Kennel Assistant

Career Guide
A Kennel Assistant supports the daily care of animals in a kennel, shelter, boarding facility, or veterinary clinic. The role focuses on cleaning and sanitation, feeding and watering, safe handling, and helping animals stay comfortable and healthy while in care.

Key Responsibilities

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, crates, and common areas
  • Feed and water animals on a set schedule
  • Walk dogs and provide supervised exercise
  • Monitor animal behavior and report concerns to supervisors
  • Groom animals through basic brushing and bathing
  • Support safe animal handling and restraint
  • Maintain laundry for bedding, towels, and uniforms
  • Restock supplies such as food, cleaning products, and medications under direction
  • Assist with intake and release of animals using checklists
  • Follow safety and infection control procedures

Top Skills for Success

Animal Handling
Sanitation
Attention to Detail
Reliability
Time Management
Communication
Customer Service
Animal Welfare
Infection Control
Teamwork

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Kennel Technician
Lead Kennel Assistant
Pet Care Attendant
Animal Care Technician
Veterinary Assistant
Transition Opportunities
Veterinary Technician
Groomer
Dog Trainer
Shelter Coordinator
Clinic Supervisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Animal RestraintMedication AdministrationRecord KeepingBehavior ObservationDe escalationClient CommunicationEmergency ResponseSafe Lifting
Development SuggestionsBuild skills through supervised shifts, short animal care courses, and clear checklists. Ask to shadow intake and basic health checks, practice consistent documentation, and review facility safety procedures for handling, cleaning, and bite prevention.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$25,000 to US$33,000
Mid LevelUS$33,000 to US$42,000
Senior LevelUS$42,000 to US$55,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand in boarding, shelters, and veterinary care, with hiring often driven by turnover, seasonal peaks, and local pet ownership trends.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Banfield Pet HospitalVCA Animal HospitalsBluePearl Pet HospitalPetSmartPetcoRoverWagBest Friends Animal SocietyASPCAHumane Society of the United States
Industry Sectors
Veterinary ClinicsAnimal HospitalsPet BoardingAnimal SheltersPet DaycareRescue OrganizationsGrooming Facilities

Recommended Next Steps

1
Get CPR and first aid training focused on pets if available
2
Complete a basic animal handling and safety course
3
Practice consistent cleaning routines and infection control steps
4
Keep a simple log of animal observations and tasks completed
5
Ask for feedback on handling technique and communication
6
Volunteer or take extra shifts to gain experience with different temperaments
7
Explore a Veterinary Assistant program if you want a clinical path
8
Build a resume that highlights reliability, physical stamina, and safe animal care