Cherokee Hospital for Animals is hiring a full-time or part-time Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!

What to Expect

As you join our mission, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• All the benefits you deserve. Medical, dental, vision, retirement - plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too, for full-time employees.
• Paid time off. Catch your breath with a generous PTO policy, allowing you to take the time you need to recharge, for full-time employees.
• Employee Pet Discounts! Because we know your pets are family, too.
• 401(k) plan

Salary: $11.00 - $14.00 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule:

• Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (mix of full and half days, depending on FT or PT status)
• Saturdays:
  • Morning shift: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening shift: Starts at 4:00 PM for the evening care of lodging pets.
• Saturdays are required, but employees will have Sundays off
• Typically, the same designated weekday off each week

Key Responsibilities: 

• Monitor the health and comfort of animals, recognize and respond to emergency situations, and report health concerns.
• Document treatments, activities, and observations.
• Walk dogs in all weather conditions.
• Feed and provide scheduled fresh water to dogs and cats.
• Maintain cleanliness by washing dishes, bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and cages.
• Change and replace soiled bedding and manage laundry tasks.
• Bathe animals as necessary before discharge.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in animal housing, food preparation, and laundry areas.
• Administer oral and topical medications, including flea and tick treatments.
• Assist with checking in and out boarding patients, ensuring proper labeling and ID collars.
• Identify and alleviate stress in boarding animals through interactive play and mental stimulation.

• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately

Qualifications:

• Passion for animals and their well-being
• Ability to multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

About Cherokee Hospital for Animals

Cherokee Hospital for Animals has been serving the Johnson City, Tennessee community since 1985. Over the decades, our experience and commitment to excellence have made us a top-tier veterinary facility. We are proud to be AAHA-accredited since 1985, meeting the highest standards of veterinary care and continuously evolving with the latest advancements in medicine.

Our mission is to create happier, healthier lives for every pet we treat—not only by addressing illness but by providing expert guidance on proper nutrition and overall care. We are also dedicated to building strong relationships with pet owners, ensuring transparency and peace of mind every step of the way.