Kennel Assistant - Columbia, IL

Who we are

Mueller Veterinary Services is looking for a Kennel Assistant!

Role: Kennel Assistant
Status: Part-time or full-time, based on hospital needs
Salary: Negotiable and based on experience
Schedule: Rotating weekend and holiday shifts are required

Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive compensation, 401(k) matching, Roth Retirement Savings Plan, 529 Savings Plan, tuition support, and referral bonuses
Wellness & Peace of Mind: Paid time off for eligible employees, employee pet care discounts, and wellness resources
Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program, professional development opportunities, continuing education allowance, uniform allowance, and hands‑on veterinary training
Lifestyle Perks You'll Appreciate: Employee Assistance Program, employee discounts, flexible scheduling, and a supportive team environment where training and growth are encouraged

Mueller Veterinary Services is seeking a dependable and hardworking Kennel Assistant to help care for our boarding patients while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital.

This position is ideal for someone who loves animals, enjoys staying active, and takes pride in keeping spaces clean and organized. You’ll provide daily care for dogs and cats, monitor their comfort and wellbeing, and support teammates throughout the hospital.

Previous animal care experience is helpful but not required. We’re happy to train a motivated candidate who is ready to learn and contribute.

• Spend your workday caring for dogs and cats
• Make a direct difference in the comfort and wellbeing of boarding pets
• Gain hands‑on experience in a veterinary hospital
• Receive training in animal care, handling, and hospital procedures
• Work alongside veterinary technicians, receptionists, and other experienced professionals
• Build foundational skills for a future career in veterinary medicine
• Join a team that values reliability, communication, and hard work
• Enjoy a role with variety and plenty of opportunities to stay active
• Learn how a busy veterinary hospital operates
• Receive support as you develop your animal‑care skills
• Work in an environment where your contribution matters
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative team

• Provide attentive daily care for boarding dogs and cats
• Feed pets according to written instructions
• Administer medications as directed and appropriately trained
• Monitor food and water intake, elimination, behavior, and overall comfort
• Report signs of illness, discomfort, or unusual behavior to the medical team
• Walk dogs and provide appropriate exercise
• Clean and maintain outdoor exercise areas
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, litter boxes, bowls, and boarding equipment
• Prepare clean and comfortable spaces for incoming boarding pets
• Confirm that departing pets leave with their food, medications, and personal belongings
• Wash, dry, fold, organize, and restock hospital laundry
• Sweep, mop, disinfect, and maintain cleanliness throughout the hospital
• Empty trash and dispose of waste according to hospital procedures
• Clean and restock treatment rooms and exam rooms
• Help maintain organized boarding, treatment, and common areas
• Assist veterinary technicians with patient handling and other tasks as needed
• Support reception staff with appointment reminder calls and basic administrative duties
• File medical charts and maintain organized records
• Complete end-of-day closing responsibilities
• Help secure the kennel and clinic at closing
• Follow hospital safety, sanitation, and animal‑care protocols
• Support teammates and jump in wherever help is needed

• Must be at least 16 years old
• A genuine passion for animals and their wellbeing
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• A self‑motivated approach to completing responsibilities
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfort handling dogs and cats of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments
• A patient and compassionate approach to animal care
• The ability to follow written feeding,…