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Kennel Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Kennel Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$18

$29

How much do kennel manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennel manager in Riverside, CA is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Kennel Managers?

Kennel Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of animal boarding facilities, typically for dogs and cats. Their duties include supervising staff, ensuring the health and safety of animals, managing feeding and exercise schedules, and maintaining cleanliness and proper facility conditions. They may also handle administrative tasks like scheduling, customer service, and record-keeping. Kennel Managers play a key role in ensuring a high standard of care and a safe environment for both animals and employees. Experience with animal care, management skills, and a passion for animal welfare are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kennel Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kennel Manager, you need a solid background in animal care, facility management, and supervisory experience, often supported by a degree or certification in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, basic veterinary equipment, and sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing staff and ensuring animal welfare. These competencies are crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and compassionate environment for both animals and employees.

What Is a Kennel Manager?

A kennel manager works in a boarding facility for pets that need a place to stay while their owners are temporarily unable to care for them due to travel or other reasons. As a kennel manager, you supervise the day-to-day operations of the boarding facility, which includes overseeing dog training, maintaining supplies and inventory, scheduling activities, and directing staff. Additional responsibilities may involve feeding, medicating, or exercising animals, assisting with medical procedures if the kennel is in a veterinary facility, or cleaning cages.

What are some common challenges faced by Kennel Managers when supervising staff and ensuring animal welfare?

Kennel Managers often encounter challenges balancing staff scheduling, training new team members, and maintaining high standards of animal care. Ensuring all employees follow proper cleaning, feeding, and safety protocols can be demanding, especially during busy seasons or staff shortages. Additionally, Kennel Managers must address behavioral or health issues with animals, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability. Successful managers create a supportive team environment and prioritize ongoing staff education to overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Kennel Manager vs Kennel Technician?

AspectKennel ManagerKennel Technician
CertificationsAnimal care certifications, management trainingAnimal care certifications, pet first aid
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role, overseeing staff and operationsHands-on animal care, cleaning, feeding
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, kennels, pet boarding facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, kennels
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, staff oversightAnimal handling, daily care tasks

The main difference between a Kennel Manager and a Kennel Technician lies in their responsibilities. The Kennel Manager oversees operations, staff, and ensures the facility runs smoothly, often requiring management certifications. The Kennel Technician focuses on direct animal care, feeding, cleaning, and assisting veterinarians or staff. Both roles are essential in animal care facilities, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

More about Kennel Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Kennel Manager jobs in Riverside, CA? For Kennel Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kennel Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Kennel Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Kennel Manager jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Kennel Manager job openings:
Kennel Manager jobs near you
Animal Care Intake Manager

Animal Care Intake Manager

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Wildomar, CA

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Who we’re looking for:
Animal Care Intake Manager
Who we are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing top-quality animal welfare and animal control services for our client cities. If you are looking for a way to make a difference and not just a job, AFV is exactly what you’re looking for!
What you will be doing:
  • Directly supervise assigned Animal Care staff, including the Health Check Department in coordination with Animal Care Center Manager
  • Daily oversight of kennel operations to include intake, animal care, feeding and cleaning of kennels and animal shelter enclosures
  • Scheduling, training, hiring, performance reviews, conflict resolution and other managerial duties for assigned staff
  • Lots of interaction with dogs, cats, and some bunnies
  • Ensuring all staff provide maximum standard of care to all animals in the Shelter
  • Alerts the Executive Director, Operations Manager and staff to potential population crisis, disease epidemics, or other factors that may affect the health and welfare of the animals under AFV care
  • Maintain current knowledge of the Shelter animal population and status
  • Assume kennel attendant tasks including cleaning, sanitation and client service as needed
What you’ll need:
  • REQUIRED: One of the following documented certifications: Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Strong experience and knowledge in conducting health exams for incoming animals
  • Ability to make decisions regarding the care and welfare of animals
  • Minimum of 2 years of managerial experience in an animal care / veterinary organization
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and teamwork both within the Animal Care staff and with other departments
  • Current certification to conduct animal euthanasia, or completion of certification to conduct animal euthanasia within 3 months from date of selection
  • A love of admin and paperwork - or strong administrative and clerical management skills
  • Ability to clean, lift, bend, walk and handle animals, supplies and equipment
  • Ability to maintain the confidential information of clients
  • Ability to remain calm and efficiently lead under fast-paced, high-stress work periods
  • Excellent, courteous customer service demeanor and skills with AFV staff and clients
What can we offer you?
- $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
- Training courses and continuing education
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, insurance benefits available.
- Colonial Voluntary Insurance
- 403B Retirement Savings (Think 401K for non-profits.)
- Uniform / Scrubs Allowance
- Extensive Employee Discount Program to help you save money on a wide variety of products and services.
- Employee Assistance Program to help you through life’s challenges, including counseling and coaching services; assistance with legal, financial and career questions; and so much more!

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