What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kennel Assistant Lead position at VCA Animal Hospitals?
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Kennel Assistant Lead to oversee daily operations in our animal care facility. This leadership role is ideal for someone passionate about animal welfare, capable of managing a team, and committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment for the animals in our care.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care:
We are a team of animal lovers committed to providing the highest level of care. As a Kennel Assistant Lead, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on the wellbeing of animals and help foster a culture of compassion and professionalism in our facility.
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care:
- Supervise and participate in feeding, grooming, bathing, and exercising animals.
- Monitor animals’ health and behavior, reporting any concerns to the veterinary team or management.
- Administer basic medications and treatments as directed.
- Ensure all kennels, cages, and common areas are sanitized and maintained according to protocols.
- Provide daily supervision and support to kennel assistants.
- Train new team members on animal care procedures, safety standards, and facility protocols.
- Assist with staff scheduling and task delegation to ensure optimal coverage and workflow.
- Promote a positive team environment through effective communication and problem-solving.
- Maintain accurate records of feeding schedules, medication administration, cleaning logs, and animal intake/release.
- Communicate with pet owners during drop-off and pick-up, ensuring excellent customer service.
- Support inventory management of food, cleaning supplies, and animal care items.
- Assist in the development and enforcement of facility policies and procedures.
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a kennel, veterinary clinic, or animal care facility.
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of animal behavior and basic health care.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as needed.
- Comfortable handling animals of various sizes and temperaments.
- Compassionate, patient, and attentive to animal needs.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs, bend, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Capable of working in a fast-paced and occasionally high-stress environment.
- Exposure to loud noise, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, and occasionally aggressive animals.
- Requires wearing appropriate protective gear and following all safety protocols.
We are a team of animal lovers committed to providing the highest level of care. As a Kennel Assistant Lead, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on the wellbeing of animals and help foster a culture of compassion and professionalism in our facility.
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
