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Weekend Kennel Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Ashland, VA · On-site

Kennel Assistant (Weekend Availability Required) Are you passionate about animals and interested in a future career in veterinary medicine? Our busy veterinary hospital and boarding facility is ...

NVA

Kennel Assistant

Purcellville, VA · On-site

Must be willing to work weekends and Holidays * Must have transportation Reception Qualifications ... Kennel Qualifications 1) Hardworking 2) Ok under stressful situations 3) Can handle cleaning animal ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Centreville, VA · On-site

We are seeking an Animal Care Attendant to join our team in a part time role. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Kennel Assistant

Centreville, VA · On-site

We are seeking an Animal Care Attendant to join our team in a part time role. The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the ...

Ethos Veterinary Health

Kennel Attendant

Henrico, VA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Learn appropriate restraint techniques to be able to assist in examinations, diagnostics, and ... Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays with one weekend off a month. * Strong client ...

EPS Canine

Kennel Technician

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23.15/hr

... * Assist other staff members on occasion with such tasks as prepping training floors or food for ... Availability on weekends and holidays to tend to kenneled canines Preferred Qualifications: * Prior ...

Allied Universal

Kennel Technician

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23.15/hr

... * Assist other staff members on occasion with such tasks as prepping training floors or food for ... Availability on weekends and holidays to tend to kenneled canines PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Prior ...

Allied Universal

Kennel Technician

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23.15/hr

... * Assist other staff members on occasion with such tasks as prepping training floors or food for ... Availability on weekends and holidays to tend to kenneled canines PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Prior ...

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Weekend Kennel Assistant information

What is a weekend kennel assistant?

Weekend kennel assistants are animal care workers who are responsible for looking after animals in a kennel during weekends. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the health and behavior of the animals. They may also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in animal housing areas and updating records. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently, often during early mornings, evenings, or holidays. Weekend kennel assistants play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and comfort of animals when regular staff are off-duty.

What are the main responsibilities of a weekend kennel assistant during a typical shift?

As a Weekend Kennel Assistant, your primary duties include feeding and watering animals, cleaning kennels and common areas, and ensuring each animal’s comfort and well-being. You’ll also monitor the health and behavior of pets, reporting any concerns to senior staff. Additionally, you may assist with exercise routines and interact with pet owners during drop-off or pick-up times. This role often involves teamwork and requires strong attention to detail to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, especially during busy weekends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend kennel assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Kennel Assistant, you generally need experience or comfort working with animals, basic animal care knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kennel management software, cleaning equipment, and proper handling techniques is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication with team members and pet owners help you excel in this role. These skills are essential to ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of the animals, as well as smooth daily operations in the kennel.

What is the difference between Weekend Kennel Assistant vs Pet Care Attendant?

AspectWeekend Kennel AssistantPet Care Attendant
Required CredentialsBasic animal handling, on-the-job trainingBasic animal handling, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentKennels, animal shelters, pet boarding facilitiesPet stores, shelters, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryAnimal care facilities, pet boarding servicesPet stores, shelters, veterinary clinics
Common Search/ComparisonWeekend Kennel Assistant vs Pet Care Attendant

Both roles involve caring for animals in similar environments and require basic animal handling skills. The main difference lies in the specific job duties and settings, with Weekend Kennel Assistants primarily working in kennels or boarding facilities, while Pet Care Attendants may work in pet stores or veterinary clinics. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right position based on their interests and experience.

How to be a weekend kennel assistant?

To become a weekend kennel assistant, you should have basic animal care knowledge, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely. Prior experience with pets or in a kennel environment is helpful, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Flexibility to work weekends and physical stamina are also important for this role.

Is being a weekend kennel assistant worth it?

A weekend kennel assistant role involves caring for animals during weekends, often requiring physical activity and attention to animal needs. It can provide flexible hours and experience in animal care, but pay rates are typically modest and it may not offer long-term career advancement without additional qualifications.

What's a typical day for a weekend kennel assistant?

A weekend kennel assistant's day typically involves feeding and watering animals, cleaning kennels and common areas, monitoring animal behavior, and providing basic care such as administering medications if trained. The role requires attention to safety, cleanliness, and animal well-being, often working outdoors or in animal care facilities with limited supervision. Tasks may vary depending on the facility's needs and may include assisting with exercise or grooming.

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Virginia?

For Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Weekend Kennel Assistant job openings:

Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Kennel Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Kennel Assistant

National Veterinary Associates

Ashland, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Feed and provide fresh water to animals according to established schedules

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cat condos, treatment areas, and equipment

  • Exercise, monitor, and provide enrichment for boarding pets

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 56 rated veterinary

Job description

Kennel Assistant (Weekend Availability Required)

Are you passionate about animals and interested in a future career in veterinary medicine? Our busy veterinary hospital and boarding facility is looking for a compassionate, dependable Kennel Assistant to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for high school or college students looking to gain hands-on experience in an animal care setting while exploring a career in veterinary medicine.

What You'll Do

As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an important role in the daily care and comfort of our boarding and hospitalized pets by:

  • Feeding and providing fresh water to animals according to established schedules
  • Safely handling and restraining pets using low-stress techniques
  • Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cat condos, treatment areas, and equipment to maintain a healthy environment
  • Exercising, monitoring, and providing enrichment for boarding pets
  • Transferring pets between boarding, treatment, and exercise areas
  • Assisting with bath packages, including nail trims, ear cleanings, and learning proper animal handling techniques
  • Communicating with clients by providing boarding pet updates over the phone
  • Learning our hospital software and supporting the team with basic administrative tasks as needed
Why Join Our Team?

We're more than just a boarding facility-we're a full-service veterinary hospital with over 100 indoor/outdoor dog runs and spacious cat condos. Our kennel team works closely with our medical team, giving you opportunities to learn beyond daily animal care.

As part of our team, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Shadow veterinarians and veterinary assistants during medical procedures
  • Learn basic veterinary skills and animal handling techniques
  • Develop client communication and customer service experience
  • Explore career paths within our hospital through internal career mapping
  • Grow into future roles such as Receptionist or Veterinary Assistant based on your interests, performance, and availability

Whether you're planning for veterinary school or simply love working with animals, this position provides valuable experience in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Schedule & Availability
  • Weekend availability is required. Candidates must be available to work both Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Typical shifts are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
  • Additional weekday shifts may be available.
  • Split shifts can be accommodated for students when scheduling allows.
  • Holiday availability is required, as our boarding facility is busiest during holiday seasons.
What We're Looking For
  • A genuine love for animals and a willingness to learn
  • Dependability, strong work ethic, and the ability to work as part of a team
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, physically active environment
  • Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of all sizes
  • No previous veterinary or animal care experience is required-we're happy to train the right candidate.

If you're looking to gain real-world veterinary experience, work alongside an experienced medical team, and start building a career in animal healthcare, we'd love to meet you!

What National Veterinary Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

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