Kennel Technician

AmeriVet; Michigan; On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Mental health resources

401(k) matching

Student loan assistance

Paid time off & holidays

Career development opportunities

Job summary

AmeriVet in Michigan is seeking a dedicated kennel attendant to provide compassionate animal care and a clean, safe environment. You’ll feed, walk, bathe, and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets, keep thorough records, and follow veterinary team instructions.

This position emphasizes sanitation, attention to detail, and teamwork in a fast-paced veterinary setting. Full-time role with weekends/holidays as needed; training and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Dependable and punctual in a busy veterinary environment.
• Comfortable handling dogs and cats of various breeds and temperaments.
• Compassionate while maintaining safety for staff and animals.
• Able to follow written and verbal directions with accuracy.
• Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently.
• Observant and able to notice changes in animal condition.
• Willing to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to perform extensive cleaning and sanitation duties.
• Professional and respectful toward clients and coworkers.
• Prior kennel/boarding or animal-care experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water pets according to instructions and schedules.
• Walk dogs for exercise and bathroom breaks.
• Clean kennels, cages, and housing areas daily.
• Monitor pets for changes and report concerns to veterinary staff.
• Assist with bathing, grooming, and handling as trained.
• Maintain accurate records of care, meals, walks, and medications.
• Prepare kennels for incoming boarding or hospitalized patients.
• Support veterinarians and technicians with routine tasks.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and professional environment.

Job description

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Feed dogs and cats according to each pet’s individual feeding instructions and schedule.
• Provide fresh water and clean food/water bowls as needed.
• Walk dogs routinely for bathroom breaks, exercise, and enrichment.
• Provide appropriate attention and enrichment to boarding pets while maintaining safe handling practices.
• Maintain clean, dry, and comfortable bedding for all animals.
• Monitor pets for changes in appetite, water intake, urination, bowel movements, behavior, mobility, or general condition and promptly report concerns to the veterinary team.
• Follow special care instructions for elderly pets, anxious pets, hospitalized patients, and pets with individual needs.
• Assist with medications or treatments when appropriately trained and directed by veterinary staff.
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately when assistance is needed.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, litter boxes, and animal housing areas according to hospital sanitation protocols.
• Promptly clean urine, feces, vomit, spilled food/water, and other messes.
• Sweep, mop, scrub, and disinfect kennel and hospital areas as assigned.
• Wash, dry, fold, and properly store hospital laundry, including towels, blankets, and bedding.
• Wash and disinfect food and water bowls, litter pans, carriers, and other animal-care supplies.
• Empty trash and properly dispose of animal waste.
• Restock kennel supplies, food, cleaning products, bedding, and other materials as needed.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance throughout the hospital.

Bathing & Grooming

• Bathe dogs and cats as scheduled or directed.
• Ensure boarding pets scheduled for a departure bath are clean and ready for pick-up on time.
• Clean and disinfect bathing areas and equipment after use.

Boarding & Hospital Support

• Carefully follow all written boarding instructions provided by pet owners and veterinary staff.
• Keep accurate records of feeding, walks, eliminations, medications, treatments, and other required care.
• Prepare kennels and cages for incoming boarding or hospitalized patients.
• Assist with boarding drop-offs and pick-ups as directed.
• Communicate concerns or unusual observations promptly to a technician, veterinarian, or manager.
• Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and assistants with animal handling or other appropriate tasks when needed.
• Perform additional duties necessary to support the hospital and ensure excellent patient care.

Qualifications & Skills

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dependable and punctual — animals require care regardless of how busy the day may be.
• Comfortable working with both dogs and cats of different breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments.
• Compassionate toward animals while still being confident and safety-conscious when handling them.
• Able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Observant and able to recognize changes in an animal’s behavior or condition.
• Comfortable working independently as well as part of a veterinary team.
• Willing to perform extensive cleaning and sanitation duties.
• Professional and respectful toward clients and coworkers.
• Previous kennel, boarding, veterinary, grooming, shelter, or other animal-care experience is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, physically demanding position. Applicants must be able to:

• Remain on their feet for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and lift.
• Safely handle dogs of various sizes and strengths.
• Lift and carry animals, food bags, supplies, and other items as required.
• Work around animal hair, urine, feces, vomit, cleaning products, barking, and other normal aspects of a veterinary/boarding environment.
• Work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions when walking and caring for dogs.

Scheduling Expectations

Because we care for hospitalized and boarding animals 7 days a week , kennel staff may be required to work weekends and holidays as part of the regular schedule. Dependable attendance is essential to this position.

What We’re Looking For

This is a great position for someone who genuinely enjoys working with animals but also understands that kennel work is about much more than playing with pets. Cleaning, sanitation, attention to detail, and consistency are a major part of providing excellent animal care.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in keeping pets comfortable, maintaining a clean environment, and making sure every animal receives the care and attention they need while staying with us.

At AmeriVet, we’re committed to your growth, development, well-being, and success. We empower team members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their careers and make a lasting impact in our communities.

Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• Tailored development programs, mentorship, and career pathing to help you achieve your unique goals.

• Competitive pay, performance bonuses, 401(k) matching, and student loan assistance to foster your financial well-being.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and mental health resources to support your overall well-being.

• Generous paid time off and holidays, because your personal time matters.

• A supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Please note: Any Benefits listed above apply to full-time employees.

At AmeriVet, your unique skills and passion are celebrated, and every team member has the tools to thrive. Our people-focused approach is centered on helping you grow in your career while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.