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Kennel Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amerivet

Kennel Technician

San Diego, CA

$17.75 - $18/hr

... kennel technician. We are looking for a dependable, detail-oriented team player with a positive ... Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

Amerivet Services LLC

Kennel Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $18/hr

... kennel technician. We are looking for a dependable, detail-oriented team player with a positive ... Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

AmeriVet

Kennel Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $18/hr

... kennel technician. We are looking for a dependable, detail-oriented team player with a positive ... Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

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

Veterinary Practice Partners, LLC

$19 - $22/hr

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

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

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

PARK-A-PUP LLC

Kennel Attendant

Novato, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Kennel Attendants help maintain a calm and structured environment by properly handling dogs, monitoring their behavior, and keeping the facility clean and sanitary. This position reports to the ...

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Kennel Helper information

See California salary details

$6

$11

$16

How much do kennel helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel helper in California is $11.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.98 and $13.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kennel helper?

Kennel helpers are support staff who assist in the daily care and maintenance of animals housed in kennels, shelters, or boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, exercising, cleaning cages, monitoring animal health, and providing basic grooming. Kennel helpers play a vital role in ensuring animals are comfortable, safe, and well-cared for while staying at the facility. They may also help with record-keeping and interacting with pet owners as needed.

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

To thrive as a Kennel Helper, you need basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and attention to cleanliness, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning supplies, animal handling equipment, and sometimes pet management software is helpful. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills are important for building trust with both animals and pet owners. These skills and qualities ensure the well-being of animals, maintain a hygienic environment, and support smooth kennel operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a kennel helper and how can they be managed?

Kennel Helpers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple animals with different temperaments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and handling physically demanding tasks like cleaning and lifting. Effective time management and strong attention to detail are essential to ensure all animals receive proper care and that facilities remain clean and safe. Building good communication with team members and supervisors can also help resolve issues quickly and maintain a positive work environment.

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

AspectKennel HelperPet Care Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job training commonSome roles may prefer basic pet care certifications
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, boarding facilitiesPet stores, veterinary clinics, grooming salons
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, sheltersPet retail, veterinary practices
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level animal care rolesRelated to pet support and customer service

In summary, Kennel Helpers primarily work in shelters and kennels focusing on animal care and cleaning, often without formal certifications. Pet Care Assistants may work in pet stores or clinics, sometimes requiring basic pet care knowledge. Both roles involve hands-on animal handling but differ mainly in work environment and employer type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in California?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Kennel Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kennel Helper job openings:

Kennel Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $24,753 per year, or $11.9 per hour.

Pet Hotel - Kennel Attendant I Bather I Receptionist I Driver

Kennel Club LAX

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Feed and monitor the health, behavior, and routines of dogs and cats, including bathing, cleaning bedding, and laundry.

  • Clean and sanitize the facility, including kennels, catteries, and grooming equipment, and assist with maintaining logs.

  • Check in and out clients, update records, answer phone calls, and assist with animal transportation and relocation services.

Job description

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS.


We are a large, well-established dog and cat hotel since 1983, and are looking for pet-loving individuals to join our team! The successful candidate will share our commitment to providing the highest quality care to our overnight pets & Doggie Daycare guests, bathing and relocations. All potential candidates must be comfortable working with dogs & cats of all sizes and breeds, be flexible with their schedule and must be able to work weekends, and holidays. Flexibility is required- including evenings, weekends and Holidays. We are available to our clients 24/7, 365 days a year!


Kennel Attendant/ Animal Care Specialist:

Job Duties include but are not limited to: Feeding strict diets to dogs and cats, washing bedding and other laundry, washing dishes, walking dogs and safely monitoring playgroups, closely monitoring each animal's eating, potty and behavior habits, cleaning and sanitation of facility, exercising dogs of all sizes and breeds. Cattery attendants: clean cat condos, washing bedding and dishes, including litter boxes. Provide assigned activities for cats, or rabbits. Monitor health of pets in cattery.

Bather:

The Groomer is responsible for brushing and bathing pets (Cats and Dogs). Bathers must ensure that each pet leaves the grooming room clean, free of mats. Bathers are not required to provide haircuts. We provide exit baths for boarding, daycare, and some walk in baths.

Duties:

  • Maintenance of grooming equipment
  • Housekeeping and Maintenance of Kennel
  • Ability to assist in other areas of the Kennel.
  • Ability to maintain logs.

Receptionist:

Customer Service positions include - checking in and out clients, updating records, e-mailing clients, answering phone calls. Must have proficient computer skills, be able to multitask, and have some prior customer service skills. Able to help in other areas of the kennel.

  • Driving company vehicle to transport pet to and from airport.

Driver:

Drivers - Drivers assist with relocation services. Picking up and dropping pets off at cargo facilities for flights, or from clients. Must be able to handle dogs and cats, safely. Drivers assist with animal care at Kennel. Must have a clean driving record, no points.

Cross training in other areas of the kennel is a plus.

Requirements

*ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE HAD PREVIOUS WORKING EXPERIENCE (MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS) WITH EITHER A VETERINARY CLINIC, ANIMAL BOARDING FACILITY, OR ANIMAL SHELTER. APPLICATIONS WITH NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.*

Every potential candidate must also posses the following qualifications:

  • Excellent communication and client service skills- In person, via phone and written
    Must possess sound decision making skills and the ability to multi-task
    Properly handle pets, to ensure pets' safety and handlers' safety.
    Must enjoy keeping pets and kennels clean.
    Ability to work Independently and be a Team Player
    Be Extremely Dependable & On time
    Well groomed, organized and detail oriented.
    Ability to bend, stoop and stand for long periods of time. Ability to lift at least 50lbs.
    Ability to Multi-Task in a Fast Pace Environment

Must be comfortable working with Dogs & Cats

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Dependable attendance is required.
Must able to lift 50 pounds.
Must be able to work holidays & weekends
This position requires the ability to walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a minimum 10 hour day.
Ability to maintain accurate records, prioritize task and understand written directions.
Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand, to communicate in person or over the telephone.
Can not be allergic to dogs/ cats/ rabbits

We have a *very strict* no drug policy.


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or equivalent
At least 6 months work experience - Hands On with Animals

Benefits

BENEFITS offered for full time employees- Health Insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401 (k), paid sick + vacation time.

Starting at $18 an hour +