Kennel Attendant Duties and Responsibilities
Kennel attendants work in pet care centers, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals. They provide a clean, organized, and healthy environment for animals being treated or housed at a facility. Kennel assistants often work alongside skilled veterinary technicians and veterinarians to help clean kennels, manage dogs and other animals, and perform administrative duties. Being able to clean, get your hands dirty, and maintain self-motivation are important keys to succeeding in this role. This entry-level position is ideal for animal lovers who have a friendly and positive attitude.
A kennel attendant’s day-to-day duties greatly vary depending on where they work. However, there are several core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of job listings, these include:
Clean Kennels and Cages
Kennel attendants clean and maintain veterinary treatment spaces, kennels, and cages. They also prepare the workspaces and tools their coworkers use to treat animals. Sanitized kennels keep animals healthy and safe, and kennel assistants make sure cleanliness is maintained.
Provide Basic Animal Care
It’s the job of kennel attendants to bathe the dogs, cats, and other animals in their care. They also feed, play with, and facilitate exercise for the pets located in their facility. Keeping the animals clean and grooming them is another major priority.
Monitor and Observe Animals
Kennel attendants closely monitor the animals in their care. They record vital information and health statistics of each pet. Kennel assistants observe animals’ behavior, habits, and environmental conditions according to directed guidelines.
Kennel Attendant Skills and Qualifications
People with a passion for the animal care field and a friendly service-minded attitude will thrive as kennel assistants. Prior experience as a kennel assistant is generally not required, but some experience with animals is preferred. The following skills are essential to getting the job done:
· Animal handing – confidence while physically handling animals is critical for kennel attendants. A major part of their role is patiently and securely working with animals in a variety of environments while performing essential tasks such as bathing, walking, and feeding
· Cleaning and sanitation – excellent cleaning skills are a must for kennel attendants who clean kennels, scoop poop, sanitize play areas, and wash dishes
· Physical fitness – working at a kennel has certain physical requirements, such as the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Kennel assistants are typically on their feet for six to eight hours at a time and may have to lift larger breeds of animals
· Communication skills – listening to and communicating with a wide range of people is an essential skill that kennel attendants must tap into as they work with clients and animals and quickly respond to coworker requests
· Observation skills – since they help monitor animal care, kennel attendants must be able to notice small changes in animals’ behavior and report any unusual actions. Kennel assistants pay particular attention to animals that are sick, elderly, or recovering
Must be able to work 2pm- 10pm and work weekend shifts.
Hours per week:
Work Remotely
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- This positions requires working around animals of all sizes, performing bathing, feeding, walking, cleaning and animal handling duties - does this work for you ?
- Every applicant is REQUIRED to pass a 3 step drug test, are you willing to submit this if hired ?
- We are open 6 am -10 pm, With two shifts 6am-2pm and 2pm-9 pm , including weekends and some holidays, YOU MUST BE FULLY AVAILABLE FOR EITHER SHIFT, Does this fit with your availability?
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Work Location: In person