Kennel Technician- Hadley, MA

Valleyvethospital; Hadley, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition support

Referral bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off

Pet discounts

Quarterly team bonuses

Uniform allowance

Six paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Valley Inn for Pets is hiring a full-time Kennel Technician to join our busy boarding and daycare team. The position offers a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays, with pay between $16 and $18 per hour.

Daily duties include caring for dogs and cats, feeding, refreshing kennels, supervising playgroups, and monitoring pet wellbeing. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and other employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Love of animals and ability to stay active all day.
• Willing to work rotating weekends and holidays.
• Reliable, punctual, and team‑oriented.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for boarding and daycare dogs and cats.
• Feed pets according to schedules and care instructions.
• Refresh kennels, rooms, bedding, water, and other areas.
• Administer medications per established instructions.
• Supervise daycare playgroups and monitor wellbeing.
• Maintain clean, sanitary boarding and daycare environments.

Job description

Valley Inn for Pets is Hiring a Kennel Technician!

Role: Kennel Technician
Status: Full-time
Salary: $16 - $18 per hour
Schedule: Rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays

Benefits Highlights

Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support, and referral bonuses

Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; up to three weeks of paid parental leave; generous PTO; and employee pet discounts

Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, professional development opportunities, and uniform allowance

Lifestyle Perks You'll Appreciate: Six paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and an employee discount program

Haaaaaave You Met Valley Inn for Pets?

Allow us to introduce ourselves! Valley Inn for Pets is a large boarding and daycare facility looking for a full-time Kennel Technician to join our crew of passionate animal‑care professionals.

We believe in a “better together” philosophy because we know we're at our best when we support one another, celebrate our wins, and work together to give every pet an exceptional experience. When our team thrives, the pets in our care do too!

We're looking for someone who genuinely loves animals, isn't afraid to stay active throughout the day, and understands that excellent pet care takes patience, responsibility, attention to detail, and plenty of teamwork.

Why our Kennel Technicians Love It Here

• A team-oriented culture built around our “better together” philosophy
• Spend your workday caring for dogs and cats
• Gain hands‑on experience in both boarding and daycare
• Work with a team of people who genuinely care about animals and one another
• A workplace where taking ownership and initiative is valued
• Opportunities to continue learning and developing professionally
• A culture that encourages positivity, empathy, and teamwork
• Meaningful work helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and cared for while away from home
• A rotating weekend and holiday schedule that allows responsibilities to be shared across the team
• A workplace where your unique personality and contributions are appreciated

What our Kennel Technicians Do

As a Kennel Technician, you'll play an essential role in providing daily care, enrichment, and supervision for our boarding and daycare guests.

• Provide compassionate daily care for boarding and daycare dogs and cats
• Feed pets according to their individual schedules and care instructions
• Refresh kennels, rooms, bedding, water, and other pet‑care areas
• Administer medications according to established instructions and protocols
• Supervise dogs during daycare playgroups
• Monitor pet behavior, comfort, appetite, and overall well‑being
• Communicate any changes or concerns promptly to the appropriate team member
• Safely handle dogs and cats of different sizes, breeds, personalities, and temperaments
• Maintain clean, sanitary, and comfortable boarding and daycare environments
• Follow established cleaning, safety, and animal‑care protocols
• Help maintain organized and properly stocked pet‑care areas
• Collaborate with teammates to keep each day running smoothly
• Jump in wherever needed to support pets and coworkers

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines a genuine love of animals with reliability, initiative, and a team‑first attitude.

• A passion for caring for dogs and cats
• Comfort working around animals of different sizes and temperaments
• Availability to work a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Confidence taking ownership of tasks and responsibilities
• The ability to stay organized and attentive in a busy boarding and daycare environment
• A positive attitude—because with the right cattitude, anything is pawsible
• Compassion and empathy for pets, clients, coworkers, and yourself
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to follow established animal‑care and safety protocols
• Ability to stay active throughout the workday
• A willingness to ask for help and offer help when teammates need it
• A commitment to creating positive experiences for every pet in our care

The Extras You'll Actually Feel

At Valley Inn for Pets, caring for animals is a team effort. Whether you're preparing meals, refreshing a boarding room, administering medication, or supervising a playgroup, your work directly impacts the comfort, safety, and happiness of the pets entrusted to us.

You’ll also join a team that believes supporting one another matters. We celebrate what each person brings to the table, share responsibilities, and recognize that remarkable results happen when people work together.

If you like staying active, enjoy getting to know lots of different canine and feline personalities, and want a job where your work makes tails wag, you may have just found your place.

• A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
• 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending Account (full‑time only)
• 529 Savings Plan
• Tuition Support Program (full‑time only)
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full‑time only)
• Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short‑ and long‑term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child‑dependent life insurance (full‑time only)
• Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full‑time employees only; available after one year of service). In states with paid family leave programs, this benefit does not apply.
• Sick Time / Paid Time Off
• Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets
• Pet discounts on services and products
• Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
• Continuing education allowance
• Six paid holidays (full‑time only)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discount program

If you're passionate about animal care and looking for a full‑time role where you can stay active, care for some pretty great pets, and work alongside a team that believes we're better together, we'd love to meet you.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at Valley Inn for Pets and Vetcor. We're committed to building an inclusive, equitable workplace where every team member feels comfortable being their authentic self, experiences a true sense of belonging, and is empowered to reach their highest potential.

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Training & Development

Unleash your potential and foster professional growth through our comprehensive education and training programs.

• Vetcor University - training for skill development and career growth
• CE Allowance and opportunities
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Lend a Hand Program – increased pay to help a sister hospital
• VetLife Days – rotate to a sister hospital

Enjoy exclusive benefits for you and your furry family members.

• Discounted Products

Health & Welfare

Take care of your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance, Disability, and Accidental Insurance
• EAP with counseling and mental health benefits
• DVM Professional Liability Insurance fully covered
• Licensure Fees, Professional & Association Dues

Financial Wellbeing

Secure your financial future with our range of offerings designed to promote your financial well‑being.

• 401K with company contribution
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• EAP with Financial & Legal Advice/Services
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus

Time Off/Work Life Balance

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Training & Development

Unleash your potential and foster professional growth through our comprehensive education and training programs.

• Vetcor University - training for skill development and career growth
• CE Allowance and opportunities
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Lend a Hand Program – increased pay to help a sister hospital
• VetLife Days – rotate to a sister hospital

Enjoy exclusive benefits for you and your furry family members.

• Discounted Products

Health & Welfare

Take care of your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance, Disability, and Accidental Insurance
• EAP with counseling and mental health benefits
• DVM Professional Liability Insurance fully covered
• Licensure Fees, Professional & Association Dues

Financial Wellbeing

Secure your financial future with our range of offerings designed to promote your financial well‑being.

• 401K with company contribution
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• EAP with Financial & Legal Advice/Services
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus

Time Off/Work Life Balance

Prioritize your work‑life balance and enjoy a fulfilling time away from work with our generous offerings.