Full Time Kennel Assistant - Picayune Veterinary Clinic

Picayune Veterinary Clinic; Picayune (MS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) plan

Pet Discounts

Wellbeing support

CE stipends

Career development

Job summary

Picayune Veterinary Clinic is seeking a Full Time Kennel Assistant in Picayune, MS. The role supports veterinarians and technicians by feeding, exercising, restraining, and caring for pets, while maintaining a clean hospital environment.

The position emphasizes patient safety, accurate record-keeping, and clear communication with clients. Benefits and growth opportunities are highlighted to foster a culture of care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 year of animal handling or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Feed animals as prescribed; monitor appetite and water intake.
• Report unusual conditions or distress in pets.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with restraint.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and sanitation; safely use cleaning chemicals.
• Prioritize and complete daily and weekly chores; manage laundry.
• Communicate health recommendations clearly to clients.
• Handle difficult animals safely and professionally.
• Perform duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Animal handling

Pet care

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Full Time Kennel Assistant - Picayune Veterinary Clinic

PetVet Care Centers' Picayune Veterinary Clinic is currently seeking a Full Time Kennel Assistant 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.

Picayune Veterinary Clinic in Picayune, Mississippi is a full-service animal hospital providing a wide range of services, including wellness care, diagnostics, and surgery. Known for its experienced team and community focus, the clinic delivers high-quality, personalized care for every patient.

Why Join Us

• Gain new skills through cross-training and explore opportunities for career advancement within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• 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
• 1 year experience of animal handling or equivalent.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• 1 to 3 years of Kennel experience but willing to train. Entry level job.

Schedule

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 aCulture 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.

Why Consider Our Picayune Hospital?

At Picayune Veterinary Clinic, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.

Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.

We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.

We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Picayune Veterinary Clinic, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.