Kennel Assistant

Coldwater Animal Hospital; Rochester (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Employee pet discounts

Job summary

Coldwater Animal Hospital in Rochester, CA is seeking a part-time Kennel Assistant to join our team of veterinarians, technicians and support staff. You will help ensure every animal receives the best possible care during their stay, including husbandry, cleaning, feeding, and monitoring health.

Schedule averages 20–25 hours per week with day and evening shifts and some Saturdays. Hourly pay ranges from $16 to $16.50, depending on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Must be able to multi-task and take initiative—self-starters thrive here!
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, physical role—you’ll be on your feet 90% of your shift
• Passion for animals and their well-being
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Husbandry, hospital cleaning, and restocking (roughly 75%)
• Hands-on care with animals (roughly 25%)
• Monitor health and comfort, respond to emergencies, report concerns
• Document treatments, activities, and observations
• Walk dogs in all weather and provide fresh water
• Maintain cleanliness of kennels, dishes, and bedding
• Assist with check-ins/outs and boarding care
• Assist veterinarians and techs during examinations and procedures
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately

Job description

Coldwater Animal Hospital is hiring a part-time Kennel Assistant

to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!

What to Expect

As you join our mission, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• All the benefits you deserve. Medical, dental, vision, retirement - plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too. For full-time employees.
• Paid time off. Catch your breath with a generous PTO policy, allowing you to take the time you need to recharge. For full-time employees.
• Employee Pet Discounts! Because we know your pets are family, too.
• 401(k) plan

Salary: $16 - $16.50 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: This is a part time position averaging 20-25 hours per week.

• Combination of day and evening shifts.
• Weekday shifts: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM or 12:00 PM–9:00 PM.
• Two Saturdays per month, typically 8:00 AM–2:00 PM.
• Evening and weekend availability is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• 75% of the role involves husbandry, hospital cleaning, and re-stocking
• 25% of the role includes hands-on care with animals
• Monitor the health and comfort of animals, recognize and respond to emergency situations, and report health concerns.
• Document treatments, activities, and observations.
• Walk dogs in all weather conditions.
• Feed and provide scheduled fresh water to dogs and cats.
• Maintain cleanliness by washing dishes, bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and cages.
• Change and replace soiled bedding and manage laundry tasks.
• Bathe animals as necessary before discharge.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in animal housing, food preparation, and laundry areas.
• Administer oral and topical medications, including flea and tick treatments.
• Assist with checking in and out boarding patients, ensuring proper labeling and ID collars.
• Identify and alleviate stress in boarding animals through interactive play and mental stimulation.
• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately

Qualifications:

• Must be able to multi-task and take initiative—self-starters thrive here!
• Comfortable with a fast-paced, physical role—you’ll be on your feet 90% of your shift
• Passion for animals and their well-being
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

About Coldwater Animal Hospital

Coldwater Animal Hospital has been providing exceptional care for pets since 1989. Founded by Dr. Korte, our hospital offers a range of services, including preventive care, dental treatments, dietary management, routine surgeries, and laser therapy to support long, healthy lives for pets.

We are committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine while creating a stress-free experience for our patients. From minimizing wait times to using dimmable lights, comfortable exam mats, and gentle handling techniques, we prioritize your pet’s comfort.

At Coldwater Animal Hospital, your pet’s health and happiness are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.