Job Details

Weekend Kennel Assistant

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville is seeking a responsible, dedicated, and compassionate full-time kennel assistant to join our growing emergency and specialty veterinary team. This role is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment for our patients and staff.

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal care, enjoy hands-on work, and thrive in a fast-paced veterinary environment. While the schedule is primarily weekend-focused, this is a full-time role with comprehensive benefits and long-term growth potential.

Some of the responsibilities you will own in this role:

Animal Care & Well-Being

• Feed, water, and provide daily care for animals housed in kennel areas
• Monitor patients for signs of illness, injury, or distress and report observations to the veterinary team
• Assist with administering medications and treatments under veterinary supervision
• Walk, exercise, and comfort animals as appropriate to their condition

Facility Cleaning & Maintenance

• Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, treatment areas, and common spaces
• Disinfect floors, surfaces, and equipment following safety and hygiene protocols
• Handle waste disposal according to established procedures
• Launder towels, bedding, and other animal care materials
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of supply and storage areas

Animal Intake & Discharge Support

• Assist with patient intake by preparing kennel spaces and verifying documentation
• Support discharge processes to ensure pets are safely returned to their families

Client & Team Support

• Greet clients and provide compassionate assistance when needed
• Foster a calm, respectful, and professional environment for pet owners
• Collaborate closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff
• Assist with special projects and facility improvements as needed

Safety & Emergency Awareness

• Follow all animal handling and workplace safety protocols
• Identify potential hazards and report concerns promptly
• Remain calm and responsive during emergency situations

What you'll bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 18 years of age or older
• Prior animal handling experience (personal or professional) preferred, but not required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Physical ability to lift, move, and restrain animals of various sizes
• Reliable, punctual, and professional demeanor
• Stamina to perform physical tasks in a fast-paced emergency setting
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings

Join a compassionate emergency & specialty veterinary team

• Competitive hourly pay with growth opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee pet care discounts
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• A supportive, team-oriented workplace focused on compassion and excellence in patient care

Why join Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville?

• Be part of one of Knoxville's leading emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals
• Gain hands-on experience in emergency and specialty animal care
• Work alongside skilled veterinary professionals in a mission-driven environment
• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families

About Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Knoxville

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville is an AAHA Accredited, premier referral and emergency veterinary hospital. We have an emergency and critical care unit that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have a variety of board-certified surgeons and specialists at AESC who treat a wide range of veterinary orthopedic, oncology, thoracic, abdominal, and soft-tissue conditions. Our team includes over 20 compassionate and highly trained licensed veterinary technicians, numerous veterinary assistants, other support staff, and supportive administration. We have the latest specialized surgery and diagnostic instrumentation and equipment including 16-slice CT scanner, Vivid iQ echocardiogram platform, digital radiology, ultrasound systems, fluoroscopy unity, endoscopy, high-def Storz tower with new laparoscopic equipment, Arthrex equipment, LigaSure, Autocon III, Storz Ho-YAG laser, Synthes locking plates, and ESF equipment. In 2026, we will be completing our 20,000-square-foot specialty expansion and we will be adding Neurology, Cardiology, and other specialists to our team, as well as a new MRI scanner, CT scanner, linear accelerator, IR suite with ceiling-mounted fluoroscopy, and surgical suites measuring at least 18' x 18'.

Our hospital is a neighborhood and community partner that provides advanced diagnostics, evaluations, and care in an environment rooted in comfort and compassion. Equal opportunity employer policy. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville 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.