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Veterinary Kennel Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amerivet

Kennel Assistant

Saint Johnsbury, VT · On-site

$14.50 - $16/hr

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team. This role is essential in providing daily care hospitalized animals while supporting veterinarians and ...

American Veterinary Group

Kennel Assistant

Valdosta, GA · On-site

Kennel Assistant Department: General Practice Hospitals Employment Type: Full Time Location: Azalea ... Due to the nature of veterinary hospital operations, in-person attendance is necessary to support ...

Newburgh Veterinary Hospital

Kennel Assistant

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Description Join Our Team at Newburgh Veterinary Hospital as a Kennel Assistant! Do you have a passion for animals and love providing top-notch care? We're looking for a dedicated Kennel Assistant to ...

Innovetive Petcare

Kennel Assistant

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Newburgh, New York Compensation: $16.00 - $18.00 / hour Description Join Our Team at Newburgh Veterinary Hospital as a Kennel Assistant! Do you have a passion for animals and love providing top-notch ...

Innovetive Petcare

Kennel Assistant

Newburgh, NY

$16 - $18/hr

Join Our Team at Newburgh Veterinary Hospital as a Kennel Assistant! Do you have a passion for animals and love providing top-notch care? We're looking for a dedicated Kennel Assistant to join our ...

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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.
More about Veterinary Kennel Assistant jobs
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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

Kennel Assistant

Amerivet

Saint Johnsbury, VT • On-site

$14.50 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

AmeriVet rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

About this Job:

We are seeking a compassionate and dependable Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team. This role is essential in providing daily care hospitalized animals while supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians in maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable performing physically active cleaning duties in a fast-paced animal care environment. Kennel Assistants also help monitor animals during cleaning routines and report any concerns regarding appetite, behavior, or cleanliness to the veterinary team. Candidates should be comfortable working around dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.


Responsibilities
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, exam rooms, surgical rooms, and common areas
  • Walk hospitalized animals as needed throughout the day
  • Observe animal behavior and report concerns to veterinary staff
  • Launder bedding, restock supplies, and maintain facility cleanliness
  • Assist in cleaning and maintenance of surgical instruments as needed
  • Provide excellent customer service to pet owners during drop-off and pick-up

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Experience working with animals is a plus, but willing to train the right candidate
  • Comfortable handling dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to stand, bend, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented

What We Offer
  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Employee pet care discounts
  • Supportive team environment
  • Opportunities for growth within veterinary medicine

Pay Range: $14.50-$16.00/hr

At AmeriVet, we're committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.

Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

  • Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

  • Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.

  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.

  • Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.

  • A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Please note: Any Benefits listed above apply to full-time employees.

At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

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