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Kennel Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ethos Veterinary Health

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 ...

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

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

Hounds Town USA

Kennel Technician

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

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

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

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

Veterinary Practice Partners

Kennel Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

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

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

... 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 ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

kennel assistant

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

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-oriented and ...

DEEOHGEE LLC

K-9 Attendant (Dog lover)

Dulles, VA

$15/hr

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 ...

DEEOHGEE LLC

K-9 Attendant (Dog lover)

Dulles, VA · On-site

$15/hr

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 ...

DEEOHGEE LLC

K-9 Attendant (Dog lover)

Dulles, VA

$15/hr

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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Kennel Helper information

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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Kennel Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Kennel Helper job openings:

Kennel Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennel Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Lead Kennel

Great Falls, VA • On-site

Community Veterinary Partners
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Community Veterinary Partnersexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

Love animals and leading a team? As Kennel Lead at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spa, you’ll help make sure every pet in our care feels safe, clean, and comfortable, just like home (maybe even better!). You'll manage the day-to-day kennel operations, guide a team of caring staff, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

You'll work closely with our hospital leadership to make sure our care protocols are followed and our standards stay high. Whether it’s coordinating with medical staff, helping improve processes, or supporting team morale, you’ll play a key role in making things better for both pets and people.

If you're organized, love working with animals and people, and want to help create a clean, happy, and efficient space for pets, we’d love to have you lead the pack.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent -  check!

  • Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting is a big plus.

  • Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or a willingness to learn.

  • Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work.

  • Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator (with both people and pets!).

  • Bonus points if you’ve worked with pet parents or used veterinary software before,  but we’re happy to train the right person.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Some background in animal care or kennel management is a big plus (certifications are great, but not a deal-breaker).

  • Experience working in a veterinary hospital or similar animal care setting helps you hit the ground running.

  • Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency.

  • Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records — or at least tech-savvy and willing to learn.

  • Great with people! Previous experience helping pet parents in a customer service role is a bonus.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care.

  • Make sure every pet gets the right food, exercise, and enrichment based on their unique needs and any instructions from our veterinary team or their owner.

  • Keep an eye on animal health and behavior;  if something seems off, you’ll be the first to flag it to the medical staff.

  • Stay on top of care records like feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules - accuracy matters!

  • Train and guide kennel staff to follow best practices, safety procedures, and hospital policies, helping everyone provide top-notch care.

  • Keep an eye on kennel supplies and equipment, restocking and arranging maintenance as needed so nothing runs out or breaks down.

  • Talk with pet owners in a friendly, professional way - giving updates, answering questions, and sharing any special care notes.

  • Work closely with our veterinary and front desk teams to keep everything coordinated and running smoothly - happy pets, happy clients.


As Kennel Lead, you’ll put your leadership and organization skills to work every day,  keeping the team on track and the kennel running like clockwork. Great communication is key, whether you're coordinating with the vet team, supporting staff, or chatting with pet parents. A good understanding of animal behavior and health helps you notice when something’s off and take action quickly. You’ll need an eye for detail to keep records accurate and everything up to safety standards. And when surprises pop up (because they always do!), your problem-solving skills will help keep things calm, safe, and running smoothly for both pets and people.

Community Veterinary Partners logo

About Community Veterinary Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Today, we are more than 3,000 unique veterinary care providers whose job is to bring joy to families by caring for the pets they love. We do that by providing extraordinary care for all our members, no matter how many legs (or wings) they may have. At the end of the day, we are more than just pet people. we’re pet people people. Our Mission Our mission is to bring joy to families by providing the best care possible to the pets they love. We do this through a growing community of veterinary hospitals who have an established legacy of compassionate care.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

2009

Social media

Twitter

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