Kennel Assistant

We're Hiring: Kennel Assistant!

Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital (GAVH)

Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and hardworking Kennel Assistant to join our team!

Our ideal candidate is passionate about animals, attentive to detail, and committed to providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for every patient and boarding guest. We're looking for someone who enjoys hands-on animal care, takes initiative, and thrives in a busy, team-oriented veterinary hospital.

As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an important role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the animals entrusted to our care while supporting our veterinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Patient Monitoring

• Provide compassionate daily care for boarding pets and hospitalized patients.

• Feed, water, walk, and exercise dogs according to their individual care instructions and schedules.

• Monitor animals for changes in appetite, behavior, activity, or overall health and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team.

• Safely and confidently handle dogs and cats of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

• Maintain accurate feeding, walking, medication, and patient care records.

• Assist veterinary staff with patient handling, restraint, and basic animal care as directed.

• Ensure all animals are comfortable, secure, and receiving appropriate attention throughout their stay.

• Assist with bathing and basic grooming services as needed.

Cleaning & Hospital Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, and animal housing areas according to hospital protocols.

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and odor-free environment for patients, boarding guests, staff, and clients.

• Wash, dry, fold, and organize hospital laundry, bedding, and towels.

• Clean and sanitize food and water bowls, animal care equipment, and supplies.

• Maintain clean and organized kennel areas, treatment spaces, and other assigned hospital areas.

• Properly dispose of waste and follow hospital sanitation and infection-control procedures.

• Monitor and restock food, bedding, cleaning products, and other kennel supplies.

• Assist with general hospital cleaning and maintenance duties as needed.

Teamwork & Client Service

• Work collaboratively with veterinarians, technicians, assistants, receptionists, and fellow kennel team members.

• Communicate important patient observations and care updates accurately and promptly.

• Assist with admitting and discharging boarding pets as directed.

• Interact with clients in a friendly, professional, and compassionate manner.

• Follow hospital safety procedures and help prevent patient escapes or injuries.

• Take initiative and assist fellow team members during busy periods.

• Help create a positive experience for pets and their owners by providing attentive, reliable, and compassionate care.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous animal care, kennel, boarding, or veterinary hospital experience preferred.

• Genuine love for animals and commitment to their health, comfort, and well-being.

• Confidence and comfort handling dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.

• Ability to follow detailed feeding, cleaning, and animal care instructions.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize and report changes in animal behavior or health.

• Excellent organization, multitasking, and time-management skills.

• Ability to safely lift and carry animals and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier patients, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding tasks throughout a shift.

• Willingness to perform cleaning, sanitation, and other hands-on kennel responsibilities.

• Ability to remain calm and compassionate when handling nervous, stressed, or difficult animals.

• Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently while supporting the team.

• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn.

Schedule & Availability

Scheduling flexibility is essential for this position, including weekends and holidays.

Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital is open for appointments Monday through Saturday. However, our boarding and hospitalized patients require daily care, including Sundays and holidays.

Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes morning shifts, evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Shift start times and hours include:

• Morning shifts: Start at 6:00 AM

• Evening shifts: Start at 1:00 PM

Weekend availability is required. Weekend schedules may rotate among team members or include working every Saturday and Sunday, depending on hospital staffing needs.

Applicants must be dependable, flexible, and understand that the animals entrusted to our care rely on us every day, including weekends and holidays.

Compensation

Pay: $16.00–$18.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Compensation will be determined based on previous animal care or veterinary experience, relevant skills, and the ability to confidently perform the responsibilities of the position.

Benefits & Perks

We value our team members and offer benefits that support their well-being, work-life balance, and love for animals.

• Health Insurance: Available to eligible full-time team members.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Paid time off for eligible employees.

• Paid Holidays: Holiday pay for eligible team members.

• Retirement Benefits: Retirement plan benefits, subject to eligibility and plan terms.

• Staff Pet Discounts: Discounts on veterinary services and products for team members' pets.

• Uniform Reimbursement: Reimbursement for work uniforms in accordance with hospital policy.

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and hospital policies.

Join Our Team!

At Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital, we take pride in providing compassionate animal care, exceptional client service, and a supportive, team-oriented environment. We strive to exceed our clients' expectations by creating a positive experience for both pets and their owners through attentive care, clear communication, and genuine compassion.

We believe that every team member plays an important role in maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of the animals entrusted to us.

We're looking for someone who shares these values, takes pride in their work, and is ready to make a positive contribution to our hospital.

If you love working with animals, enjoy staying active, and want to make a difference in the lives of pets and their families, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and become part of the GAVH team!