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Veterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bluegrass Animal Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Kennel Assistant Veterinary Kennel Assistants are valuable members of our medical teams and play a crucial role in patient care. You will be responsible for providing direct support to the kennel and ...

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Veterinary Kennel Assistant information

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How much do veterinary kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 the salary of a kennel technician?

The salary of a veterinary kennel technician typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

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 education do you need to be a kennel assistant?

Veterinary kennel assistants typically do not need formal higher education but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include animal care, basic cleaning, and sometimes certification in pet first aid or handling, depending on the employer's requirements.

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.

What does a veterinary kennel assistant do?

A veterinary kennel assistant is responsible for caring for animals in a veterinary setting, including feeding, cleaning, and providing basic comfort. They may also assist with handling animals, cleaning kennels, and supporting veterinary staff during examinations and treatments. Good communication skills and knowledge of animal behavior are helpful in this role.

Is it hard to be a kennel assistant?

Being a veterinary kennel assistant can be physically demanding, as it involves cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals, often requiring attention to detail and stamina. The job may also involve handling distressed or difficult animals and working early mornings, evenings, or weekends. While it can be challenging, it is generally manageable with proper training and a genuine interest in animal care.
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Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Veterinary Kennel Assistant

Veterinary Kennel Assistant

K.E.Y. Animal Hospital, Inc.

Wheeling, WV

$14.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

K.E.Y. Animal Hospital is looking to add members to our team!

We are a 1.5 small animal doctor practice in the Wheeling WV area seeking a well-qualified, enthusiastic Veterinary Kennel Assistants. The ideal candidate should possess proficient knowledge of basic veterinary practices. Use safe restraining techniques, follow standard protocols, and sustain clean, sterile, organized kennel and treatment areas.

Compensation is dependent on experience and skill level. We are looking for a long-term, enthusiastic, knowledgeable team member that can help us to continue to grow and provide a high standard and quality veterinary medical service to our local community.

Veterinary Kennel Assistant Duties

- Observe animal appearance/activity and general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.

- Handle animals as required and restrain animals.

- Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise.

- Provide care for animals housed/visiting the Hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to the doctor and/or veterinary technician.

- Discharge and admit animals at the request of doctors, receptionists, and veterinary technicians. Assure animals being discharged have been checked by a doctor and/or veterinary technician Ensure that animals are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.

- Obtain stool and urine samples as assigned.

- Ensure that cages and animals are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.

- Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, and runs as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.

- Launder and dry towels and blankets.

- Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.

- Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of animals that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized.

- Maintain boarding areas thru proper stocking and cleaning.

- Responsible for maintaining boarding inventory. Including but not limited to kennel food, bowls, bedding, leashes, grooming supplies, and cleaning supplies.

- Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

We are open 365 days must be willing to work some weekends and holidays. Benefits available after 90 days.

Potential Shifts:

Monday-Friday 7:00am - 2:00pm or 1:00pm - 7:00pm

Saturday 7:00am - 1:00pm and 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Sunday 7:00am - 11:00am and 5:00pm - 7:00pm


HOURLY PAY & BENEFITS for full time employees (summary only):

- Paid Vacation and Holidays

- Health Insurance

- 401(k) with Company Match

- Profit Sharing

- Continuing education expenses provided

- Bonuses

- Discounted veterinary care for pets.

- Family-friendly & flexible work shifts.

Job Type: Full-time


Starting $14.75 per hour


Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Veterinary experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person


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