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Weekend Kennel Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Assisting with the safe handling and restraint of patients, monitoring animals in the kennel, and ensuring all patients are comfortable and stress-free. * Clinic Maintenance: Ensuring the reception ...

Be Seen First

Assisting with the safe handling and restraint of patients, monitoring animals in the kennel, and ensuring all patients are comfortable and stress-free. * Clinic Maintenance: Ensuring the reception ...

Be Seen First

On-Call Hunting Dog Trainer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr (+ commission)

Supervise, coach, and develop kennel staff and seasonal assistants. * Create and maintain financial ... Work schedule includes weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by events or business ...

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Our Veterinary Assistants set the tone for the technical and customer support in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice.

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Weekend Kennel Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$7

$13

$19

How much do weekend kennel assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend kennel assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $13.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.53 and $15.77 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

For Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Weekend Kennel Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Weekend Kennel Assistant job openings:

Kennel Assistant - Montecito Veterinary Center

PetVet Care Centers

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$18.21 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Supports veterinarians and technicians by feeding, exercising, restraining, and handling pets.

  • Maintains cleanliness of the hospital by cleaning equipment, facilities, cages, and related areas, and managing laundry.

  • Assists with pet restraint, monitors pets for signs of distress or abnormal behavior, and reports any unusual conditions.


PetVet Care Centers rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Montecito Veterinary Center is currently seeking a Kennel Assistants to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.


Position Overview

Join our team as a Kennel Assistant who supports and adds value to an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. This position supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding, exercising, restraining and handling pets.
 
Montecito Veterinary Center in Santa Rosa, CA is a fast-paced, high-energy team that strongly values our employees and everything they do. Our hospital offers a supportive environment where every team member plays a vital role in delivering excellent patient care and client services. We strive for continuity of care and a care team with faces clients know and love.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Provides compassionate care to pets
  • Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
  • Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
  • Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint
  • Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
  • Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
  • Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
  • Correctly prioritizes tasks
  • Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital
  • Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
  • Walks patients according to schedule
  • Understands and carries out oral and written directions
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
  • Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
  • Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

  • Some animal care experience.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

  • Some Kennel Assistant experience at a kennel or veterinary hospitals. 

Schedule

  • Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
  • Four days per week is acceptable; five days per week is preferred.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources
Pay Range
$18.21—$22.25 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.  Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices. 


What PetVet Care Centers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About PetVet Care Centers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PetVet Care Centers, based in Westport, CT, US, is a leading player in the veterinary services industry. The company operates a network of over 350 general, specialty, and emergency hospitals across the United States, making it a central fixture in the field of animal health care. Established with a mission to provide the best possible care to the patients while supporting the people who provide that care, PetVet Care Centers continues to uphold this mission by providing comprehensive, quality medical services to pets. The company has achieved significant growth since its inception, standing as an industry pioneer by virtue of its commitment to advanced veterinary services and superior patient care.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westport, CT, US

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