Lead Kennel Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 14,464 - 19,286; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health package

Paid time off

Personal pet discount

Uniform allowance

Job summary

Hillside Veterinary Associates is seeking a Lead Kennel Assistant to oversee daily kennel operations and provide hands-on care for boarding animals. This full-time role requires leadership skills to maintain cleanliness and a positive culture. The ideal candidate should have a year of experience in animal handling and be comfortable multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

The position offers a range of benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and a personal pet discount. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about animal care.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of kennel, animal handling, or related experience.
• Comfortable working with both cats and dogs.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kennel operations and workflow.
• Provide hands-on care for boarding feline and canine patients.
• Prepare meals, administer medications, and provide walks/enrichment.
• Monitor patient behavior, comfort, and overall well-being.
• Ensure kennels, treatment areas, and common spaces remain sanitized.

Skills

Animal handling

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Basic record-keeping

Working independently

Job description

Hillside Veterinary Associates is seeking a Lead Kennel Assistant to join our team! This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with animals, values organization and cleanliness, and is ready to take on a leadership role within a collaborative veterinary hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kennel operations and workflow
• Provide hands‑on care for boarding feline and canine patients
• Prepare meals, administer medications, and provide walks/enrichment
• Monitor patient behavior, comfort, and overall well‑being
• Maintain accurate records and communicate observations to the medical team
• Ensure kennels, treatment areas, and common spaces remain sanitized and well‑stocked
• Lead by example while supporting a positive, team‑focused culture

Schedule

Flexible, full‑time position

Availability needed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Rotating weekends and holiday requirement.

Full‑time benefits and compensation

• Compensation: $10.50 – $14.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k options
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law
• Personal pet discount
• Uniform Allowance

Minimum Qualifications And Skill Set

• 1+ year of kennel, animal handling, or related experience
• Comfortable working with both cats and dogs
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast‑paced setting
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness
• Basic record‑keeping and communication skills
• Experience with or willingness to learn:
  • Boarding feline care, medications, and cage maintenance
  • Boarding canine care, medications, and walking/kennel maintenance
  • Patient restraint and light technical assisting

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a reliable and motivated professional who is comfortable working both independently and with a team while overseeing the kennel department. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, compassionate toward animal care, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Strong multitasking abilities and attention to detail are key to thriving in this role.

Why Hillside Veterinary Associates?

Hillside Veterinary Associates is a well‑established, full‑service, three‑doctor practice dedicated to delivering high‑quality, compassionate care to the Covington community. Our hospital is equipped with modern technology, including digital radiography, ultrasound, in‑house laboratory diagnostics, a dedicated surgical suite, and a fully equipped dental area, supporting comprehensive patient care. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, team‑oriented culture where every role is valued and contributes to the success of the hospital. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, values teamwork, and takes pride in contributing to both patient comfort and hospital excellence.

Equal Opportunity / Legal Notice

• To determine specific pay Company will consider the following factors: the applicant’s education, training, or experience related to the job position, geographic location where the work is performed, and other relevant factors. During the process, you may request more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location where the work is performed. Where required under applicable law, WVP provides eligible employees with leave, and similar benefits programs, all in accordance with state and local law. WVP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local laws. WVP will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under applicable state and local law, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact People Operations, if you need assistance completing the application process.