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Kennel Helper Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Aseptic Tech 1

Omaha, NE · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

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Kennel Helper information

See Nebraska salary details

$5

$10

$14

How much do kennel helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel helper in Nebraska is $10.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $6.78 and $11.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Nebraska? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Nebraska are:
Infographic showing various Kennel Helper job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,045 per year, or $10.1 per hour.

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Fairlea Animal Hospital

Kearney, NE • On-site

$10.50 - $13.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

** Job duties include, but are not limited to:**

The kennel tech is responsible for the care, feeding, medicating and cleaning of our patients in hospital, and our clients in the boarding facility. This job involves cleaning, laundry, bathing, feeding, walking dogs, and medicating. You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper recordkeeping of medications, special foods, appetite, behavior and any issue that may arise while the animal is in our care. You will be trained to clean and sterilize surgical instruments.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

_ We are looking for someone with:_

  • Knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting methods.
  • Proper methods of animal restraint.
  • Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
  • Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc).
  • Ability to sympathetically and patiently attend to sick, scared and injured animals.
  • Ability to learn to administer medications and to recognize abnormal conditions.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the job.

Additional Information

** We offer our staff:**

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
  • Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/.