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Live In Kennel Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

We take pride in our core values of teamwork, service, and exploration, and we are committed to ... Support reception, kennel, and treatment areas as needed * Help maintain efficient patient flow and ...

Live In Kennel information

See Tennessee salary details

$6

$22

$54

How much do live in kennel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in kennel in Tennessee is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $24.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in kennel?

A Live In Kennel worker is someone who resides on-site at a kennel facility to care for animals—typically dogs and sometimes cats—around the clock. Their duties often include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the health and well-being of the animals. By living on the premises, they provide consistent supervision and are available to respond quickly to emergencies or special needs. This role is essential for kennels that need 24/7 care for their animals, especially during holidays or when owners are away.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a live in kennel?

To thrive as a Live-In Kennel Assistant, you need practical experience or training in animal care, basic first aid for animals, and a genuine passion for working with dogs and other pets. Familiarity with kennel management software, cleaning equipment, and feeding protocols is typically expected. Strong communication, reliability, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals in your care, as well as to maintain smooth daily operations.

What are common challenges faced by live in kennel staff and how can they be managed?

Live In Kennel staff often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals with varying needs, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and handling emergency situations like sudden animal illnesses. Building strong time management skills and staying organized are essential for balancing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and exercise routines. Working closely with other staff members and maintaining open communication also helps ensure the well-being of the animals and smooth operation of the kennel. Most facilities provide on-the-job training and support to help staff handle these challenges effectively.

How to get a job in a live in kennel?

To get a job as a live-in kennel worker, candidates should have experience with animal care, basic knowledge of pet behavior, and good communication skills. Applying to kennels or animal shelters, demonstrating reliability, and being willing to work flexible hours are important steps. Some positions may require a background check or pet care certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kennel jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Kennel jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Live In Kennel job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,200 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Relief LVMT & Bioskills Lab Technician

Viticus Group

Nashville, TN • On-site

$29 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description:

At Viticus Group, we are more than just an organization — we are a community of innovators, educators, and professionals dedicated to advancing science, medicine, and education. Based in Las Vegas, we provide hands-on continuing education courses, conferences, and training programs that connect experts from around the world with the latest advancements in research, technology, and practical application.


Our mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world practice, empowering professionals to take what they learn and apply it in meaningful ways that improve lives, industries, and communities.

Are you someone who loves science, thrives on learning, and gets inspired by innovation?
Join us as we teach and share the discoveries that drive progress — because at Viticus Group, education fuels innovation.


JOB SUMMARY

The LVMT & Bioskills Lab Technician is a hybrid role that supports animal clinical operations and Bioskills human cadaver laboratories while also performing safe driving and logistics duties. This role requires advanced technical veterinary skills, strict adherence to biosafety and regulatory protocols, and the ability to support complex clinical and laboratory training environments. This position assists veterinarians with exams, anesthesia, imaging, dentistry, surgery prep/recovery, and client education; sets up, runs, and breaks down Bioskills labs; and provides animal care/kennel support including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring. The role also drives company vehicles to pick up and deliver animal anatomical specimens (cadaveric tissues), live animals, supplies, and equipment, following strict safety, biohazard, and animal welfare protocols. This position requires the ability to work a schedule in accordance with business needs. Flexibility in work schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, is required.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education

  • Must be a current Licensed/Registered Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT/LVMT) Veterinary Technician.
  • High school diploma or equivalent; associate/bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
  • Certification in Medical Laboratory Technology or related field is a plus.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases, treatment, and prevention.

Experience

  • Two (2)+ years’ experience in a veterinary clinical or hospital environment, including anesthesia, radiography, surgery assistance, laboratory diagnostics, and care protocols.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced clinical or hospital setting with diverse animal species is a plus
  • Experience setting up/breaking down medical or research labs; knowledge of sanitization, OSHA/biosafety, and instrument care.
  • Experience working with cadaveric tissue or surgical training environments preferred.
  • Experience supporting medical education, surgical labs, or continuing education programs preferred.
  • Experience with medical procedures and labs.
  • Experience with setting up and breaking down lab rooms and equipment needed for procedures.

Skills & Abilities

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical and procedural information.
  • Ability to interact professionally with instructors, clinicians, participants, clients, and internal teams.
  • Demonstrates active listening, responsiveness to questions, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
  • Maintains a courteous, professional demeanor and builds positive working relationships.

Technical Competence & Clinical Aptitude

  • Proficient in venipuncture, catheter placement, anesthesia induction/monitoring, radiography, and sterilization techniques.
  • Knowledge of medical record systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).
  • Ability to educate clients on treatment plans, care protocols, and medication administration.
  • Knowledge of sanitization rules and OSHA requirements.
  • Ability to safely perform and assist with clinical and laboratory procedures within scope, including Bioskills and veterinary support functions.
  • · Demonstrated understanding of laboratory workflows, instrumentation handling, specimen preparation, and procedural support.
  • Ability to follow detailed protocols, surgical preparation standards, and safety guidelines with consistency and accuracy.
  • Maintains attention to detail in documentation, equipment readiness, and procedural setup.

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

  • Ability to assess situations, identify issues, and take appropriate action in fast-paced clinical and laboratory environments.
  • Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to escalate concerns related to safety, equipment, or compliance as needed.
  • Proactive in identifying inefficiencies or deficiencies and contributing to solutions.

Professionalism & Adaptability

  • Flexibility to work variable schedules, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing event needs, procedures, and environments.
  • Maintains a calm, controlled, and professional presence in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
  • Adheres to dress code, PPE requirements, and professional conduct standards at all times.

Work Ethic & Team Collaboration

  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic; dependable, punctual, and accountable.
  • Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
  • Displays initiative and a commitment to high-quality outcomes.

