Kennel Assistant

Pet Vet Care Centers’ Columbia River Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking a Kennel Assistant to join their team.

At Pet Vet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people—providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage—for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide
, we offer local autonomy with national support, career mobility and development opportunities, and a collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first.

You care for pets. We care for you.

The Kennel Assistant supports and adds value to an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. This position supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding and exercising pets, restraining and handling them.

• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetite, water intake, fecal and urine production.
• Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
• Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint.
• Maintains cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals.
• Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls.
• Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and overall appearance.
• Correctly prioritizes tasks.
• Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital.
• Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate.
• Walks patients according to schedule.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Remains professional and courteous to clients and co‑workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
• Communicates services and health recommendations to clients clearly.
• Handles difficult or aggressive patients effectively while keeping itself, the pet and co‑workers safe.

• High school diploma or GED.
• May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
• Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.
• Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work weekends, overnights and holidays.
• Strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion.
• Tasks may include standing for long periods, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling.
• May involve moderately physically demanding work, including lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals up to 50 pounds.

• Some experience working at a kennel or animal hospital.

• Five 8‑hour shifts. Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM‑5:00 PM.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution.
• Team member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support—including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP.
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle—a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range – $18 — $20 USD

At Pet Vet Care Centers, we are committed to a Culture of Care—for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals including 1,700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Pet Vet is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V.

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