Kennel Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health package

Life insurance and disability

EAP

401k with company match

Paid time off

Personal pet discount

Uniform allowance

Part-time benefits as per policy

Job summary

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Peoria, IL, is hiring a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to support patient care and the veterinary team. You will feed, walk, monitor, and document observations for boarding animals while keeping kennels and treatment areas clean and stocked.

Ideal candidates have 1+ year kennel experience, a passion for animal welfare, and the ability to safely handle dogs and cats of various sizes in a teamwork-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience as veterinary kennel assistant or kennel technician preferred.
• Passion for animal care and patient wellbeing.
• Ability to safely handle, walk, and monitor dogs and cats of varying sizes.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn patient safety techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide meals and walks for boarding patients and monitor health and behavior.
• Sanitize kennels, common spaces, and treatment areas; restock supplies.
• Administer medications as directed and document observations.
• Support veterinary team with patient handling and clean, organized environment.

Skills

Kennel experience

Animal care

Team player

Observation skills

Job description

Tender Care Animal Hospital 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.

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.

Schedule And Compensation

• Compensation: $15 - $17 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a [flexible, full-time, or part-time] position, with a [5/8, 4/10] schedule and availability needed [Monday-Friday, Monday-Saturday].

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
• Personal pet discount
• Uniform allowance
• Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Your Qualifications

• 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
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative
• Ability to stay organized and maintain a clean, safe environment
• Dependability and attention to detail
• 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

Why choose Tender Care Animal Hospital?

As an AAHA-accredited hospital, Tender Care Animal Hospital is proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where team members are encouraged to grow professionally and personally. Our team of 4 DVMs values compassion, teamwork, and continuous learning while providing exceptional care to pets and the people who love them.

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.

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