Kennel Assistant

National Veterinary Associates; Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization. This kennel assistant role supports hospitalized patients and boarders, assisting with feeding, sanitation, and day-to-day welfare under supervision.

We value compassionate care, physical stamina, and reliability. The position requires standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 pounds; no prior experience is required as training and mentorship are provided to follow hospital protocols.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age; high school diploma desirable.
• Reliable transportation.
• Stand for entire shifts and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, medical terminology, and infectious disease transmission.
• Compassion for animals with ability to handle workplace stress.
• Professional demeanor and client interaction skills.
• No prior work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, and provision of fresh water to patients and boarders.
• Sanitation: Cage and run cleaning with appropriate disinfection protocols, plus general hospital cleaning.
• Patient Monitoring: Walking dogs, observing behavior, monitoring appetite/elimination, recording observations.
• Support Functions: Assisting with specimen collection, medication administration support, and bathing/grooming as directed.
• Facility Management: Maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, restocking supplies, and performing maintenance tasks.

Skills

OSHA knowledge

Medical terminology

Infectious disease transmission

Compassion for animals

Client interaction

Physical stamina

Reliable transportation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

A kennel assistant (also known as an animal care attendant) serves as a foundational role in veterinary hospital operations, primarily responsible for the direct care and welfare of hospitalized patients and boarding animals.

Core Responsibilities

Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, and provision of fresh water to patients and boarders

Sanitation: Cage and run cleaning with appropriate disinfection protocols, along with general hospital cleaning of floors, surfaces, dishes, and laundry

Patient Monitoring: Walking dogs, observing animal behavior, monitoring appetite and elimination patterns, and recording observations

Support Functions: Assisting with specimen collection, medication administration support, and patient bathing/grooming as directed

Facility Management: Maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, restocking supplies, and performing maintenance tasks

Required Qualifications and Knowledge

Minimum 16 years of age; high school diploma desirable

Reliable transportation

Physical capability to stand during entire shifts and lift up to 50 pounds

Knowledge of OSHA standards, medical terminology, and infectious disease transmission

Compassion for animals with ability to handle workplace stress

Professional demeanor and client interaction skills

No prior work experience required.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.