Veterinary Kennel Assistant
Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic
965 Sanford Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic is looking for a reliable, hardworking, and compassionate Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team in Westport, MA.
This is a great opportunity for someone who loves animals, enjoys hands‑on work, and wants to gain experience in a veterinary hospital. No previous veterinary experience is required. We are happy to train the right person!
As a Veterinary Kennel Assistant, you'll help care for our canine and feline patients while supporting our veterinary doctors, technicians, and client service team. You'll play an important role in keeping our patients comfortable, our hospital clean and safe, and our daily operations running smoothly.
Why Join Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic?
Acoaxet is an AAHA‑accredited veterinary hospital with a strong, supportive team and excellent employee longevity.
Our leadership team has been with the hospital for 20+ years, and we believe in an approachable, open‑door management style. Our leaders work alongside the team and strive to create a workplace where employees feel supported and valued.
We’re also proud to be an active part of our local community. Our hospital:
Partners with local animal shelters
Provides discounted veterinary services to shelter animals
Has doctors who volunteer with local shelters
Hosts community rabies clinics
Participates in local community events
Holds summer staff events and annual holiday celebrations
What You’ll Do: As a Veterinary Kennel Assistant, your day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:
Providing compassionate daily care for hospitalized, boarding, and other veterinary patients
Feeding and watering dogs and cats according to individual instructions and schedules
Walking and exercising dogs as appropriate
Monitoring patients and reporting changes in behavior or condition to the veterinary team
Safely handling, moving, and restraining animals when needed
Cleaning, changing, and disinfecting kennels, cages, runs, and animal housing areas
Cleaning and sanitizing treatment areas, animal rooms, hallways, and equipment
Moving animals safely between kennels, treatment areas, boarding areas, and other parts of the hospital
Keeping kennels and patient areas clean, organized, and comfortable
Cleaning and stocking hospital supplies
Assisting veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, doctors, and client service representatives as needed
Following hospital safety, sanitation, and animal care protocols
Helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, clients, and coworkers
What We’re Looking For: We’re looking for someone who:
Loves animals and is comfortable working closely with dogs and cats
Is dependable, responsible, and willing to work hard
Is comfortable with cleaning and physically active work
Can safely handle and control animals or is willing to learn
Works well as part of a team
Can take direction and follow established patient care and safety procedures
Takes initiative and can work independently when needed
Has a positive, compassionate attitude
Is comfortable working in a busy veterinary hospital environment
Previous kennel, animal care, veterinary, shelter, boarding, daycare, or animal handling experience is a plus, but not required. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Physical Requirements:
This is an active, hands‑on position. The role requires standing and walking for extended periods, frequent cleaning, bending and reaching, and safely handling and moving animals and supplies.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Benefits may include:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Employee discount
Employee assistance program
Join Our Team
If you love animals, aren’t afraid of hard work, and want to build experience in veterinary medicine, Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic would love to hear from you.
You’ll join an experienced veterinary team where you can learn new skills, work directly with animals, and make a difference in the care of our patients every day.
National Veterinary Associates (NVA)
National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.
Purpose: Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together
Mission: Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.
Values: Care Deeply, Do What’s Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What’s Next
One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together
NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet’s life.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.