Kennel Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of pet care, the role of kennel assistants has never been more critical.

As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the demand for competent individuals who can ensure the welfare, care, and comfort of our four-legged friends within kennels.

But what does a kennel assistant truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes operations of a kennel,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable kennel assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Kennel Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Kennel Assistants are responsible for the daily care, feeding, and exercise of animals in a kennel.

Their role also involves cleaning and maintaining kennel areas, and they may assist with administrative tasks related to animal care.

The duties and responsibilities of a Kennel Assistant include:

• Feeding and watering the animals in accordance with their dietary needs
• Cleaning and disinfecting animal enclosures, exercise areas, and other kennel spaces
• Providing regular exercise and playtime to the animals
• Monitoring the animals’ behavior and health, and reporting any concerns or changes to a supervisor or veterinarian
• Assisting in the administration of medication or treatments as directed
• Maintaining records of the animals’ care, behavior, and any changes in health
• Helping to socialize animals and prepare them for adoption or interaction with the public
• Assisting with the check-in and check-out process of animals, including handling paperwork and updating records
• Performing basic grooming tasks such as bathing and brushing the animals

 

Kennel Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Kennel Assistant to join our team.

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be primarily responsible for the overall well-being of the pets under our care.

This includes feeding, grooming, and ensuring the cleanliness of the kennels.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for animals, possesses good communication skills and is able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Feeding, grooming and exercising animals
• Cleaning and sanitizing kennels on a regular basis
• Observing animal behavior and reporting any changes or concerns
• Assisting with animal training and socialization
• Administering medication as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Providing assistance during veterinary procedures
• Keeping accurate records of each animal’s care
• Providing excellent customer service to pet owners

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience working with animals is preferred
• Ability to handle a variety of animals safely and calmly
• Good physical health and the ability to lift heavy objects
• Knowledge of basic animal care and handling
• Ability to work well in a team and communicate effectively
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Kennel Assistant
• Work Environment: This job involves working with animals and requires physical activity. Potential exposure to unpleasant odors and loud noises. Safety gear will be provided.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Kennel Manager or other designated staff.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $21,000 minimum to $31,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Kennel Assistant Do?

Kennel Assistants are professionals who work in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or private kennels.

They primarily look after the well-being of animals that are boarding in these facilities.

They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the kennels, ensuring they are safe and comfortable for the animals.

This includes tasks like cleaning and disinfecting the kennels, replacing bedding, and providing food and water.

Kennel Assistants also monitor the animals closely, observing their behavior and health.

If they notice any signs of illness or distress, they alert the veterinarian or other superior staff.

They also provide basic grooming services, such as bathing the animals, brushing their fur, and trimming their nails.

Part of their job also includes exercising the animals by taking them on walks or playing with them.

They may also help with training animals to follow basic commands.

Kennel Assistants also interact with pet owners, providing them with updates on their pet’s stay and condition.

Sometimes, they may also have to handle administrative tasks like answering phone calls or scheduling appointments.

 

Kennel Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Kennel Assistant should possess skills and qualifications that meet your job requirements, such as:

• Compassion and a genuine love for animals as they will be working with pets on a daily basis and should handle them with kindness and care.
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of the job which can include lifting heavy items, being on their feet for extended periods and physically handling animals.
• Organizational skills to manage different tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and grooming animals, and keeping track of their medical records and dietary requirements.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with pet owners, answer their questions, and provide them with updates about their pets.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly react in case of emergencies, like an animal falling sick or getting aggressive.
• Attention to detail to ensure all animals are properly cared for, noticing any changes in an animal’s behavior or condition.
• Communication skills to effectively relay information to pet owners, veterinarians, and other kennel staff.
• Customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for pet owners and maintain good relationships with them.

 

Kennel Assistant Experience Requirements

Kennel Assistants are usually required to have a minimum of 6 months to 1 year of experience in animal care.

This experience can often be gained through volunteer work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or through pet sitting.

Candidates with more than 1 year of experience often develop their practical skills in animal handling, feeding, grooming, and understanding animal behavior.

They may also have experience with cleaning kennels, administering medication, and assisting with minor medical procedures.

Those with more than 3 years of experience likely have developed strong customer service skills through interaction with pet owners and may have some supervisory experience, making them suitable for a senior kennel assistant or kennel manager role.

Experience working with a variety of animals, particularly dogs and cats, is typically preferred, and some kennels might require certifications such as Pet First Aid or Animal Care and Welfare.

 

Kennel Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Kennel Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

No specific post-secondary educational degree is required, however, coursework or a degree in animal science, veterinary technology or a related field can be beneficial.

On-the-job training is common in this role, where Kennel Assistants learn to feed, clean, and care for animals under the guidance of an experienced staff member.

While not mandatory, many employers prefer candidates who have prior experience with animals.

This could be acquired through volunteer work at animal shelters, pet sitting, or similar experiences.

Certifications are not typically required, but can be helpful for career advancement.

These can be acquired through organizations like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) which offers approved programs in animal care.

Lastly, possessing a strong interest in animal welfare, good physical stamina, and excellent interpersonal communication skills are also important for this role.

 

Kennel Assistant Salary Expectations

A Kennel Assistant earns an average salary of $26,122 (USD) per year.

The salary can differ based on factors such as experience, the location of the job, and the specific requirements of the employer.

 

Kennel Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a kennel assistant need?

Kennel Assistants need a combination of physical and interpersonal skills.

They should be physically fit and able to handle animals of different sizes.

Their interpersonal skills should include patience, empathy, and a genuine love for animals.

They also need to be observant, detail-oriented and have good communication skills to report on an animal’s condition to the veterinarians and pet owners.

 

Do kennel assistants need any formal education or certification?

While there is no formal education requirement for kennel assistants, having a high school diploma can be beneficial.

Some employers might require kennel assistants to have a certification in animal care or similar fields.

However, most of the training is done on-the-job under the supervision of experienced staff or veterinarians.

 

What should you look for in a kennel assistant resume?

A kennel assistant resume should demonstrate a strong affection for animals, prior experience with animal care, and the ability to handle tasks like cleaning and feeding.

Any volunteer work with animal shelters, pet sitting experience, or certifications in animal care or first aid can also be advantageous.

Physical stamina and the ability to handle emergency situations are also important attributes.

 

What qualities make a good kennel assistant?

A good Kennel Assistant is an animal lover who is patient, reliable, and calm under pressure.

They should be comfortable handling animals of different sizes and temperament.

They should also be observant and capable of noticing changes in an animal’s behavior or health.

Good communication skills are also important for liaising with vets and pet owners.

 

Is it difficult to hire kennel assistants?

The hiring process for kennel assistants can be challenging as it requires finding candidates who not only love animals but are also physically fit, reliable, and capable of performing the often demanding tasks associated with the job.

Therefore, the hiring process may involve a practical assessment to ensure the candidate’s suitability for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the role of a kennel assistant.

And you know what?

It’s not just about taking care of animals.

It’s about shaping the future of animal care, one pet at a time.

With our handy kennel assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with an animal contributes to their overall well-being.

Let’s shape the future of animal care. Together.

How to Become a Kennel Assistant (Complete Guide)

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