How to Be Kennel Attendant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A kennel attendant is responsible for the care and supervision of animals in a kennel or shelter. The main responsibility of a kennel attendant is to ensure that the animals housed in the kennel are provided with quality care and attention. This includes feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the animals for any signs of illness or injury.

As a result, kennel attendants play an important role in helping to maintain the health and well-being of animals, as well as preventing any illnesses or injuries from occurring. Furthermore, a kennel attendant is also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the kennel facility and its grounds. This includes daily cleaning and disinfecting of cages, litter boxes and other animal equipment, as well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for all the animals.

kennel attendants are also responsible for ensuring that all the animals in their care get regular medical check-ups, vaccinations and other medical treatments as required.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Kennel Attendant.
Get some experience working with animals. Working with animals in some capacity can provide an advantage when applying for kennel attendant jobs. Consider working at a local animal shelter, veterinary office, or pet store.
Attend a kennel attendant program. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in kennel management or pet care that can help to prepare you for a career as a kennel attendant.
Apply for a job as a kennel attendant. You should be able to find job postings at pet boarding facilities, animal shelters, and veterinary offices.
Complete on-the-job training. Most employers will require you to complete some form of on-the-job training before you can work independently as a kennel attendant.
Earn certification. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters offers a Certified Kennel Technician (CKT) program which can help to improve your employment prospects.

Being a kennel attendant requires continual learning and staying up-to-date with the latest information and techniques. Keeping informed about the latest developments in kennel management, animal care, and animal behavior is essential for providing the best care possible to animals. This includes attending seminars, reading books and journals, and taking classes related to animal care.

having certification in areas such as animal nutrition, kennel management, animal behavior, and pet first aid can help kennel attendants demonstrate their qualifications. By remaining knowledgeable and up-to-date, kennel attendants can ensure that the animals in their care are safe, healthy, and well-cared for.

You may want to check Large Animal Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician Instructor, and Veterinary Pathologist for alternative.

Job Description

Feed and water animals in kennels
Exercise and play with animals
Clean and maintain kennel areas
Supervise animals to ensure safety
Assist with grooming and bathing of animals
Monitor animals for signs of distress
Administer medications and vaccinations as needed
Keep records of animal health and care
Assist customers with boarding and kennel services
Educate customers on animal care and behavior

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills.
Knowledge of basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, and grooming.
Knowledge of animal behavior and understanding of body language.
Ability to recognize signs of distress and provide comfort to animals.
Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety protocols.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Ability to keep accurate records, including feeding schedules and medical records.
Ability to clean and maintain kennel areas, including cages, runs, and bedding areas.
Ability to administer medications as prescribed and perform basic first aid.
Knowledge of local laws and regulations pertaining to animal care.

Good communication skills are essential for a successful career as a kennel attendant. Being able to relate to animals and their owners is paramount. A good kennel attendant must be able to clearly explain instructions, ask questions, and listen to and understand the answers.

They must be able to empathize with the pet owners and handle their concerns and questions in a professional manner. Being able to work with animals of all temperaments is also an important skill. It's critical that a kennel attendant be knowledgeable in animal behavior and be able to recognize any signs of illness or injury.

Finally, they must be able to follow safety protocols and keep the kennel clean and orderly. All these skills are essential for a successful kennel attendant and will lead to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Exotic Animal Veterinarian, Animal Nutrition Technician, and Veterinary Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with animals?
How do you handle stressful situations with animals?
How would you help a new animal adjust to its environment?
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful kennel attendant?
What do you think is the key to providing excellent customer service?
How do you ensure a safe and secure environment for animals?
How do you handle a stray animal that might be lost or in need of medical attention?
How do you handle a difficult customer or pet owner?
Describe a time when you had to think on your feet to deal with an unexpected situation involving an animal.
Are you comfortable working with all types of animals, such as small mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. ?

Common Tools in Industry

Cleaning Supplies. Items used to keep the kennels and other areas clean, such as mops, brooms, rags, and cleaning chemicals (eg: Windex).
Animal Restraint Devices. Devices used to safely restrain animals while they are being groomed or handled (eg: leashes and muzzles).
Grooming Tools. Utensils used to groom animals, such as clippers, shears, combs, and brushes (eg: Furminator).
Veterinary Care Supplies. Items used to support the health and well-being of animals, such as thermometers, syringes, and medical bandages (eg: stethoscope).
Feeding Supplies. Utensils used to feed animals, such as bowls, scoops, and food storage containers (eg: airtight container).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA)
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
National Association of Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers (NAPPS)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Pet Sitters International (PSI)
National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA)
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA)
Pet Care Services Association (PCSA)

We also have Aquatic Veterinarian, Veterinary Behaviorist, and Animal Behavior Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Animal Caretaker. Animal caretakers provide daily care for animals in a variety of settings. They are responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and cleaning the animals.
Veterinary Technician. Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. They perform medical tests, administer medications, assist in surgery, and more.
Animal Grooming. Animal grooming is the process of cleaning and maintaining the appearance of animals. Grooming includes bathing, brushing, and trimming fur, nails, and other parts of the animal.
Kennel Management. Kennel management involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a kennel. This includes providing clean environments, administering medications, and ensuring the safety of animals in the facility.
Animal Behavior. Animal behavior is the study of how animals interact with their environment and with each other. This includes understanding their physical and psychological needs as well as their communication methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Kennel Attendant?

Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma and some prior experience with animals. Additional qualifications may include basic knowledge of animal care, good communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

What duties are included in the job of a Kennel Attendant?

The duties of a Kennel Attendant typically include feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning cages and kennels, observing and monitoring animals for signs of distress or illness, administering medications, and providing general care and attention to the animals.

How many hours do Kennel Attendants typically work?

The number of hours worked by Kennel Attendants can vary depending on the employer. In most cases, they are expected to work full-time, usually around 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime hours.

What is the average salary for a Kennel Attendant?

According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a Kennel Attendant is around $11.50 per hour. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What type of environment do Kennel Attendants usually work in?

Kennel Attendants usually work in kennels, shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet stores. The environment is typically noisy due to the presence of animals, and the conditions can be physically demanding due to the need for frequent bending, kneeling, and lifting.