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Veterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Attendant

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

We are seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our amazing team! The ideal candidate is dependable ... Previous experience in patient handling or the veterinary industry is highly preferred. This is an ...

All JobsVeterinary Kennel JobsVeterinary Kennel Assistant JobsVeterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Veterinary Kennel Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do veterinary kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary kennel assistant in Riverside, CA is $12.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.05 and $15.05 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Veterinary Kennel Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Kennel Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,815 per year, or $12.9 per hour.

Kennel Attendant

VCA Animal Hospitals

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 656 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

We are seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our amazing team! The ideal candidate is dependable, energetic, and compassionate, with a strong work ethic and a passion for working with animals. Previous experience in patient handling or the veterinary industry is highly preferred.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves animals, and wants to be part of a tight-knit team that values positivity, respect, and excellence in care.
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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