Kennel Assistant

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Findlay (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation/sick days

401(k)

Employee pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc. is seeking a Kennel Assistant to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of boarded and hospitalized pets. You will keep kennels clean, feed and walk animals, bathe them as needed, and support veterinary staff.

This role emphasizes teamwork in a fast-paced veterinary environment, with responsibilities including cleaning, laundry, and maintaining facility hygiene. A friendly, reliable performer helps deliver compassionate care and excellent client service.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred but not always required.
• Basic literacy and numeracy to follow instructions and maintain records.
• Experience handling dogs and cats safely and with compassion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize kennels and animal cages.
• Feed and provide water to dogs and cats per dietary instructions.
• Walk dogs to provide exercise and enrichment.
• Bathe dogs as needed for comfort and cleanliness.
• Perform laundry and maintain hospital premises.
• Assist doctors and technicians with animal handling.

Skills

Animal care

Kennel duties

Team player

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Kennel Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of boarded and hospitalized pets at the veterinary hospital. This position supports the hospital’s commitment to exceptional client service and high-quality animal care by maintaining clean and safe environments, providing daily care to animals, and assisting veterinary staff as needed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Clean and sanitize animal cages and kennel areas to maintain a hygienic environment.
• Feed and provide water to dogs and cats according to dietary instructions.
• Walk dogs regularly to provide exercise and enrichment.
• Bathe dogs as required, ensuring their comfort and cleanliness.
• Perform laundry duties, including washing bedding and towels.
• Clean and maintain hospital premises, including common areas and animal care spaces.
• Assist Doctors and Technicians with animal handling and other tasks as necessary.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Education

Preferred

• A high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred but not always required.

Required

TYPE & YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills to follow instructions, maintain records, and communicate effectively.
• Experience handling and caring for dogs and cats safely and compassionately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Kennel Assistant or in a similar animal care role is preferred.
• Familiarity with cleaning and sanitation protocols in animal care settings is advantageous.
• Experience assisting veterinary staff or working in a veterinary or boarding facility is a plus but not mandatory.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working as a Kennel Assistant or in a similar animal care role.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and client service.
• Ability to handle and care for dogs and cats safely and compassionately.
• Good physical stamina to perform cleaning, walking, and bathing duties.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and health care practices is a plus.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com