Kennel Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance and disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Alpine Animal Clinic in Helena, Montana, is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team. The role focuses on patient husbandry, care, and thorough documentation, with duties across boarding, housekeeping, and basic medication administration.

You will also be cross-trained in reception to support client communication and scheduling. The position offers a 4/10 schedule with Monday–Friday hours and rotating weekends, and compensation ranging from $15 to $17 per hour plus benefits as

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience as a veterinary kennel assistant / kennel technician preferred.
• Passion for animal care and patient wellbeing.
• Ability to safely handle, restrain, walk, and monitor animals.
• Strong observational skills and willingness to communicate patient concerns to the veterinary team.
• Stay organized and maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to different areas of the hospital.

Responsibilities

• Focus on patient husbandry and care.
• Perform general housekeeping throughout the hospital.
• Provide meals and walks to boarding patients.
• Administer medication and monitor for medical or behavioral concerns; document observations.
• Sanitize kennels, common spaces, and treatment areas; keep stocked with supplies.
• Cross-train in reception; support front-desk operations including client communication, scheduling, and phones.

Skills

Animal care

Observation skills

Team-oriented

Client communication

Willingness to learn

Detail-oriented

Safety handling of animals

Education

1+ years of kennel experience

Job description

Alpine Animal Clinic is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical support to the veterinary team.

In this role, you will focus on patient husbandry and care, as well as general housekeeping duties throughout the hospital. You will provide meals and walks to boarding patients, administer medication, and monitor for any medical or behavioral concerns while providing detailed documentation about your observations. You will ensure kennels, common spaces, and treatment areas are sanitized and well stocked with supplies.

As part of your training and development, you will also be cross-trained in reception. This will provide an opportunity to learn and support front-desk operations, including client communication, scheduling, answering phones, and other general reception responsibilities as needed.

This position is ideal for those who are self-driven, detail-oriented, enjoy cleaning and organization, and are committed to contributing to a team-focused environment. We are looking for someone who is flexible, willing to learn, and comfortable supporting different areas of the hospital based on team and operational needs.

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $15 - $17 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time position, with a 4/10 schedule and availability needed Monday-Friday with one rotating weekend per month.

Full-time Benefits Package*:

• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

• 1+ years of experience as a veterinary kennel assistant / kennel technician preferred
  • Will consider related experience within animal care such as boarding / doggy daycare attendant, FFA or 4H background
• A genuine passion for animal care and patient wellbeing
• Confidence working with dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to safely handle, restrain, walk, and monitor animals under supervision
  • Strong awareness of animal behavior and willingness to learn patient safety and handling techniques
• Ability to stay organized and maintain a clean, safe environment
• A positive, team-oriented attitude
• Physical ability to meet the demands of a hands-on animal care role
• Strong observational skills and willingness to communicate patient concerns to the veterinary team
• Interest in learning and growing within the veterinary profession

W hy choose Alpine Animal Clinic?

Alpine Animal Clinic in Helena, Montana, is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care for pets in a welcoming, state-of-the-art facility. Our team of 9 DVMs and experienced support staff work together to provide high-quality medical care tailored to each pet’s individual needs. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we are committed to maintaining high standards of veterinary care while creating a positive experience for both our patients and their families. With a strong focus on client education and communication, we strive to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ health and well-being.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

Pay Range

$15 - $17 USD

Western Veterinary Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Western Veterinary Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail]. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.

Voluntary Self-Identification

As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify demographic information for compliance and reporting purposes. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary and refusal to provide this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

Any information provided will be kept confidential and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This information will not be used in making hiring decisions.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.