Kennel Assistant

Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic; Vestavia Hills (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet care discounts

Discount platform access

Teladoc access

401k retirement options

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Job summary

Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our compassionate team. You’ll be the primary caregiver for boarding and daycare pets, ensuring proper feeding, exercise, and gentle handling to keep every guest comfortable and safe.

You’ll monitor animal behavior, report health concerns to the medical team, and maintain a clean, sanitary environment. The role supports operations, inventory and teamwork in a busy, pet‑centered setting with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Love for animals and commitment to welfare.
• Reliable, hardworking in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and good judgment; handle stress calmly.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs; physically active role.
• Previous kennel assistant experience preferred; flexible schedule including some weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide Personalized Care: boarding and daycare pets; correct food, exercise and attention.
• Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: monitor behavior and notify medical team of concerns.
• Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kennel areas.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: manage inventory for food and cleaning supplies; collaborate with team.

Skills

Love for animals

Reliable

Hardworking

Strong communication

Stays calm under pressure

Physical stamina

Job description

When you join Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic, you become part of a highly respected institution that has provided comprehensive veterinary care to the Birmingham community since 1990. Our dedication to treating pets like our own has earned us exceptional community trust, reflected in our outstanding 4.9-star Google rating. We offer a challenging yet supportive environment focused on Pet Wellness, Urgent Care, Advanced Care, and complex surgical procedures. If you are seeking an opportunity to practice high-quality medicine alongside dedicated teammates, this is where you can do your best work.We understand that support is crucial for your professional success. As part of a larger network of hospitals, you benefit from a culture dedicated to continuous learning and professional achievement. We provide the structure and resources necessary for you to achieve your career goals, whether that means expanding your clinical focus or moving into a leadership role. You will collaborate with teammates who prioritize education and are committed to creating a focused workflow that allows you to concentrate solely on comprehensive patient care and advanced medical procedures.Our facility is equipped to handle a diverse and engaging caseload, with services focused on small animal medicine, detailed testing and diagnostics, and specialized surgery. We also have opportunities to manage exotics cases. Our commitment to advanced medicine means veterinarians and credentialed teammates have access to internal specialty consultations and cutting-edge resources, ensuring expert support when managing challenging situations. This allows us to provide the highest level of comprehensive care the Birmingham community deserves.Birmingham, Alabama, offers you the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and modern city amenities. Located in the beautiful Caldwell Mill area, you are close to excellent outdoor recreation, vibrant dining scenes, and significant cultural institutions. The region provides a highly engaged client base and a community that values its veterinary professionals. This is a stable, growing area that offers a rewarding lifestyle outside of the clinic, allowing you to establish deep professional roots while enjoying a high quality of life.

Job Description

Your Impact as a Kennel Assistant

• Provide Personalized Care: You'll be the primary caregiver for our boarding and daycare pets, ensuring they receive the correct food, exercise, and attention to make their stay comfortable and safe.
• Be the Eyes and Ears of Animal Health: You'll carefully monitor the behavior and habits of the animals in your care, promptly notifying the medical team of any unusual health concerns.
• Create a Safe and Healthy Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the entire resort, from the kennel areas and runs to the outside grounds.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: You'll keep the resort running smoothly by managing inventory for food and cleaning supplies and collaborating with the team to ensure all tasks are completed.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare.
• A reliable and hardworking nature, with the ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, good judgment, and the ability to handle stressful situations with composure.
• The physical capacity to lift up to 50+ lbs and perform the duties of a physically active role.
• Previous experience as a kennel assistant is preferred. A flexible schedule, including some weekends and holidays, is required.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com .

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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