Kennel Technician, Husbandry

ethosveterinaryhealth; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

HSA / FSA

Life and Disability insurance

PTO and Holidays

Pet discount

Professional development and tuition

Uniform stipend

Retirement plan

Job summary

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, TX seeks a compassionate Kennel Technician in Husbandry to provide quality care for hospitalized patients and maintain cleanliness across hospital areas.

The role requires a high school diploma, experience with companion animals, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced setting. Competitive benefits supported by GCVS.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required.
• Experience with companion animals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for animal care and patient well-being.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) required.

Responsibilities

• Perform hospital laundry and restocking bedding, towels, and related materials.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and runs per hospital protocols.
• Wash and store food and water dishes, litter boxes, and e-collars.
• Maintain indoor/outdoor dog walk and relief areas; waste removal and disinfection.
• Provide daily husbandry care for feline donor colony; monitor well-being.
• Observe animals and report changes to staff; assist with patient handling as needed.
• Follow infection control, safety, and biosecurity protocols.
• Assist with inventory, facilities, emergency, and ICU/IMC teams as needed.
• Collaborate with veterinary team to support patient care and operations.

Job description

Kennel Technician, Husbandry

$14 - $16/hr. | +$2/hr. Overnight (past 6pm) & +$3/hr. Weekend Differentials Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists| Houston, TX

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Compensation:

• $14 - $16/hr, based on experience
• +$2/hr. Overnight Differential (past 6pm)
• +$3/hr. Weekend Differential

Full-Time Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Full-Time
  • Friday - Sunday: 7:00am - 7:00pm

Job Description:

It is the responsibility of the Husbandry Kennel Technician to provide quality and compassionate care to all GCVS patients. Husbandry Kennel Assistants are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in all areas of the hospital as assigned, and assisting Veterinary Technicians (VTs) Veterinary Assistants (VAs), Client Patient Coordinators (CPCs) and Veterinarians with their daily duties, if asked for assistance. A Husbandry Kennel Technician must have good communication skills with the doctors, (CPCs), (VTs), (VAs) and other Kennel Assistants in order to perform the work as directed and produce quality results. This position requires a dependable, high energy person who can handle multiple tasks at one time as well as a high-stress, fast pace environment.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all hospital laundry, including washing, drying, folding, and restocking bedding, towels, and related materials
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and runs according to hospital protocols to maintain a safe and sanitary environment
• Wash, sanitize, and properly store food and water dishes, litter boxes, and e-collars
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of indoor and outdoor dog walk and relief areas, including waste removal and disinfection
• Provide daily husbandry care for the hospital’s feline donor colony, including cleaning enclosures, feeding, enrichment activities and monitoring overall well-being
• Observe animals for changes in behavior, appetite, or condition and report concerns to veterinary or supervisory staff
• Assist veterinary technicians and doctors with safe patient handling and restraint as needed
• Follow all infection control, safety, and biosecurity protocols at all times
• Ensure kennel and husbandry supplies are stocked, organized, and properly maintained
• Assist as needed with inventory, facilities, emergency, and ICU/IMC teams
• Work collaboratively with the veterinary team to support patient care and hospital operations

Qualifications:

• High School diploma is required.
• Experience with companion animals, providing basic needs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to thrive under pressure and make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.
• A genuine passion for animal care and a commitment to patient well-being.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Why choose GCVS?

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

About GCVS

At GCVS, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary specialties, including emergency and critical care, anesthesia and pain management, avian and exotic animal medicine, cardiology, dermatology and allergy care, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery and orthopedics. Join us and become part of a team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Nearby Communities

• Houston, TX
• Pearland, TX
• Friendswood, TX
• League City, TX
• Webster, TX
• Clear Lake, TX
• Pasadena, TX
• Baytown, TX
• Sugar Land, TX
• Missouri City, TX
• Katy, TX
• Richmond, TX
• Cypress, TX
• Spring, TX
• The Woodlands, TX
• Humble, TX
• Kingwood, TX
• Channelview, TX
• La Porte, TX
• Deer Park, TX

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 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, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.