients in the designated areas outside.
  • Ensuring that the patients are always comfortable and have access to water if not on NPO orders.
  • Cleaning patient eliminations, spilled food, and other debris from the kennels.
  • Practicing appropriate disinfection protocols in adherence to OSHA Standards.
  • Administering oral medications to patients if asked by Licensed Technicians.
  • Performing daily house-keeping and must complete a daily checklist regarding these duties.
  • Learn appropriate restraint techniques to be able to assist in examinations, diagnostics, and procedures.

Qualifications for a Kennel Attendant
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Strong organizational skills, self-motivated, and self-sufficient
  • Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays with one weekend off a month.
  • Strong client communication skills.
  • Works well on a team and provides the gold start quality of patient care.

About Virginia Veterinary Centers
VVC recognizes the struggles of veterinary professionals. The culture of our hospital is one of our top priorities, we spend a lot of time training new employees, and our management is present. Work life balance is a key component to our team members. Most team members are off 2 weekends a month.
We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for advancement. Experience is always a plus, but we are also willing to train and mentor new graduates. We recognize the importance of work/life balance and strive to provide a schedule conducive to maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all our employees.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class
medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards
are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected
veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to
grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest
level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion,
color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin,
veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on
qualifications, competence, merit, and business need

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