1

Kennel Help Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pet Hotel Assistant - Danville Family Vet

Danville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... help whenever needed to support smooth hospital operations. * Perform all other duties as assigned. Qualifications: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Previous experience in a kennel ...

Pet Hotel Assistant - Danville Family Vet

Danville, VA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... help whenever needed to support smooth hospital operations. * Perform all other duties as assigned. Qualifications: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Previous experience in a kennel ...

Veterinary Assistant

Annandale, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They will help ensure the safety of the pets during their stay with us both in-room and in the ... Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing ...

Veterinary Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They will help ensure the safety of the pets during their stay with us both in-room and in the ... Kennel Maintenance: cleaning kennels/runs/crates, washing/drying food and water dishes, washing ...

Veterinary Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

LVT- River City Veterinary Hospital

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are focused on helping you succeed professionally. We focus intently on comprehensive veterinary ... Oxygen kennel * Dedicated isolation ward with separate entrance * Living-room style comfort room ...

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Oxygen kennel * Dedicated isolation ward with separate entrance * Living-room style comfort room ... Whether you're an experienced tech or newer to the field, we offer coaching and training to help ...

Canine Handler

Richmond, VA

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Kennel Operations * Pet Retail * Animal Behavior * Customer Service We Are Looking For Someone Who ... Willing to go above and beyond to help the team succeed Schedule Expectations Applicants must be ...

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A recently constructed separate kennel facility helps minimize stress and noise for hospitalized ... We assure you that Tempus Recruitment are here to help and are more than happy to get those ...

Veterinary Tech

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Pet Hotel Assistant - Danville Family Vet

VetEvolve

Danville, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


VetEvolve rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Pet Hotel Assistant with Danville Family Vet

Position Summary: 

The Pet Hotel Assistant plays an essential role in maintaining the health, comfort, and safety of hospitalized and boarding pets while supporting the veterinary team in daily hospital operations. This position ensures the hospital environment is clean, organized, and welcoming, and provides compassionate care to all animals during their stay. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Provide daily care for boarded animals, including feeding, watering, walking, bathing, and monitoring behavior and health. 
  • If applicable, Pet Hotel Assistant may provide care to hospitalized patients only when directed and supervised by the medical team. 
  • Safely transport animals between kennels, exam rooms, and the lobby, ensuring gentle handling and patient comfort. 
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with restraint, positioning, and minor procedures as directed. 
  • Follow detailed feeding, medication, and exercise instructions for boarding pets. 
  • Monitor and report any health or behavioral changes in animals to pet hotel leadership/medical team promptly. 
  • Maintain cleanliness, disinfection, and organization of all kennels, runs, and facility areas, including outdoor spaces, in accordance with hospital protocols and operating standards. 
  • Support a positive client experience by greeting owners, answering phones, assisting with belongings, and ensuring clear and calm communication throughout the boarding process. 
  • Assist in completion of daily opening, closing, and cleaning checklists to a high standard. 
  • Manage inventory of cleaning and kennel supplies and report replenishment needs as appropriate. 
  • Unpack and organize deliveries, restock treatment and exam areas, and remove expired or damaged items as needed. 
  • Work collaboratively and proactively with team members, offering help whenever needed to support smooth hospital operations. 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.   

Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Previous experience in a kennel, animal care, or boarding facility preferred.  
  • Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and compassionate animal care. 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds. 
  • Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.  
  • Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards. 

Hours:  

  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open to support hospital operations 
  • Every other weekend is required (Saturday and Sunday)

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Salary range begins at $15/hour dependent on experience.
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays and access to employee assistance program. 

What VetEvolve employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom