Veterinary/Kennel Assistant

Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center – Hernando, MS Are you looking to start or grow your career in veterinary medicine? Do you enjoy working with animals and want hands-on experience in a fast-paced, supportive hospital? Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center is hiring a Veterinary / Kennel Assistant who is eager to learn, works hard, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe environment for pets and people. This is more than just a kennel role—this position includes a structured rotation into veterinary assisting, giving you the opportunity to develop real clinical skills over time. Whether you're early in your animal care career or looking to transition into veterinary medicine, this is an excellent entry-level veterinary job with growth potential. This is a dual-role position combining kennel care, hospital cleaning, and hands-on veterinary support training. You’ll start by helping maintain the hospital and care for boarding/hospitalized pets, then gradually rotate into assisting our medical team. We’re looking for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated to grow into a clinical role. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include: Animal Care & Kennel Responsibilities  Feed, walk, and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets   Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and hospital areas   Ensure pets are comfortable, safe, and well cared for   Observe and report any changes in behavior or health   Maintain cleanliness throughout the clinic (floors, surfaces, exam rooms)   Follow proper sanitation and infection control protocols   Assist with laundry, waste disposal, and general organization   Help keep a safe, welcoming environment for clients and staff   Learn proper animal handling and restraint techniques   Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and treatments   Support basic procedures and patient care as skills develop   Gain exposure to diagnostics, surgery prep, and medical workflows   Receive mentorship and hands-on training from experienced team members Skills Knowledge and Expertise We’re seeking a motivated, experienced team member who thrives in a clinical environment. High School Diploma or GED required  Previous animal care, kennel, or veterinary experience preferred (not required)  Strong work ethic and willingness to learn  Ability to handle physically active work (standing, lifting, cleaning)  Positive attitude and team-first mindset  Comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments  Interest in growing into a Veterinary Assistant or Technician role Benefits Full-Time Benefits Include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays 401(k) with employer contributions Continuing education & professional development support Access to conferences, online CE, and training resources Employee pet care discounts Flexible scheduling options Career advancement opportunities within a growing practice Supportive, respectful, team-first culture At Hernando Animal Clinic and Surgery Center, you’re not just filling a role—you’re joining a team that respects experience, supports growth, and values quality medicine. If you’re ready to bring your veterinary skills to a practice where they truly matter, we’d love to meet you. Apply today and take the next step in your veterinary career. About Hernando Animal Clinic Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center is a trusted veterinary clinic in Hernando, MS, just south of Memphis, TN, offering state-of-the-art veterinary care for dogs, cats, pocket pets, and exotic animals. Our team is dedicated to providing modern, compassionate, and personalized care in a welcoming environment that prioritizes both pets and their owners. We offer a full range of veterinary services, including pet dental care, allergy and dermatology treatment, nutritional and behavioral counseling, parasite prevention, internal medicine, oncology, surgery, and emergency and critical care. Our clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic technology, including ultrasound, digital radiography, tonometry, echocardiograms, and an in-house laboratory and pharmacy, to ensure fast, accurate, and effective treatment. With nearly four decades of combined veterinary experience, our skilled veterinarians provide comprehensive, collaborative care and hands-on mentorship in a supportive environment. We are committed to delivering the best veterinary care because every pet deserves the highest standard of health, comfort, and happiness. Hernando Animal Clinic 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 Hernando Animal Clinic 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.