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Kennels Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

East Memphis Pet Hospital

Kennel Attendant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

Clean kennels and common areas to maintain healthy living conditions * Administer pet medications * Ability to work in a team/group environment * Dog walking, feeding, and general care

SynergyVet LLC

Kennel Attendant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

Clean kennels and common areas to maintain healthy living conditions * Administer pet medications * Ability to work in a team/group environment * Dog walking, feeding, and general care

East Memphis Pet Hospital

Kennel Attendant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.25/hr

Clean kennels and common areas to maintain healthy living conditions * Administer pet medications * Ability to work in a team/group environment * Dog walking, feeding, and general care Requirements:

Pet Palace

Front Desk Receptionist

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

Keeping the lobby and groom areas clean and tidy including but not limited to: keeping reception desk, lobby, groom kennels and holding rooms clean and sanitary, cleaning floors, bathroom, and ...

Pet Palace

Front Desk Receptionist

Clarksville, TN · On-site

Keeping the lobby and groom areas clean and tidy including but not limited to: keeping reception desk, lobby, groom kennels and holding rooms clean and sanitary, cleaning floors, bathroom, and ...

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Kennels information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do kennels jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for kennels in Tennessee is $16.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kennel?

Kennels are facilities or structures designed to house, care for, and sometimes breed dogs or other animals, either temporarily or permanently. They can range from small private dog boarding businesses to large commercial operations and may offer services such as boarding, grooming, training, and daycare. The primary purpose of a kennel is to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for animals when their owners are unable to care for them at home.

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

To thrive as a Kennel Attendant, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of animal behavior, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, feeding schedules, and animal management software is often required. Attention to detail, compassion, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and pet owners. These abilities ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining an efficient and welcoming kennel environment.

What are some common challenges faced by kennel attendants and how can they be managed effectively?

Kennel attendants often face challenges such as managing multiple animals with different temperaments, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and ensuring each animal receives proper care and attention. Effective time management, strong observation skills, and clear communication with other staff members are key to overcoming these challenges. Many kennels provide training on animal behavior and safety protocols to help attendants confidently handle emergencies or difficult situations, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Kennels vs Pet Groomers?

AspectKennelsPet Groomers
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, sometimes certifications in pet first aidGrooming certifications, cosmetology licenses often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal boarding facilities, kennels, sheltersGrooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryPet boarding facilities, kennels, animal sheltersPet grooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinics

While both roles involve working with animals, kennels primarily focus on caring for animals in boarding or shelter environments, ensuring their well-being during their stay. Pet groomers specialize in grooming and cosmetic care, enhancing animals' appearance and hygiene. Understanding these differences helps pet owners choose the right service for their pets' needs.

How to get a job in a kennel?

To get a job in a kennel, applicants should have a genuine interest in animal care, relevant experience or certifications such as pet first aid, and good physical stamina. Job seekers can apply directly to kennels, animal shelters, or pet boarding facilities, and often need to pass a background check and demonstrate responsibility during the interview process.

Is kennel work a good career?

Kennel work involves caring for animals in a shelter or boarding facility, requiring skills in animal handling, cleaning, and basic health monitoring. It can be a rewarding entry-level job for animal lovers but often offers limited advancement and lower pay compared to other veterinary or animal care careers.

What are popular job titles related to Kennels jobs in Tennessee?

For Kennels jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kennels jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Kennels jobs in Tennessee are:

Kennels jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kennels job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,356 per year, or $16 per hour.

Tri-County Veterinary Clinic - Kennel Attendant

VetEvolve

Sevierville, TN • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

VetEvolve rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 56 rated veterinary

Job description

Kennel Attendant

Position Summary: 

The Kennel Attendant plays an essential role in maintaining the health, comfort, and safety of hospitalized and boarding pets while supporting the veterinary team in daily hospital operations. This position ensures the hospital environment is clean, organized, and welcoming, and provides compassionate care to all animals during their stay. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Provide daily care for boarded animals, including feeding, watering, walking, bathing, and monitoring behavior and health. 
  • If applicable, kennel attendants may provide care to hospitalized patients only when directed and supervised by the medical team. 
  • Safely transport animals between kennels, exam rooms, and the lobby, ensuring gentle handling and patient comfort. 
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with restraint, positioning, and minor procedures as directed. 
  • Follow detailed feeding, medication, and exercise instructions for boarding pets. 
  • Monitor and report any health or behavioral changes in animals to kennel leadership/medical team promptly. 
  • Maintain cleanliness, disinfection, and organization of all kennels, runs, and facility areas, including outdoor spaces, in accordance with hospital protocols and operating standards. 
  • Support a positive client experience by greeting owners, answering phones, assisting with belongings, and ensuring clear and calm communication throughout the boarding process. 
  • Assist in completion of daily opening, closing, and cleaning checklists to a high standard. 
  • Manage inventory of cleaning and kennel supplies and report replenishment needs as appropriate. 
  • Unpack and organize deliveries, restock treatment and exam areas, and remove expired or damaged items as needed. 
  • Work collaboratively and proactively with team members, offering help whenever needed to support smooth hospital operations. 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.   

Qualifications: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Previous experience in a kennel, animal care, or boarding facility preferred.  
  • Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and compassionate animal care. 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds. 
  • Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.  
  • Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards. 

Hours:  

  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open to support hospital operations 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Our hourly rate for this role is $13-15/hour dependent on experience. 
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays and access to employee assistance program. 

What VetEvolve employees say

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