Seasonal Kennel Assistant

Career Guide
A Seasonal Kennel Assistant supports daily care for animals in boarding kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, and daycare settings during peak periods. The role focuses on safe handling, cleaning, feeding, and customer support while keeping animals comfortable and facilities sanitary.

Key Responsibilities

  • Feed and provide fresh water to animals on schedule
  • Clean kennels, runs, litter areas, and play spaces
  • Walk dogs and support supervised playtime
  • Monitor animal health and behavior and report concerns
  • Assist with basic grooming such as brushing and bathing
  • Administer medications when trained and approved by the site
  • Maintain clean laundry, dishes, and sanitation supplies
  • Support check-in and check-out for boarding clients
  • Update logs for feeding, cleaning, and behavior notes
  • Follow safety protocols for handling animals and preventing bites
  • Restock food, bedding, and cleaning materials
  • Help keep common areas clean for customers and staff

Top Skills for Success

Animal Handling
Cleaning and Sanitation
Attention to Detail
Reliability
Physical Stamina
Time Management
Customer Service
Calm Under Pressure
Teamwork
Observation
Safety Awareness
Record Keeping

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Kennel Technician
Animal Care Attendant
Veterinary Assistant
Dog Daycare Attendant
Shelter Care Technician
Transition Opportunities
Grooming Assistant
Pet Sitter
Dog Walker
Adoption Counselor
Veterinary Receptionist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Medication HandlingAnimal Behavior BasicsInfection ControlDe escalation TechniquesIncident Reporting
Development SuggestionsAsk for site training on safe handling, bite prevention, and sanitation standards. Shadow an experienced team member for medication routines and behavior monitoring. Keep a simple checklist for cleaning steps and daily logs to build consistency and reduce errors.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$13 to $17 per hour
Mid Level$15 to $20 per hour
Senior Level$18 to $24 per hour
Growth Trend
Demand is steady and increases seasonally, especially during holidays, summer travel months, and local event periods. Openings are common in animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
RoverPetSmartPetcoVCA Animal HospitalsBanfield Pet HospitalBluePearl Pet HospitalThe Humane SocietyASPCA
Industry Sectors
Pet boardingDog daycareAnimal sheltersVeterinary clinicsAnimal hospitalsGrooming and pet retail

Recommended Next Steps

1
Get clear on shift expectations, weekend needs, and peak season hours before accepting a role
2
Complete basic safety training for animal handling and bite prevention if available
3
Practice consistent cleaning routines and learn the facility sanitation process
4
Learn common signs of stress, illness, and pain in cats and dogs
5
Build a simple system for accurate daily notes on feeding, cleaning, and behavior
6
If interested in veterinary roles, ask to cross train on exam room support and clinic workflows
7
Collect references from supervisors and track your impact such as reliability and reduced cleaning rework