Kennel Assistant

Ethos Veterinary Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

CE opportunities (VetBloom)

Employee Assistance Program

Uniforms provided

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Job summary

SAGE San Francisco, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, is seeking a Kennel Assistant to support patient care in a fast-paced specialty and emergency hospital. You will help maintain a clean, safe environment, assist veterinarians and technicians, and ensure animal comfort.

This full-time hourly role offers hands-on experience in a premier hospital, opportunities for growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and restraint techniques.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Compassionate, dependable, and detail‑oriented approach to patient care.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Previous experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, daycare, or boarding facility preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized hospital, including kennels, treatment areas, laundry, dishwashing, and patient housing.
• Provide basic patient care, including feeding, monitoring feeding schedules, and observing patient comfort.
• Clean, stock, and organize treatment and exam rooms.
• Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and hospital operations as directed.
• Safely handle and restrain animal patients using appropriate techniques.
• Follow hospital protocols to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for patients, clients, and staff.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑focused hospital culture.

Skills

Animal care basics

Follow instructions

Organizational skills

Compassionate care

Team player

Vet hospital experience (preferred)

Job description

$18.00–$21.00/hour (DOE) Full-time opportunity in San Francisco, California

Start your veterinary career at SAGE San Francisco, one of Northern California's premier specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals. As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in supporting patient care by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized hospital while providing compassionate care for hospitalized pets. You'll work alongside board-certified specialists, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and experienced veterinary professionals in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Why Join SAGE San Francisco

At SAGE San Francisco, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, we provide advanced emergency and specialty care through collaboration, innovation, and compassionate medicine. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional patient care while fostering a culture of teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning.

As a Kennel Assistant, you'll gain valuable hands‑on experience in a specialty hospital and build a strong foundation for a long‑term career in veterinary medicine.

In Your Day-to-Day, You Will

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized hospital, including kennels, treatment areas, laundry, dishwashing, and patient housing.
• Provide basic patient care, including feeding, monitoring feeding schedules, and observing patient comfort.
• Clean, stock, and organize treatment and exam rooms.
• Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with patient care and hospital operations as directed.
• Safely handle and restrain animal patients using appropriate techniques.
• Follow hospital protocols to maintain a sanitary and safe environment for patients, clients, and staff.
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑focused hospital culture.

What You Bring

• Basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and restraint techniques.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Compassionate, dependable, and detail‑oriented approach to patient care.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Previous experience in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, daycare, or boarding facility preferred but not required.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.

Perks & Benefits

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short‑term and long‑term disability, and life insurance.

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with employer contribution, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), paid vacation, and sick leave
• VetBloom continuing education access, ongoing professional development, and career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), uniforms provided, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

Location Highlight

Located in the heart of San Francisco, SAGE offers the opportunity to launch or grow your veterinary career in one of the nation's leading specialty hospitals. Enjoy working with advanced medical teams while living in a city known for its diverse neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, world‑class dining, and vibrant culture.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world‑class medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of more than 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic‑caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two‑way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow professionally and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and help improve the lives of pets and their families every day.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job—it's an opportunity to begin or grow your veterinary career while making a meaningful difference for pets, their families, and your teammates. If you're passionate about animal care and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.