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Kennel Help Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tempus Veterinary Recruitment

$175K/yr

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 ...

The Dog Stop Richmond (TDS-0037)

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 ...

NVA

Veterinary Tech

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

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 ...

NVA

Veterinary Tech

Herndon, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

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 ...

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All JobsKennel Help JobsKennel Help Jobs in Virginia

Kennel Help information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do kennel help jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

LVT- River City Veterinary Hospital

Mission Pet Health

Richmond, VA • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform veterinary technical procedures such as surgeries, ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and dental care.

  • Assist in diagnosing and providing treatment for patients, including handling in-house lab work and using digital dental x-ray equipment.

  • Support the veterinary team by maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment and communicating effectively with clients.

Mission Pet Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 56 rated veterinary

Job description

General Information
Ref #
52286
Department
Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus
Job Site
River City Veterinary Hospital (Richmond)
Date Published
07-01-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Base Min.
$ 28
Base Max.
$ 32
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
River City Veterinary Hospital, proudly serving the Richmond area since 2014, is rooted in providing a collaborative, compassionate, and pro-active healthcare experience for every patient. The community trust is evident-we hold an exceptional 4.9-star Google rating and have consistently been recognized as a top provider, earning Richmond Magazine's Best Veterinary Hospital since 2019, Style Weekly's Best Animal Hospital since 2016, and Virginia Living Magazine's Best of Virginia since 2019. If you are seeking a practice where your medical dedication is recognized by both your teammates and the local pet owners you serve, this is where you can truly do your best work.
As a future teammate at River City Veterinary Hospital, you will be joining a team recognized for its deep dedication to medicine and client empathy. The leadership here believes that easing the minds of concerned pet parents, especially in urgent situations, is as vital as the diagnosis itself. This commitment creates an environment built for professional growth. Though we maintain a local, personalized feel, joining us means you have access to broader programs designed to help all teammates achieve their career goals, whether you are pursuing credentialing as an LVT or moving toward a leadership role within the organization. We are focused on helping you succeed professionally.
We focus intently on comprehensive veterinary services, including animal rescue initiatives and emergency medical topics, ensuring we handle the full spectrum of complex cases. We understand the urgency needed when a pet is not feeling well, providing both diagnosis and crucial emotional support. To streamline client communication and improve workflow efficiency, we utilize modern digital tools like PetPage by AllyDVM, allowing for seamless communication, appointment requests, and prescription refills, even outside of our regular office hours (M-F 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM). You will be fully supported by a dedicated team that prioritizes delivering pro-active healthcare.
Richmond, VA, known as River City, is a dynamic community offering rich history combined with modern vibrancy. Located conveniently on West Broad Street, our facility places you in the heart of a city renowned for its arts, diverse food scene, and extensive park systems bordering the James River. This location provides you with the perfect backdrop for a balanced life, allowing you to easily connect with the community you serve and enjoy ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation outside of the practice.
Job Description
River City Veterinary Hospital - Now Hiring Full-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician!
Location: 5220 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230
Website: www.rivercityvethospital.com
Pay: $28 - $32/hour
$2,000 Sign-On Bonus!
About Us:
River City Veterinary Hospital is a family-style small animal practice located in Richmond, VA. Our team is tight-knit and collaborative, and we truly treat each other-and our clients-like family (the kind of family we enjoy being around). Our goal is to create a workplace where people love what they do, feel supported, and are excited to come in to work every day.
We offer cutting-edge technology, a collaborative environment, and plenty of room to grow. In 2022, we moved into a beautiful, fully renovated 11,000 sq. ft. facility, equipped with two surgery suites, a dual dental suite (each with its own digital dental x-ray), and more bells and whistles than we can list!
Services We Offer:
  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Ultrasound & echocardiograms
  • Cutting & therapeutic laser
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • In-house lab (Zoetis equipment)
  • Avimark software
  • Oxygen lines throughout the building
  • Portable anesthesia machines
  • Oxygen kennel
  • Dedicated isolation ward with separate entrance
  • Living-room style comfort room

Who We're Looking For:
We're looking for a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who is passionate, team-oriented, and ready to take their skills to the next level in a supportive, fun environment. Whether you're an experienced tech or newer to the field, we offer coaching and training to help you grow in your areas of interest.
Must-haves:
  • Current Virginia LVT license (or eligible)
  • Positive, can-do attitude
  • Team player with excellent communication skills

Schedule:
  • 4-day work week
  • Rotating Saturdays (1-2 per month, counts as one of the 4 days)
  • Office Hours:
    • Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Sunday: Closed

What Makes Us Different:
  • Strong technician-to-doctor ratio
  • Long-term staff with excellent retention
  • Monthly educational team meetings and quarterly department meetings - your voice matters!
  • Fun, family-style culture - we work hard and laugh harder
  • All the toys and tools to keep things exciting

If you're ready to join a practice that values your skills, supports your growth, and knows how to have fun while providing top-tier care, we'd love to hear from you!
Your Impact as a Credentialed Veterinary Technician
Note: The Credentialed Veterinary Technician title is used in various states based on state-specific licensing and credentialing requirements. Responsibilities may vary depending on the hospital and/or state and will be outlined by the state's Veterinary Practice Act and/or the responsible veterinarian, where applicable.
  • Utilize Your Full Skillset: You'll be a vital part of the medical team, providing comprehensive patient care, including administering treatments, monitoring anesthesia, and performing lab work.
  • Be a Leader and Mentor: You'll guide and support the medical team, ensuring an efficient workflow while mentoring others to help them grow their skills and careers.
  • Partner with Clients: You'll be a key point of contact for pet owners, educating them on treatments, reviewing medical records, and confidently answering their questions.
  • Contribute to a Positive Culture: You'll play an active role in training, providing feedback, and maintaining the high standards of our hospital environment.
What You'll Bring to the Team
  • Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
  • A current state veterinary technician license in good standing.
  • Proficiency in a range of technical skills, including nursing, surgery, dental care, radiology, and laboratory procedures.
  • A calm and efficient approach, especially in fast-paced or stressful situations.
  • Strong communication skills and a passion for working collaboratively.
  • One year of experience in the veterinary industry is preferred.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.
Health & Wellbeing
We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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