Kennel Assistant

About the role

Barkfield Animal Hospital is seeking a Full-Time Kennel Assistant to join our compassionate, team-oriented hospital. The position involves providing daily care for boarding and daycare pets, maintaining clean facilities, monitoring health, and supporting client service.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate daily care for boarding and daycare pets
• Feed, water, exercise, and monitor dogs and cats throughout the day
• Safely supervise group play and individual activities
• Ensure every pet remains comfortable, safe, and stress-free during their stay
• Maintain clean, sanitized kennels, play areas, and hospital spaces
• Wash bedding, laundry, dishes, and pet care equipment
• Restock supplies and assist with general hospital organization
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for pets, clients, and team members
• Observe pets for changes in appetite, behavior, or medical concerns
• Report abnormalities promptly to the veterinary team
• Maintain accurate boarding and daycare records
• Aid pet owners during check-in and check-out
• Provide updates regarding pets' stay when appropriate
• Cross-train with our front desk team to support Client Service operations as needed

Requirements

• Passion for working with animals
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Dependable, punctual, and team-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness
• Reliable transportation

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a kennel, boarding facility, daycare, animal shelter, grooming salon, or veterinary hospital is preferred
• Experience safely handling dogs and cats of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments
• Interest in growing within veterinary medicine or animal care

Skills

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and lift up to 50 pounds with assistance when appropriate
• Ability to work safely around dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
• Ability to perform repetitive cleaning and sanitation tasks
• Ability to work in environments with animal dander, fur, cleaning products, and disinfectants

Benefits

• Competitive starting pay beginning at $14.00/hour, with compensation based on experience and opportunities for performance-based growth
• Full-time team members enjoy Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays & Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Pet Care Discounts
• Continuing Education & Career Development
• Cross-training opportunities throughout the hospital
• Advancement opportunities into Client Service, Veterinary Assistant, and other veterinary support roles

Pay

• $14.00 - $16.00 / hour

Schedule

• Schedule Shifts are scheduled between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, including rotating weekends and holidays to support our boarding and daycare services.