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.

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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.

Market Intelligence Report

Seasonal 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.

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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

Get clear on shift expectations, weekend needs, and peak season hours before accepting a role

Complete basic safety training for animal handling and bite prevention if available

Practice consistent cleaning routines and learn the facility sanitation process

Learn common signs of stress, illness, and pain in cats and dogs

Build a simple system for accurate daily notes on feeding, cleaning, and behavior

If interested in veterinary roles, ask to cross train on exam room support and clinic workflows

Collect references from supervisors and track your impact such as reliability and reduced cleaning rework