Kennel Assistant

National Veterinary Associates; Lewis Center (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Care Center of Polaris, part of National Veterinary Associates, is seeking a dedicated Kennel Assistant to keep boarding and daycare animals safe, clean, fed, and comfortable. This entry-level position offers hands-on learning and growth within the veterinary field.

You will assist with daily maintenance, animal monitoring, grooming, sanitation, and stocking supplies, contributing to a clean and caring clinic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (or currently enrolled student if applying for part-time/weekend shifts).
• No prior veterinary experience required; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, and exercise boarding and daycare animals according to instructions and schedules.
• Provide leash-walking for dogs and litter box maintenance for cats.
• Monitor animals for illness or discomfort and report findings to the veterinary team.
• Bathe animals as requested and keep cages and runs stocked with clean bedding.
• Deep-clean cages, runs, and cat condos with hospital-grade cleaners to prevent disease.

Skills

Animal care basics

Physical stamina

Flexibility

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Hospital Name: Animal Care Center of Polaris

Job Type: Support Staff

Description & Requirements

The Animal Care Center of Polaris is seeking a dedicated, hardworking, and animal-loving Kennel Assistant to join our team. Your primary focus will be ensuring that all boarding and daycare animals are kept safe, clean, fed, and comfortable. This is a critical role that maintains the highest standards of cleanliness throughout our facility and directly impacts the health and happiness of our patients. This is an entry-level position with excellent opportunities to learn and grow within the veterinary field.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Maintenance: Feed, water, and exercise patients and boarding animals according to specific instructions and schedules.
• Walking & Solitary Time: Provide safe leash-walking for dogs in designated outdoor areas and ensure cats receive proper litter box maintenance and attention.
• Patient Monitoring: Observe animals closely for any signs of illness, discomfort, or changes in behavior (such as lack of appetite or lethargy) and immediately report findings to the veterinary team.
• Comfort & Grooming: Bathe patients as requested and ensure all cages and runs are stocked with clean, dry bedding.
• Kennel Sanitation: Deep-clean, scrub, and disinfect cages, runs, and cat condos using hospital-grade cleaners to prevent the spread of disease.
• Laundry Management: Run continuous loads of laundry to keep the clinic stocked with clean towels, and blankets.
• General Housekeeping: Sweep, mop, take out trash, and maintain clean common areas, treatment areas, and outdoor pet waste stations.
• Stocking Supplies: Keep food storage areas, cleaning supply closets, and kennel areas organized and fully stocked.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: No prior veterinary experience required; prior experience in animal shelters, doggy daycares, or pet grooming is highly valued. We are happy to train the right candidate!
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (or currently enrolled student if applying for part-time/weekend shifts).
• Physical Requirements: Must be comfortable lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted and spending the majority of the shift standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Availability: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure continuous animal care.
• Attributes: A strong work ethic, attention to detail, compassion for animals, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.