Kennel Assistant - Montecito Veterinary Center

Montecitovets; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 25,086 - 30,651; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Grant Circle relief fund

Job summary

Montecito Veterinary Center in Santa Rosa, California is seeking a Kennel Assistant to support veterinarians in their daily tasks. The role involves maintaining cleanliness of the hospital, feeding and exercising pets, and ensuring quality care. Ideal candidates should have a passion for animal care and ideally some veterinary experience. Medical, dental, and vision insurance along with pet discounts and career development resources are offered as part of the package. Pay range is $18.21 — $22.25 USD.

Qualifications

• Employees should have a passion for animal care and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in a veterinary setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested.
• Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors.
• Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day.
• Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing.
• Completes the weekly and monthly chore list.
• Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate.
• Walks patients according to schedule.

Skills

Passion for animal care

Ability to work independently

Experience in a veterinary setting

Job description

Kennel Assistant - Montecito Veterinary Center

PetVet Care Centers' Montecito Veterinary Center is currently seeking Kennel Assistants to join their team!

PetVet Care Centers mission is to improve the lives of animals and people—providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage—for all the moments that matter.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Kennel Assistant who supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding, exercising, restraining and handling pets. This position supports an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
• Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
• Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
• Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
• Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
• Correctly prioritizes tasks
• Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital
• Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
• Walks patients according to schedule
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Remains professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
• Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
• Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner while keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

Employees should have a passion for animal care and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment. Experience in a veterinary setting is preferred.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Some Kennel Assistant experience at a kennel or veterinary hospital.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Four days per week is acceptable; five days per week is preferred.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support—including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle—a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$18.21 — $22.25 USD

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V