1

Veterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Kennel Assistant

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Kennel Assistant Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

Veterinary Kennel Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$7

$12

$18

How much do veterinary kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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 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.
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:
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 Assistant

$16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 51 rated veterinary


Job description

Kennel Assistant 

 Valley Pet Hotel is hiring a seasonal  Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you! 

What to Expect 

As you join our team, expect to be supported in your work and home life with: 

  • A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Paid time off and a 401(k) plan for full-time employees 
  • Professional development opportunities  

Salary: $16.50 dependent on experience and skills 

Schedule: Between 6-58 hours a week depending on business demand. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Monitor the health and comfort of animals, recognize and respond to emergency situations, and report health concerns. 
  • Document treatments, activities, and observations. 
  • Walk dogs in all weather conditions. 
  • Feed and provide scheduled fresh water to dogs and cats. 
  • Maintain cleanliness by washing dishes, bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and cages. 
  • Change and replace soiled bedding and manage laundry tasks. 
  • Bathe animals as necessary before discharge. 
  • Perform general housekeeping duties in animal housing, food preparation, and laundry areas. 
  • Administer oral and topical medications, including flea and tick treatments. 
  • Assist with checking in and out boarding patients, ensuring proper labeling and ID collars. 

What Veterinary Practice Partners employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom