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Kennel Help Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinary Assistant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

This role involves a variety of duties spanning animal care, occassional kennel help, reception support, and clinical assistance. Candidates should be comfortable lifting over 50 lbs. Required to ...

New

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 ...

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

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

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

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

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Kennel Assistant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Edinburgh Animal Hospital is hiring full-time Kennel Assistants to work alongside our team of ... If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of ...

Kennel Assistant

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Edinburgh Animal Hospital is hiring full-time Kennel Assistants to work alongside our team of ... If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of ...

kennel assistant

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Help maintain the overall appearance of the hospital grounds. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is: • Dependable and punctual. • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic. • Detail ...

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Licensed Veterinary Technician

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Duties would include assisting doctors in surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, radiology, labs, seeing patients up front, working with assistants and kennel staff, and helping in the kennel (only on ...

New

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by their owners * Providing lots of love and attention to our furry guests * Helping to manage daily ...

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by their owners * Providing lots of love and attention to our furry guests * Helping to manage daily ...

Maintaining a clean and safe kennel environment * Administering medication to dogs as directed by their owners * Providing lots of love and attention to our furry guests * Helping to manage daily ...

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Showing results 1-20

Kennel Help information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do kennel help jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 passion for animal care.

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 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.

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 skills do you need to be a kennel help?

Kennel help requires basic animal care skills, including cleaning, feeding, and monitoring animals' health. Good physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment are important. Familiarity with safety procedures and sometimes basic knowledge of pet behavior can also be beneficial.

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.

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 many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Applying directly to kennels, animal shelters, or pet care facilities and demonstrating reliability and a willingness to learn are key steps.
Infographic showing various Kennel Help job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,455 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Dominion Veterinary Hospital

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

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Job description

We are seeking a Full-Time or Part-Time Veterinary Assistant to join our small, close-knit hospital team. This role involves a variety of duties spanning animal care, occassional kennel help, reception support, and clinical assistance. Candidates should be comfortable lifting over 50 lbs. Required to work weekdays to 7pm and, every other weekend (Saturday AM, Sundays if needed for kennel help) . Set weekly working schedule. Experience is preferred but not required, as cross-training will be provided. The Veterinary Assistant will primarily work within a medium-sized team and report directly to the Veterinarian and Practice Manager. Paid benefits with Full-Time Employees

Responsibilities

  • Provide animal care and support during medical procedures
  • Maintain kennel cleanliness and organization (when needed)
  • Assist with reception duties including scheduling and customer interaction (when needed)
  • Help lift and restrain animals safely
  • Assist veterinarians during surgery and radiology procedures, exam-room patient appointments.
  • Run laboratory tests and prepare samples
  • Support scheduling and administrative tasks as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in a veterinary setting preferred but not required

Company Description

Dominion Veterinary Hospital is a small animal hospital located in the Grassfield Area of Chesapeake, VA. Dr. Kent and Dr. Sears started the practice in 2000. Along with Dr. Casey Garret, they are happy to provide their clients and pets with personalized veterinary care. Go to our website: dominionvethosp.vetstreet.com to read more about our practice.