ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Working With Pets Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Lead Pet Stylist

Grimes, IA

$250 - $500/day

We're all about making pets and their owners happy, and we do it by creating a groomer-first culture. If you're reliable, have a strong work ethic, and love working with animals, we want you on our ...

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Lead Pet Stylist

Clive, IA

$250 - $500/day

We're all about making pets and their owners happy, and we do it by creating a groomer-first culture. If you're reliable, have a strong work ethic, and love working with animals, we want you on our ...

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Lead Pet Stylist

Ankeny, IA

$250 - $500/day

We're all about making pets and their owners happy, and we do it by creating a groomer-first culture. If you're reliable, have a strong work ethic, and love working with animals, we want you on our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorking With Pets JobsWorking With Pets Jobs in Iowa

Working With Pets information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with pets, and how can they be managed?

Professionals working with pets often encounter challenges such as handling animals with behavioral issues, managing the emotional toll of caring for sick or injured pets, and maintaining clear communication with pet owners. Building strong animal handling skills, staying patient, and adopting stress-reduction techniques can help manage these situations. Additionally, ongoing education and collaborating with experienced colleagues can provide valuable support and insights to handle difficult scenarios effectively.

What does working with pets involve?

Working with pets typically involves caring for animals in various settings such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet grooming salons, or as a pet sitter or trainer. Responsibilities can include feeding, grooming, exercising, monitoring health, and providing companionship. Some roles may also require administering medication, training animals, or educating pet owners about proper care. This field is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy hands-on interaction with pets. The specific duties can vary widely depending on the job and the type of animals involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career working with pets, and why are they important?

To thrive in a career working with pets, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic pet care, and often a relevant qualification such as a certification in animal care or veterinary assistance. Familiarity with specialized tools like grooming equipment, animal restraint devices, and pet management software is typically required. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the well-being of the pets, foster positive client relationships, and contribute to a safe and effective work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Working With Pets jobs in Iowa? For Working With Pets jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working With Pets jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Working With Pets jobs in Iowa are:
Working With Pets jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With Pets job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Kennel Assistant (Rotating Shift) - Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital

PetVet Care Centers

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

PetVet Care Centers rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital is currently seeking a Kennel Assistants (Rotating Shift) to join our 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.
Creature Comforts Veterinary Hospital in Ankeny, IA stands out for its uniquely accessible approach — open 7 days a week, with extended hours until 8pm every day, making quality veterinary care available even for the busiest families across Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Des Moines, and Polk City. The team provides comprehensive care from wellness exams and vaccinations to dental care and nutritional counseling, all within a warm, welcoming environment where both clients and patients are made to feel genuinely valued.
Why Join Us:
  • This role offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in veterinary medicine.
  • In addition to daily patient care and support responsibilities, you'll have the chance to assist with minor medical tasks and procedures while receiving training and mentorship from an experienced team.

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)

  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
  • High school diploma or GED
  • No veterinary experience required; willing to train the right candidate
  • Interest in pursuing a long-term career in the veterinary field

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

  • Animal handling experience
  • Previous experience at a boarding facility or veterinary clinic

Schedule: Three 12.5 hour shifts and two weekend days per month

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

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 420 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

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

PetVet Care Centers logo

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.

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Westport, CT, US

Year founded

2012

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All PetVet Care Centers Jobs