Launch Your Career in Veterinary Medicine
Do you have a passion for animals and a desire to build a meaningful career in veterinary medicine?
Animal Hospital of Wilkes is looking for a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Kennel Assistant to join our team. Whether you're beginning your veterinary journey or looking for an opportunity to grow within a supportive hospital, this role provides the foundation to develop valuable clinical skills while making a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.
This is more than a kennel position. It's an opportunity to learn from experienced veterinary professionals, gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in supporting patient care, hospital operations, and the overall well-being of our hospitalized and boarding pets.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Provide compassionate daily care for hospitalized and boarding patients
- Feed, water, walk, exercise, and monitor pets throughout the day
- Clean, sanitize, and maintain kennels, treatment areas, and hospital facilities
- Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments
- Monitor patients for changes in behavior or signs of illness and promptly communicate concerns to the medical team
- Assist Veterinary Assistants and Technicians with patient care and hospital workflow
- Maintain clean bedding, dishes, laundry, and hospital supplies
- Support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, clients, and team members
- Deliver exceptional care while treating every patient with kindness and respect
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Passionate about animal health and welfare
- Dependable, punctual, and eager to learn
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment
- Able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
- Positive, compassionate, and willing to help wherever needed
- Comfortable working weekends and holidays as part of a rotating schedule
- Interested in building a long-term career in veterinary medicine
Previous experience working with animals is preferred, but candidates with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Career Growth Starts Here
At Animal Hospital of Wilkes, we believe in developing our team from within.
As you gain experience, you'll have opportunities to:
- Advance into a Veterinary Assistant role
- Participate in hands-on clinical training
- Learn alongside experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff
- Grow through internal learning and development programs
- Explore scholarship opportunities for eligible team members interested in pursuing a Veterinary Technology education through Penn Foster
- Build the skills needed for a rewarding, long-term career in veterinary medicine
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
This position requires working in a busy veterinary hospital where patient care is the highest priority.
Qualified candidates should be able to:
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and remain active for extended periods throughout the workday
- Safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance available for heavier patients when appropriate
- Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
- Perform repetitive tasks including walking dogs, cleaning kennels, laundry, stocking supplies, and assisting with patient care
- Work around animal dander, fur, odors, cleaning products, disinfectants, and common veterinary chemicals
- Work in environments where exposure to animal waste, blood, bodily fluids, sharps, and infectious diseases may occur
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
- Respond quickly to changing patient and hospital needs in a fast-paced clinical
Benefits & Perks
We believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional people.
Health & Wellness
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Calm Health – Confidential mental health resources, wellness tools, and emotional well-being support
- Rocket Lawyer – Legal resources and guidance available for employees and their immediate family members
Professional Growth
- Comprehensive onboarding and hands-on training
- Career development opportunities
- Internal advancement opportunities
- Penn Foster Veterinary Technology scholarship opportunities for eligible team members
- Continuing education and ongoing skill development
- Competitive pay
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Employee Pet Care Discounts
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Flexible scheduling
- Supportive, team-oriented culture
Ready to Start Your Veterinary Career?
If you're looking for more than just a job—and want an opportunity to learn, grow, and build a long-term future in veterinary medicine—we'd love to meet you.
Apply today and become part of the compassionate team at Animal Hospital of Wilkes, where your career can grow alongside your passion for helping animals.
Animal Hospital of Wilkes, located in Wilkesboro, NC, under an hour from Winston-Salem, is a full-service small animal hospital. Established in 1958, we have a long-standing clientele that is a testament to the high-quality medicine and care we provide our clients and their pets.
We are a 5-doctor practice that is well-equipped with a large and newly refreshed free-standing space in a great location. We provide complete care including soft-tissue surgery, advanced orthopedics, dental care, preventative medicine, treatment for sick and injured pets, daytime emergency care, and support and boarding. We have been voted “Best Veterinary Clinic” by Wilkes Journal-Patriot readers.
Meet our team and learn more about our wonderful Wilkesboro community!
Animal Hospital of Wilkes is a proud partner of Innovetive Petcare. Where we believe that you are the future of veterinary medicine. Cultivate, innovate, develop, and collaborate. Excellent pet care comes from exceptional teams.
Equal Opportunity Employer Policy
Animal Hospital of Wilkes is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
