Kennel Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of animal care, the role of a kennel technician has become increasingly significant.

As our love for pets continues to grow, so does the need for dedicated individuals who can ensure their health, safety, and happiness within a kennel environment.

But what exactly is expected of a kennel technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the daily operations of a kennel,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s delve into it.

Kennel Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Kennel Technicians work primarily in boarding kennels, veterinary offices, animal shelters, or pet stores where they provide care for dogs, cats, and other pets staying at the facility.

They contribute to the health and well-being of these animals, with the following duties and responsibilities:

• Feed, water, and bathe animals according to a specified schedule
• Exercise animals and provide them with companionship
• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and yards, and maintain clean animal bedding
• Observe animal behavior and report any unusual changes to the supervisor
• Administer medication and vaccinations as directed by a veterinarian
• Assist with basic veterinary procedures
• Ensure the overall safety and comfort of the animals in their care
• Transport animals to and from the kennel area
• Maintain records of animal feeds, treatments, and other updates
• Interact with pet owners and provide them with updates about their pets

 

Kennel Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Kennel Technician to join our animal care team.

The Kennel Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our animals and providing them with appropriate care and attention.

Our ideal candidate is a self-starter who is comfortable working with various types of animals and can manage duties such as feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the well-being of pets.

They should also be able to recognize signs of distress or illness and report them to the vet.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean kennels and animal care areas
• Feed, groom, and exercise animals based on their specific needs
• Monitor animal behavior and well-being and report any concerns
• Assist with general veterinary care and treatments as directed
• Provide animals with toys and exercise equipment to keep them stimulated
• Perform administrative duties such as record keeping
• Ensure the facility is always stocked with necessary supplies
• Adhere to safety and sanitation protocols

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Kennel Technician or similar role in animal care
• Knowledge of safe and effective animal handling and restraint techniques
• Ability to identify signs of animal distress, disease, or injury
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy items or animals when required
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification in animal care or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Kennel Technician
• Work Environment: Animal care facility. The role may require weekend and holiday work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Kennel Manager or Veterinary Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $21,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-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 Technician Do?

Kennel Technicians primarily work for animal care facilities, veterinary offices, animal shelters, or pet boarding businesses.

Their main responsibility is to ensure the well-being of the animals under their care.

They feed and water the animals according to their dietary needs and schedule.

Kennel Technicians are also responsible for cleaning and disinfecting cages, pens, and yards where animals are housed.

Regular exercise is crucial for animals, so Kennel Technicians organize and supervise playtime or walks.

They may also administer medication under the direction of a veterinarian or senior staff, and monitor the behavior of animals for any signs of illness or distress.

In addition to these, Kennel Technicians might also assist in grooming animals, which includes bathing and brushing them.

Some Kennel Technicians may also assist in the intake of new animals, manage adoption paperwork, or aid in educating the public about animal care and welfare.

They ensure that every animal receives the appropriate care and attention it requires.

Kennel Technicians often interact with pet owners, so good communication and customer service skills are essential.

In all their duties, the comfort and safety of the animals are paramount.

 

Kennel Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Kennel Technician must have a specific set of skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the job role, including:

• Animal handling skills to safely and effectively care for a variety of animals, recognising and understanding their behaviours and needs.
• Physical stamina to endure standing for long periods, lifting heavy supplies or animals, and performing various cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Patience and compassion for working with animals who may be stressed, sick, or aggressive.
• Customer service skills to interact with pet owners, providing them with updates and information about their pets’ stay, and handling any concerns or complaints.
• Communication skills to effectively coordinate with the kennel team and relay important information about the animals’ conditions to veterinarians or management.
• Attention to detail to ensure all animals are receiving the correct food, medication, and care, and to maintain cleanliness and order within the kennel.
• Basic knowledge of animal health care and signs of disease to ensure the well-being of the animals and to identify any potential health issues early.

 

Kennel Technician Experience Requirements

Entry-level kennel technicians often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually obtained through volunteer work or part-time roles in animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, or pet boarding facilities.

This hands-on experience enables them to understand the essential tasks such as feeding, grooming, exercising animals, and cleaning kennels.

They may also gain knowledge in recognizing signs of illness or distress in animals.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in managing animal behavior, administering basic medical treatments, and are accustomed to the physical demands of the job.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a significant understanding of animal health and welfare regulations and are well versed in customer service.

They may also have experience in supervisory roles or team leadership, making them suitable for managerial positions within a kennel environment.

Regardless of the number of years, a genuine love for animals and a commitment to their welfare is a crucial aspect of this role.

Formal education is not always required, but a high school diploma and certification from a recognized animal care program can enhance job prospects.

 

Kennel Technician Education and Training Requirements

Kennel Technicians typically need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

For those wishing to further their career in animal care, pursuing a degree in veterinary technology, animal science, or a related field may be beneficial.

On-the-job training is common in this role, as much of the work involves specific procedures and hands-on animal care.

This can include learning about animal behavior, nutrition, and basic medical care.

Experience with animals, whether gained through volunteer work, previous employment, or personal pet ownership, is often highly valued by employers.

Some kennel technicians may choose to earn certification through organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) or other pet care and animal welfare associations.

Certification or coursework in animal CPR and First Aid can be especially valuable.

Continuous education is essential in this role as it keeps technicians up-to-date on the latest animal care practices and methods.

 

Kennel Technician Salary Expectations

A Kennel Technician earns an average salary of $25,350 (USD) per year.

This salary may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the location of the kennel.

Additionally, the size and reputation of the kennel or animal care facility may also impact the salary.

 

Kennel Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Kennel Technician need?

Kennel Technicians need to have a genuine love for animals and a high level of patience.

They should possess excellent interpersonal skills as they often interact with pet owners.

Their practical skills should include grooming, feeding, and basic first aid.

Attention to detail is also important in this role as they need to observe and monitor animals’ health conditions and behavior.

 

Do Kennel Technicians require a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory for Kennel Technicians, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.

Some employers prefer candidates who have pursued a course or certification in animal care or veterinary science.

Experience working with animals, either through volunteering or previous employment, can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Kennel Technician’s resume?

When reviewing a Kennel Technician’s resume, look for previous experience in animal care such as animal shelter, veterinary clinic or pet store experience.

They should also have knowledge of animal behavior and handling techniques.

Any certificates in animal care or first aid can be a plus.

Finally, since the job often requires physical tasks like lifting or restraining animals, good physical health and stamina can be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Kennel Technician?

A good Kennel Technician is someone who genuinely cares for animals and their welfare.

They should be patient, as dealing with distressed or scared animals is part of the job.

They should also have the physical stamina to manage the physical aspects of the job, such as cleaning cages, lifting animals and supplies, and standing for long periods.

Moreover, good communication skills are essential as they need to effectively communicate with pet owners and veterinary staff.

 

What are the daily duties of a Kennel Technician?

A Kennel Technician’s daily duties involve feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning and disinfecting cages, and monitoring the animals’ health.

They may also administer medication or assist with minor medical procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Other duties can include grooming animals, maintaining records of animals’ behavior and condition, and interacting with pet owners.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve unveiled what it truly means to be a kennel technician.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about looking after pets.

It’s about shaping a healthier and happier future, one pet at a time.

With our comprehensive kennel technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re all ready to make your move.

But why stop at just that?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every pet cared for is a step towards a better world.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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