Part-Time Kennel Assistant - Highland Animal Hospital

PetVet Care Centers'' Highland Animal Hospital is currently seeking a Part-Time Kennel Assistant to join their team!

At PetVet 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
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Kennel Assistant who 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, exercising, restraining and handling pets.

Highland Animal Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, is a full-service veterinary clinic providing comprehensive care, from preventive services to advanced medical treatment. With a focus on compassionate, client-centered care, the team is committed to helping pets live long, healthy lives.

Why Join Us:

• Turn your love of animals into rewarding work! At Highland Animal Hospital, you'll join a close-knit team with a family feel, where teamwork and compassionate care are part of every day.
• Our Kennel Assistants help keep pets comfortable, clean, and cared for while they're away from home. From offering a reassuring cuddle to keeping their spaces fresh and welcoming, your attention and kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides compassionate care to pets
• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as 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 the 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 the overall appearance of the hospital
• 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
• Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
• Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
• Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• High school diploma or GED; an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience may be considered.
• Compassion for animals and a commitment to their comfort, cleanliness, and well-being.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, including feeding directions, cleaning schedules, and patient care procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage frequent interruptions.
• Clear communication skills and a professional, courteous attitude toward clients and coworkers.
• Ability to observe and accurately record food and water intake, bathroom habits, and changes in behavior, and promptly report concerns to the veterinary team.
• Willingness to learn safe animal handling and restraint techniques, including procedures for fearful or aggressive pets.
• Ability to work around sick animals, cleaning chemicals, potentially hazardous materials, and unpleasant odors while following hospital safety procedures.
• Flexibility to work scheduled shifts, including some weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform the essential physical duties with or without reasonable accommodation, including frequent cleaning, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting or carrying animals up to 50 pounds.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Windows, email, word processing, and accurate data entry.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Previous work or volunteer experience in a veterinary hospital, boarding kennel, animal shelter, rescue, or pet daycare.
• Experience safely handling, restraining, feeding, and exercising dogs and cats of different sizes and temperaments.
• Experience bathing and brushing pets.
• Familiarity with cleaning and disinfecting kennels, animal care areas, and equipment, including safe handling of cleaning chemicals.
• Experience monitoring animals for changes in appetite, behavior, or comfort and reporting concerns.
• Experience assisting veterinary professionals with patient restraint or medication administration under their direction.
• Basic computer and recordkeeping skills.
• Experience communicating with pet owners during boarding check-in, discharge, or facility tours.
• Previous professional animal care experience is preferred but not required. We welcome compassionate, dependable applicants who are eager to learn.

Schedule

• Part-Time; Wednesdays, rotating Fridays, rotating Saturdays/Sundays and rotating holidays.
• Additional weekday shifts may vary based on hospital needs and staff availability.

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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

At PetVet Care Centers, we're 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 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet 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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