Kennel Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Valleydale Animal Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking a Kennel Assistant to join a welcoming team. You will care for boarding and daycare pets, monitor their well-being, and help maintain a clean, safe kennel environment.

Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays is required. We value reliable, compassionate individuals who communicate well with teammates and can handle a fast-paced setting while lifting up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• Must love animals and show genuine care.
• Reliable, hardworking, and able to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent communication and good judgment under stress.
• Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs.
• Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized care for boarding and daycare pets.
• Monitor animal health and promptly report concerns to the medical team.
• Maintain kennel cleanliness and safety across all areas.
• Assist with daily resort operations and inventory management.

Skills

Compassion for animals

Strong communication

Reliability

Heavy lifting

Job description

At Valleydale Animal Clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, you join a legacy of comprehensive care dating back to 1976. Our commitment is simple: providing the best service possible to ensure every patient leaves happy and healthy. This dedication to excellence is confirmed by our distinction as an American Animal Hospital Association, or AAHA, accredited facility, a standard met by only 15% of hospitals nationwide. Furthermore, we were honored as one of America's Best Animal Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek, reflecting the high quality of medicine you will practice here. When you see our stellar 4.9-star community rating on Google, you know you are partnering with a highly trusted practice where you can truly do your best work. While practicing high-level medicine is paramount, we believe in supporting every teammate's professional journey. If you are looking to grow into a leadership role, achieve specialized credentialing, or simply advance your clinical skills, you will find the programs and mentorship you need here. Our supportive culture is focused on fostering an environment where you feel empowered to pursue your clinical interests and achieve your long-term career goals alongside supportive colleagues and teammates. We offer the structure of a robust network that ensures you have the educational resources required to succeed. The medicine you practice will span a wide spectrum, catering to both small animals and exotic pets. Our full range of medical services includes advanced surgical procedures, comprehensive testing and diagnostics, wellness and prevention protocols, and critical urgent and emergency care. Working within an AAHA accredited hospital means you are constantly held to the highest global benchmarks for patient care, from anesthesia protocols to diagnostic imaging. You will be practicing the gold standard of veterinary medicine in a setting that demands quality, compassion, and skill in every interaction. Birmingham, Alabama, provides a fantastic backdrop for your next career step. Known as the Magic City, this community offers you the perfect blend of Southern hospitality, vibrant culture, and affordability. After delivering excellent care at Valleydale Animal Clinic, you can explore the city’s thriving food scene, beautiful green spaces, or rich historical districts. This location offers you the chance to achieve career fulfillment without sacrificing quality of life.

Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant

• Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
• Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
• Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
• A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
• The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
• Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.