Safety, Compliance & Organizational Alignment

  • Commitment to maintain safety, cleanliness, and compliance across all laboratory and clinical spaces.
  • Ability to follow organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Performs all duties in accordance with applicable statutes and professional standards.
  • Represents the organization positively and supports its mission, values, and operational goals.

Customer Service & Participant Support

  • Demonstrates strong customer service skills and a participant-focused mindset.
  • Ability to support instructors and participants during training events with professionalism and efficiency.
  • Maintains appropriate professional boundaries while fostering respectful and supportive interactions.

Regulatory & Safety Knowledge

  • Understanding of biosafety levels, bloodborne pathogens standards, and regulated medical waste handling.
  • Knowledge of AAALAC, USDA, and institutional animal care standards preferred.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES:

CLINICAL VETERINARY CARE

  • Perform patient triage, physical exams, sample collection, diagnostics (in-house labs, radiography), and treatment as directed.
  • Induce, monitor, and recover patients from anesthesia; place IV catheters; administer medications, vaccines, and fluids per protocols.
  • Perform dental prophylaxis, charting, radiography, and surgical site prep; maintain sterile technique.
  • Aid the Veterinary Assistant and kennel teams in the care of housed animals including properly identifying disease processes and administer prescribed medications.
  • Accurately document care in medical records; educate clients on treatment plans, medications, and home-care instructions.

BIOSKILLS AND VETERINARY LAB OPERATIONS

  • Set up, assist during, and break down BioSkills and Veterinary labs, ensuring stations, instruments, and equipment are clean, sanitized, stocked, and in working order.
  • Handle, stage, and dispose of human or animal cadaveric tissue per SOPs; maintain cold-chain, labeling, and chain-of-custody documentation as needed.
  • Prepare shipping/receiving of lab materials; track inventory and maintain PPE and supply par levels.
  • Inspect, calibrate, and remove from service any deficient instruments/equipment; report service needs promptly.
  • Support AV/recording needs during labs as requested; ensure a safe, professional client experience.

DRIVING, TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

  • Safely operate company vehicles to pick up and deliver animal anatomical specimens, live animals, equipment, and supplies; plan routes and schedules to meet program timelines.
  • Conduct pre-/post-trip inspections; maintain mileage, temperature, and chain-of-custody logs; comply with DOT/state rules and organizational SOPs.
  • Follow biohazard packaging/labeling, spill response, and decontamination procedures; maintain clean vehicles and transport containers.
  • Maintain a valid state driver’s license and insurable driving record; obtain/maintain medical clearance and/or CDL if required by business needs.
  • Provide professional customer service during pickups/deliveries; coordinate with vendors, shelters, clinics, and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain temperature-controlled transport conditions for biological specimens.

ANIMAL CARE & KENNEL OPERATIONS

  • Provide daily husbandry: feeding/watering, walking, enrichment, laundry, and kennel sanitation in accordance with infection-control protocols
  • Monitor animal health/behavior; promptly report concerns; perform weight checks, TPRs, and administer medications/treatments under veterinary direction.
  • Perform safe animal handling and restraint; assist with intake, ID, housing, and discharge; maintain accurate records and cage cards.
  • Maintain inventory of food, bedding, cleaning agents; operate autoclaves/sterilizers and ensure proper waste segregation and disposal.

SAFETY, COMPLIANCE & CULTURE

  • Adhere to SOPs, OSHA, biosafety, bloodborne pathogens, and animal welfare standards; use appropriate PPE at all times.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment across clinics, labs, kennels, and vehicles; promptly report incidents and near-misses
  • Cross-train and collaborate across teams to support events and clinical operations as assigned.
  • Ensure compliance with biohazard transport regulations and chain-of-custody documentation.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING HERE

What sets us apart, however, is not just our commitment to excellence in education but also our dedication to creating a workplace that values each team member. At Viticus Group, we foster a sense of belonging, tap into individual passions, and provide an enjoyable environment that encourages personal and professional growth. We believe in work-life balance and inject fun into our professional ethos through team outings, contests, and shared lunches. Joining Viticus Group means being part of a dynamic and supportive community where your contributions are not only recognized but celebrated.


PERKS

  • Competitive & Transparent Salary – Know what you’re worth and be paid fairly for it.
  • Comprehensive Benefits (Full-Time Employees) – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short & Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance are 100% employer-paid.
  • 401(k) with 3% Company Match (Full-Time Employees) – Invest in your future with our retirement savings plan.
  • Supportive & Collaborative Work Culture – Be part of a mission-driven team that values connection, communication, and kindness.
  • Ongoing Professional Development (Full-Time Employees) – From workshops to conferences, we support continuous learning and career growth
  • Wellness Programs (Full-Time Employees) – Access wellness resources and incentives designed to support your mental and physical well-being.
  • Employee Recognition & Appreciation Events – We celebrate wins—big and small—throughout the year!
  • Unique Industry Impact – Make a meaningful difference in veterinary medicine and animal health.
  • Work-Life Balance – We value your time with predictable scheduling and occasional flexibility based on role and business needs.
  • Fun Workplace Culture – Holiday contests, team lunches, and just enough quirks to make work more enjoyable.


Requirements:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Viticus Group is committed to principles of equal opportunities for all employees. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations that are necessary to comply with State and Federal disability discrimination laws.


General Requirements

  • Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and reach frequently.
  • Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.

Lifting and Carrying

  • Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Vision and Hearing

  • Close vision required to see computer monitors, read documents, and operate copy and fax machines.
  • Distance vision is required to drive an automobile if driving is a requirement of the job.

Work Environment

  • Work environment is indoors and climate-controlled.
  • Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
  • Moderate noise levels as found in a business office with computer printers, households with TVs and dishwashers, and driving in light traffic.