1

Live In Kennel Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Live-in staff are (work seven days on, take seven days off) needed to assist developmentally disabled adults. Live-in staff report to work on a Wednesday and work/live in their clients' home until ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Live In Kennel Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do live in kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in kennel assistant in Portland, OR is $13.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.19 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can anyone be a live in kennel assistant?

Live-in kennel assistants typically need to meet certain requirements such as being at least 18 years old, having a valid driver's license, and demonstrating basic animal care skills. Some employers may require previous experience, certifications in pet first aid, or the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Is being a live in kennel assistant worth it?

A live-in kennel assistant provides around-the-clock care for animals, often working flexible hours and performing tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health. The role can offer job stability and experience with animal care, but it may involve long hours and limited personal space, which should be considered when evaluating its worth.

What are some typical challenges faced by a live in kennel assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Live In Kennel Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the needs of multiple animals simultaneously, maintaining strict cleanliness standards, and handling pets with varying temperaments. Effective time management and strong observational skills are essential to ensure each animal receives proper care and attention. Building positive relationships with both the animals and the team, staying organized, and being adaptable to changing routines can help manage these challenges successfully. Additionally, regular communication with supervisors and colleagues aids in addressing any issues promptly.

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

To thrive as a Live In Kennel Assistant, you generally need experience in animal care, basic knowledge of animal behavior, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kennel management software, cleaning equipment, and pet first aid certification is often required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a compassionate approach to animals help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the animals while maintaining a clean and efficiently run kennel environment.

What is a live in kennel assistant?

Live in kennel assistants are individuals who reside on the premises of a kennel facility to provide round-the-clock care for animals. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the health and well-being of the animals, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and security of the facility. Living on-site allows them to respond quickly to emergencies and provide consistent care. This role often requires a passion for animals, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

What are popular job titles related to Live In Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Live In Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live In Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Live In Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Live In Kennel Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Kennel Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,258 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is hiring for full-time Level 1 Veterinary Assistants to join our Outpatient Services Team (ER, ICU, Urgent Care). We are hiring for Day and Swing Shifts.

If you are passionate about veterinary medicine and thrive in a fast-paced, high volume environment then a position as a Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (VA1) may be the perfect position for you!

About This Position:

As a Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (VA1) you are responsible for providing our clients with a top-notch experience as well as assisting veterinarians and technicians with animal restraint, triaging incoming patients, procedures, maintaining a clean and sterile work environment, stocking the hospital, measuring and assessing patient vital signs, running diagnostic lab work, providing aftercare for deceased animals, and performing surgery prep and assisting in life-saving surgical procedures. This position builds on the skills developed as a Kennel Assistant while increasing your responsibility for client interactions, and more advanced technical skills including restraining animals for procedures, helping with lab work, and triaging and discharging patients. This is an ideal position for someone who already has some experience in the veterinary field or a high level of customer service experience and animal handling comfort in a related field such as a grooming.

Wage Range: Overnight and weekend differential pay is available for applicable shifts.

$20-$22 hourly for Veterinary Assistant Level 1

Schedule: We are hiring for Swing and Day shifts on our Outpatient Services team.

Veterinary Assistants (Level 1) work 3/4 rotating schedules with 10 hours shifts. This means you have a consistent schedule that makes planning the rest of your life easy, and you get 3 or 4 days off in a row every week! If you have other schedule needs, please feel free to reach out and start a conversation, we're always happy to discuss options.

DoveLewis is a 24/7/365 emergency hospital with day, swing, and overnight shifts and requires the ability to work at least some of every weekend and holidays.

What are we looking for in a candidate?

  • A genuine love of and respect for all animals is required, as is an appreciation of the human-animal bond.
  • A strong desire to problem solve and help others.
  • Excellent client service and teamwork skills.
  • Experience or education equivalent to a High School Diploma is required.
  • Valid Oregon or Washington driver's license for driving the DoveLewis transport van.
  • Understanding of animal behavior and knowledge of safe animal handling and transport practices.
  • 1+ year experience working in animal care work such as at a veterinary clinic, kennel, or shelter is required for our Veterinary Assistant Level 1 position.
  • Any suitable combination of experience or education may substitute for the above.

What you can look forward to at DoveLewis:

  • Advancing your emergency and critical care skillset at a teaching hospital dedicated to the growth of our employees.
  • Equitable Health Benefits including
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • $0 mental health copays
    • preventative care
    • LGBTQIA-friendly providers
    • options for families
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (medical and dependent care)
  • Paid vacation and sick time
  • Holiday pay
  • Bereavement leave, including time off when a pet family member passes away
  • 403(b) retirement account with free financial advising available
  • Student debt repayment assistance for all employees
  • As part of a nonprofit with community-focused services your work makes a difference to the animal-loving community and to individual pet owners on a daily basis.


How to apply:

To be considered, you must complete the online application and upload a resume. Resumes received without a completed online application will not be considered.

DoveLewis is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug and background screening required.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME