Lead Kennel Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

EAP

401k with company match

Paid time off

Personal pet discount

Uniform allowance

Part-time benefits

Job summary

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Peoria, IL seeks a Kennel Lead to own the day-to-day kennel operations and guide a team handling up to 100 kennel pets when at full capacity.

You will manage patient care, hygiene, and daily scheduling while ensuring a safe, organized, and supportive environment for staff and patients alike.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience as veterinary kennel assistant / kennel technician preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Passion for animal care and patient wellbeing.
• Ability to lead and support a kennel team in a busy, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kennel operations and supervise the kennel team.
• Provide meals and walks to boarding patients, administer medications, and monitor medical/behavioral concerns.
• Ensure kennels, common spaces, and treatment areas are sanitized and stocked.
• Assist with scheduling, shift coverage, and inventory management.
• Communicate concerns or needs to the veterinary team.

Skills

Leadership

Animal care

Team coordination

Organization

Observation skills

Communication

Patient safety

Initiative

Job description

Tender Care Animal Hospital in Peoria, IL is seeking a Kennel Lead to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical support to the veterinary team. The Kennel Lead will take ownership of the day-to-day kennel operations and help lead a team responsible for the care of upward of 100 kennel pets when at full capacity.

In this role, you will focus on patient husbandry and care as well as general housekeeping duties throughout the hospital. You will provide meals and walks to boarding patients, administer medication, and monitor for any medical or behavioral concerns while providing detailed documentation about your observations. You will ensure kennels, common spaces, and treatment areas are sanitized and well stocked with supplies.

As the Kennel Lead, you will also help coordinate and support the kennel team when the facility is at full capacity. This includes helping assign daily responsibilities, maintaining efficient kennel workflows, supporting team members, ensuring patient care standards are consistently met, and communicating any concerns or needs to the appropriate veterinary team members.

The Kennel Lead will also assist with daily scheduling and shift coverage, including helping coordinate coverage when team members call out. This role will also assist with inventory management, ensuring the kennel has the necessary food, cleaning supplies, medications, and other materials needed to provide consistent patient care.

This position is ideal for someone who is self-driven, detail-oriented, enjoys cleaning and organization, and is comfortable taking a leadership role in a fast-paced animal care environment. The ideal candidate will be confident working with a team, able to prioritize multiple responsibilities, and committed to creating a safe, clean, and positive environment for both patients and staff.

Schedule And Compensation

• Compensation: $17-$21 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time or part-time position, with a flexible schedule and availability needed Monday-Sunday. Shifts consist of a 6:30am-2pm and 2pm-9pm schedule.

Full-time Benefits Package*

• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law
• Personal pet discount
• Uniform allowance
• Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Your Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience as a veterinary kennel assistant / kennel technician preferred
  • Will consider related experience within animal care such as boarding / doggy daycare attendant, FFA or 4H background
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• A genuine passion for animal care and patient wellbeing
• Confidence working with dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to safely handle, restrain, walk, and monitor animals under supervision
  • Strong awareness of animal behavior and willingness to learn patient safety and handling techniques
• Ability to lead and support a kennel team in a busy, high-volume environment
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative
• Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and maintain organized kennel workflows
• Ability to assist with staff scheduling and coordinate shift coverage when call-outs occur
• Strong organizational skills and ability to assist with inventory management and maintaining appropriate supply levels
• Ability to stay organized and maintain a clean, safe environment
• Dependability and attention to detail
• A positive, team-oriented attitude
• Physical ability to meet the demands of a hands-on animal care role
• Strong observational skills and willingness to communicate patient concerns to the veterinary team
• Interest in learning and growing within the veterinary profession

Why choose Tender Care Animal Hospital?

At Tender Care Animal Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our patients while fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace for our team. Our hospital provides a welcoming environment where team members work together to support both patients and their families.

Our boarding services create a unique opportunity for the Kennel Lead to oversee patient care and help coordinate a team supporting upward of 100 kennel pets when at full capacity. This position plays an important role in keeping the kennel operation organized, ensuring patients receive excellent care, and supporting the team through daily scheduling, shift coverage, and inventory needs.

We value professional growth and provide opportunities for learning and development, creating an environment where employees are respected, empowered, and encouraged to advance their skills. By joining Tender Care Animal Hospital, you'll become part of a compassionate team that prioritizes both exceptional veterinary medicine and a positive, rewarding workplace culture.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

Pay Range

$15—$17 USD

Western Veterinary Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Western Veterinary Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail]. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.