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Veterinary Kennel Assistant information

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How much do veterinary kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary kennel assistant in the United States is $12.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary kennel assistant?

Veterinary Kennel Assistants are support staff in veterinary clinics or animal hospitals who help care for animals during their stay. Their duties typically include cleaning and disinfecting kennels, feeding and exercising animals, monitoring their behavior and well-being, and assisting veterinary staff with basic animal care tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for hospitalized or boarding animals. Kennel assistants may also interact with pet owners and help with record-keeping or other administrative tasks as needed.

What does a veterinary kennel assistant do?

Veterinary Kennel Assistants are responsible for maintaining clean and safe environments for animals by cleaning kennels, providing food and water, and monitoring animal health and behavior. They often assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with basic animal handling, record keeping, and occasionally with administering medications under supervision. This role is essential for ensuring the well-being and comfort of animals in the clinic, and it provides valuable hands-on experience for those interested in advancing to more specialized veterinary roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary kennel assistant?

To thrive as a Veterinary Kennel Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, cleaning supplies, and sometimes kennel management software is beneficial. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills help you provide quality care and work effectively with both animals and staff. These skills are essential for maintaining animal health, safety, and efficient daily operations in a veterinary environment.

What is the difference between Veterinary Kennel Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary Kennel AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNo formal certification required, on-the-job trainingRequires veterinary technician certification or license
Work EnvironmentAnimal care areas, kennels, sheltersClinics, hospitals, diagnostic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning, basic animal carePerforming medical procedures, assisting veterinarians

Veterinary Kennel Assistants typically handle basic animal care tasks in kennels or shelters, while Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities and certifications, working closely with veterinarians in clinical settings.

What cities are hiring for Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Kennel Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs include:

Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Kennel Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,703 per year, or $12.4 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Assistant

Oceanside, NY • On-site

Oceanside Veterinary Hospital
Veterinary Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Oceanside Veterinary Hospitalexternal

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant/Kennel Assistant needed for a general veterinary practice on the south shore. The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal care and knowledge of veterinary medicine. The successful candidate will also be comfortable working with a variety of animals and have excellent communication skills.
Veterinary/Kennel assistants help the veterinarians and technicians for exams/various procedures as well as provide a clean, organized, and safe environment for animals being treated or housed in the hospital. Being able to clean, get your hands dirty, and maintain self-motivation are important keys to succeeding in this role.
Responsibilities:
  • Feeding, caring for, walking, and bathing animals.
  • Ensure that all animals have fresh water, and cats have clean litter pans.
  • Maintain accurate records of animal care and treatments.
  • Assist doctors and veterinary technicians as needed with medical services
  • This includes learning and providing safe and proper restraint for injections, blood draws, radiographs, ultrasounds, catheter placement, and surgical prep.
  • Observe animal behavior or health condition and report to the Veterinarian
  • Clean and maintain kennels, cages, runs, and other areas of the veterinary facility.
  • General cleanings such as sweeping, mopping, and laundry
  • Restocking supplies throughout the day.
Requirements:
  • Must be dependable: must be punctual and and be on time for your shift.
  • Positive and friendly attitude. good communication and listening skills.
  • Ability to work independently.
Experience working in an animal hospital or with animals preferred.