Kennel Assistant

Kennel Assistant — Full-Time

Sentinel K9 | Fort Worth, TX

Starting Pay: $15/hour

$250 Sign-On Bonus

90-Day Performance Review + Raise Opportunity

About Sentinel K9

Sentinel K9 is a veteran-owned dog training, boarding, and pet care company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded by U.S. Army Officer and professional dog trainer Chandler Hunt, Sentinel K9 is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between dogs and their owners through structure, clear communication, compassionate care, and proven training techniques.

Our services include puppy training, private lessons, customized in-home training, intensive board-and-train programs, daycare, boarding, and pet sitting throughout the DFW area.

Our team works in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment focused on providing safe, dependable, high-quality care for every dog entrusted to us.

Role Description

The Kennel Assistant is a full-time, on-site position at our Fort Worth facility. This role supports the daily care, cleanliness, safety, and operation of our dog training and boarding programs.

Kennel Assistants work directly with dogs of different breeds, sizes, ages, energy levels, and temperaments. The ideal candidate is dependable, comfortable around dogs, willing to work hard, and committed to maintaining Sentinel K9’s standards of care.

Responsibilities

* Feed, water, and monitor dogs according to established schedules and instructions

* Safely leash, handle, and move dogs between kennels, yards, training areas, and other spaces

* Clean and disinfect kennels, crates, floors, common areas, and equipment

* Perform laundry, dishwashing, trash removal, and general facility cleaning

* Assist with structured exercise, potty breaks, play, and enrichment activities

* Assist with basic grooming tasks such as brushing and bathing when needed

* Monitor dogs for changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, bathroom habits, or physical condition

* Immediately report health, safety, or behavioral concerns to trainers or management

* Restock supplies and maintain organized work areas

* Follow feeding, medication, cleaning, and dog-handling instructions accurately

* Communicate clearly with trainers, kennel staff, and management

* Maintain professional, humane, and safe handling practices at all times

Qualifications

* Experience with animal care, pet care, dog daycare, boarding, veterinary care, shelters, or kennels is preferred

* Comfortable safely handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments

* Strong communication skills and ability to follow detailed instructions

* Reliable transportation to our Fort Worth facility

* Dependable attendance and punctuality

* Ability to work weekends, holidays, mornings, evenings, and varied shifts as scheduled

* Ability to stand, walk, bend, clean, and remain physically active for extended periods

* Ability to safely lift and handle equipment, food, supplies, and dogs when necessary

* Strong attention to detail

* Positive, professional, and team-oriented attitude

* Commitment to humane animal handling and maintaining a clean, safe environment

Compensation & Growth

Starting Pay: $15/hour

New team members are eligible for a $250 sign-on bonus, paid after successfully beginning employment and meeting applicable employment requirements.

Employees receive a 90-day performance review with an opportunity for a pay raise based on attendance, reliability, performance, animal-handling skills, teamwork, and overall progress within the position.

Sentinel K9 believes in promoting dependable team members who demonstrate strong work ethic, leadership, and a commitment to our standards.

If you enjoy working with dogs, are comfortable with physical work, and want an opportunity to grow within a professional dog training and boarding company, we encourage you to apply.