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Weekend Kennel Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Kennel Technician

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Assisting veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary assistants with patient handling and restraint ... Previous animal care, kennel, boarding, or veterinary experience is a plus, but we're happy to ...

Part Time Kennel Technician

Forest Grove, OR · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Assisting veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary assistants with patient handling and restraint ... Previous animal care, kennel, boarding, or veterinary experience is a plus, but we're happy to ...

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Weekend Kennel Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do weekend kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend kennel assistant in Portland, OR is $13.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.19 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Weekend Kennel Assistant job openings:

$16.80 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is seeking full-time Kennel Assistants to join our team.
As a Kennel Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting the medical team by maintaining a clean and well stocked work environment and providing general care for patients while they are in the hospital. Daily tasks include laundry; garbage; kennel cleaning; exam room and isolation protocol cleaning; maintaining supply levels throughout the hospital, animal care for patients such as walking and providing clean water; assisting with animal restraint; transporting supplies and patients within the hospital, parking lots, and between buildings, including potentially driving the patient transport van; and other similar tasks as needed.
A genuine love of and respect for all animals is required, as is an appreciation of the human-animal bond.
Wage: $16.80-18 hourly, plus additional pay for qualifying shifts (such as overnight shifts)
Schedule: This position will work a 3/4 rotating schedules, which means you work three 10-hour shifts one week and four 10-hour shifts the next, rotating back and forth. That averages 35 hours per week for full-time and gives you 3-4 days off every week! As a 24/7 hospital, all available positions require weekend and holiday availability.
What you can look forward to at DoveLewis:
  • As a nonprofit with community-focused services your work makes a difference to the animal-loving community and to individual pet owners on a daily basis.
  • Student debt repayment assistance (qualify in your first month!)
  • Equitable benefits, including medical, dental, vision, $0 mental health copays, preventative care, LGBTQIA-friendly providers, and options for families.

What are we looking for in a candidate?
  • A driver's license in Oregon or Washington is highly preferred for this role and would be required before being eligible for future promotion.
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers, clients, and vendors in a courteous and professional manner both verbally and in writing.
  • General understanding of animal behavior and knowledge of safe animal handling and transport practices, especially for cats and dogs.
  • Knowledge of veterinary or other medical practice safety measures highly preferred.
  • Ability to work the available schedule, including at least 1 weekend day per week, holidays, and on-call responsibilities is required.
  • Experience or education equivalent to a High School diploma

How to apply:
To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application and upload a resume. Resumes received without a completed online application will not be considered.
DoveLewis is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background check and drug screen for illegal substances is required.