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Veterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jenks Veterinary Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Jenks, OK

Jenks Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical support to the ...

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Veterinary Kennel Assistant information

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How much do veterinary kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 are Veterinary Kennel Assistants?

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 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 are the typical daily responsibilities of a Veterinary Kennel Assistant and how do they contribute to overall animal care?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs are:
Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Kennel Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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/Kennel Assistant

Veterinary/Kennel Assistant

Innovetive Petcare

Hernando, MS

$12 - $14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Innovetive Petcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated veterinary

Job description

Veterinary / Kennel Assistant (Growth Track into Veterinary Medicine)
Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center - Hernando, MS

Are you looking to start or grow your career in veterinary medicine? Do you enjoy working with animals and want hands-on experience in a fast-paced, supportive hospital?

Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center is hiring a Veterinary / Kennel Assistant who is eager to learn, works hard, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe environment for pets and people. This is more than just a kennel role-this position includes a structured rotation into veterinary assisting, giving you the opportunity to develop real clinical skills over time.

Whether you're early in your animal care career or looking to transition into veterinary medicine, this is an excellent entry-level veterinary job with growth potential.
About the Role
This is a dual-role position combining kennel care, hospital cleaning, and hands-on veterinary support training. You'll start by helping maintain the hospital and care for boarding/hospitalized pets, then gradually rotate into assisting our medical team.

We're looking for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated to grow into a clinical role.
Animal Care & Kennel Responsibilities
  •  Feed, walk, and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets 
  •  Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and hospital areas 
  •  Ensure pets are comfortable, safe, and well cared for 
  •  Observe and report any changes in behavior or health 
Hospital Cleaning & Maintenance
  •  Maintain cleanliness throughout the clinic (floors, surfaces, exam rooms) 
  •  Follow proper sanitation and infection control protocols 
  •  Assist with laundry, waste disposal, and general organization 
  •  Help keep a safe, welcoming environment for clients and staff 
Veterinary Assistant Training & Rotation
  •  Learn proper animal handling and restraint techniques 
  •  Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and treatments 
  •  Support basic procedures and patient care as skills develop 
  •  Gain exposure to diagnostics, surgery prep, and medical workflows 
  •  Receive mentorship and hands-on training from experienced team members
We're seeking a motivated, experienced team member who thrives in a clinical environment.
Required / Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required 
  • Previous animal care, kennel, or veterinary experience preferred (not required) 
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn 
  • Ability to handle physically active work (standing, lifting, cleaning) 
  • Positive attitude and team-first mindset 
  • Comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments 
  • Interest in growing into a Veterinary Assistant or Technician role
Full-Time Benefits Include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays
  • 401(k) with employer contributions
  • Continuing education & professional development support
  • Access to conferences, online CE, and training resources
  • Employee pet care discounts
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Career advancement opportunities within a growing practice
  • Supportive, respectful, team-first culture
Why You'll Love It Here
At Hernando Animal Clinic and Surgery Center, you're not just filling a role-you're joining a team that respects experience, supports growth, and values quality medicine.

If you're ready to bring your veterinary skills to a practice where they truly matter, we'd love to meet you.
Apply today and take the next step in your veterinary career.

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