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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

Kennel Assistant is part of the Pet Care category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

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

Get CPR and first aid training focused on pets if available

Complete a basic animal handling and safety course

Practice consistent cleaning routines and infection control steps

Keep a simple log of animal observations and tasks completed

Ask for feedback on handling technique and communication

Volunteer or take extra shifts to gain experience with different temperaments

Explore a Veterinary Assistant program if you want a clinical path

Build a resume that highlights reliability, physical stamina, and safe animal care