Kennel Tech – Front Desk Grooming Department

Animology | Olympia, WA

Love dogs, staying busy, and working in a fast-paced team environment? Animology is hiring a Kennel Tech for our growing grooming department!

This is not a desk job — it’s a hands-on, high-energy role perfect for someone who enjoys movement, teamwork, cleanliness, and caring for pets throughout the day.

As a Kennel Tech, you’ll help support the daily flow of our grooming salon and self-wash department by assisting with bathing support, kennel care, cleaning, laundry, walk-in services, and helping create an incredible experience for both pets and their owners.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assisting with bathing and drying support for grooming pets
• Helping self-wash clients get set up and educated on products/tools
• Assisting with walk-in services such as nail trims and basic care
• Maintaining a clean, sanitized, and organized salon environment
• Rotating laundry throughout the day
• Cleaning kennels, tubs, drying tables, floors, and equipment
• Monitoring pets for safety and comfort while in our care
• Supporting the grooming and front desk teams during busy periods
• Helping maintain a positive, upbeat atmosphere for clients and coworkers

What We’re Looking For

• Comfortable working around dogs of all sizes and personalities
• Able to work in a physically demanding environment
• Strong attention to cleanliness and sanitation
• Reliable, punctual, and able to stay focused during busy shifts
• Positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills
• Weekend and evening availability required

This Role Is Perfect For Someone Who:

• Loves staying active and moving throughout the day
• Enjoys working with animals and people
• Takes pride in keeping spaces clean and organized
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Wants opportunities to grow within the pet care or grooming industry

Why Animology?

Animology is a locally owned pet supply and grooming company built around education, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for pets and their people. We believe in a strong culture, growth opportunities, continued learning, and building a team that genuinely enjoys coming to work.

Benefits May Include:

• Employee discounts
• Paid training
• Growth opportunities within grooming and pet care
• Team-building events and continued education
• Health insurance eligibility
• PTO opportunities

If you’re hardworking, dependable, and excited to work in an environment centered around pets and teamwork, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Be the host: Greet every pet parent.
• Guide & educate: Show customers how to safely and effectively use our professional bathing stations and drying tools.
• Clean like a boss: Wipe down, disinfect, and keep the area spotless, including kennels, laundry, walls, and general cleaning.
• Share your knowledge: Recommend the right brushes, shampoos, and de-shedding hacks.
• Support the pack: Help move pets to groomers, jump in with light nail trims, and assist around the store when needed.
• Stay alert: Follow safety protocols to keep everyone – human and canine – safe and smiling.

What We’re Looking For

• You genuinely love dogs and aren't afraid to get a little (okay, a lot) wet.
• You’re obsessed with cleanliness and notice every speck of dirt.
• You have strong customer service energy and like helping people feel confident and cared for.
• You can lift 50 lbs, be on your feet for hours, and handle both small pups and the occasional Great Dane with care.
• You’re not afraid of hustle – weekends and busy days don’t rattle you.
• Bonus: Previous experience working in grooming, vet clinics, dog daycare, or retail.

Animology is an independently owned pet supply, grooming, and self-wash destination serving Olympia and the surrounding South Sound communities. Our owner has been helping pet owners throughout Thurston County since 2006 and has built a reputation for trusted advice, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to improving the lives of pets and their families.

Voted South Sound's #1 Pet Store and #1 Grooming Salon multiple times, Animology focuses on education, relationships, and personalized recommendations rather than simply selling products. We help pet parents make informed decisions about nutrition, wellness, enrichment, grooming, and everyday pet care.

We invest heavily in training and professional development through nutrition education, vendor certifications, product training, and ongoing coaching. Team members who are motivated to learn and grow will find opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and advance within the company.