Pet Daycare Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of pet care, the demand for Pet Daycare Attendants has never been higher.
As more and more pet owners seek trusted care for their furry friends, the need for compassionate, skilled individuals to supervise, care for, and engage with pets has surged.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pet Daycare Attendant?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the full scope of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of pet daycare,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we are rolling out a customizable Pet Daycare Attendant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Pet Daycare Attendant Duties and Responsibilities
Pet Daycare Attendants perform a variety of tasks to ensure the care, comfort, and safety of pets.
They also engage pets in a variety of activities to keep them stimulated and content throughout the day.
The daily duties and responsibilities of a Pet Daycare Attendant include:
- Monitoring and supervising play sessions to ensure pet safety
- Providing regular feedings according to pet owner instructions
- Maintaining a clean and healthy environment, including cleaning and disinfecting kennels, play areas, and equipment
- Administering medication as instructed by pet owners or a veterinarian
- Performing basic grooming tasks such as brushing fur and trimming nails
- Responding to pet emergencies and reporting any concerns or changes in pet behavior to the owner
- Providing comfort and reassurance to pets experiencing stress or anxiety
- Keeping records of each pet’s care, behavior, and any other notable observations
- Interacting with pet owners during pick up and drop off times, providing updates on their pet’s behavior and well-being
Pet Daycare Attendant Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are in search of a devoted and reliable Pet Daycare Attendant to join our team.
The Pet Daycare Attendant will be responsible for the general care and supervision of pets at our facility.
Key responsibilities include feeding and watering pets, administering medication, providing exercise and play, monitoring behavior, and ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of pet areas.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong love for animals, exhibit excellent attention to detail, and have the ability to manage a variety of pets with different temperaments.
Responsibilities
- Provide compassionate care for a variety of pets
- Monitor pets for health concerns and behavior changes
- Administer food, water, and medication as instructed
- Clean and sanitize pet areas, including kennels and play spaces
- Provide exercise, play, and socialization opportunities for pets
- Manage check-in and check-out procedures for pets
- Communicate with pet owners about their pet’s behavior and well-being
- Follow and enforce safety rules and regulations
Qualifications
- Previous experience in a pet care role is preferred
- Ability to handle a variety of pets with different temperaments
- Understanding of basic pet care and health
- Ability to lift heavy pets and supplies
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- High school diploma or equivalent
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Pet care discounts
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Pet Daycare Attendant
- Work Environment: Pet daycare facility. This role involves physical activities such as lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Daycare Supervisor or Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- 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 Pet Daycare Attendant Do?
Pet Daycare Attendants work in facilities that provide daytime care for pets, usually dogs, while their owners are at work or otherwise unavailable.
They are responsible for the overall well-being of the pets under their care.
This involves feeding the pets, ensuring they have clean water, and cleaning up after them.
They also play with the pets, provide them with companionship, and ensure they get enough physical exercise.
This may involve walking dogs, playing fetch, or conducting other engaging activities to keep the pets entertained.
Pet Daycare Attendants also monitor the health and behavior of the pets, reporting any concerns or irregularities to the pet owners or a vet.
They may also administer medication as directed by the owner or vet.
In some cases, Pet Daycare Attendants may also provide basic grooming services such as bathing or brushing the pets.
They are also responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the pets, including cleaning kennels or play areas and ensuring any potential hazards are removed.
Furthermore, they interact with pet owners, providing them with updates about their pet’s day and addressing any concerns or requests they may have.
Pet Daycare Attendant Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Pet Daycare Attendant should possess the following skills and qualifications that align with the job description:
- Compassion and love for animals, and a keen understanding of different breeds and their behavior.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with pet owners, understanding their concerns and providing them with regular updates.
- Patience and gentleness to deal with pets of various temperaments, including those that may be anxious or fearful.
- Physical fitness and stamina to handle energetic pets and to carry out activities such as walking, feeding, and playing with them.
- Good observation skills to monitor the health and behavior of the pets and report any unusual symptoms or actions to the pet owners or veterinarians.
- Basic knowledge of pet first aid and ability to administer medications as directed by pet owners or veterinarians.
- Good organization skills to manage multiple pets, maintain cleanliness of the facility, and keep accurate records of each pet’s information and daily activities.
- Customer service skills to handle enquiries, bookings, and any complaints in a professional and friendly manner.
Pet Daycare Attendant Experience Requirements
Entry-level Pet Daycare Attendants typically need 6 months to 1 year of experience.
This can be obtained through part-time roles, internships, or volunteer work at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet grooming facilities.
In these roles, they acquire hands-on experience with pet grooming, feeding, medicating, and providing basic training for various types of pets.
They also learn how to interact with pets in a safe and nurturing manner, and how to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience often have their skills honed in dealing with a variety of pets and have developed a keen understanding of pet behavior and needs.
They may also have experience administering medication, dealing with special needs pets, or handling pets with behavioral issues.
Those with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have a broader range of skills and responsibilities, including supervising other staff members, managing the facility’s operations, and interacting with pet owners.
They may be ready for roles with more responsibility, such as a Pet Daycare Manager or Supervisor.
Pet Daycare Attendant Education and Training Requirements
A Pet Daycare Attendant typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Experience in animal care, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or owning pets, can be beneficial.
Some pet daycare facilities may require attendants to have a certificate in animal care or a related field.
This certification can be obtained from various professional pet care organizations and usually involves coursework on animal behavior, basic care, health issues, and first aid.
Pet Daycare Attendants should have a broad knowledge of different breeds of dogs and cats, their behaviors, and any special needs they may have.
Some states may require pet daycare attendants to be licensed, which generally requires passing a test on basic animal care and safety.
Continuing education, such as workshops and seminars on animal behavior, nutrition, and health, can be beneficial in this field.
Advanced qualifications, such as a degree in animal science or veterinary technology, may be required for higher-level positions within the pet daycare industry.
Pet Daycare Attendant Salary Expectations
A Pet Daycare Attendant can expect an average wage of around $12.75 (USD) per hour.
However, this rate may fluctuate depending on factors like prior experience, location of the daycare, and the specific requirements of the employer.
Pet Daycare Attendant Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Pet Daycare Attendant need?
A Pet Daycare Attendant should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with pet owners effectively.
They should also have a deep love for animals and patience to deal with different pet behaviors.
Other necessary skills include attention to detail for keeping track of pets’ dietary and health needs, and physical stamina for engaging in playful activities with the pets.
Do Pet Daycare Attendants need any specific qualifications or certifications?
While a degree is not necessary, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.
Some daycare centers might prefer candidates with a certification in animal care or related fields.
Additionally, experience in handling pets, either professionally or personally, is often preferred.
What should you look for in a Pet Daycare Attendant resume?
On a Pet Daycare Attendant’s resume, look for experience or training in animal care, veterinary assistance, or similar roles.
Any certifications related to animal care or first aid could be beneficial.
Details about their ability to manage multiple pets, handle stressful situations, and maintain cleanliness and safety standards are also important.
What qualities make a good Pet Daycare Attendant?
A good Pet Daycare Attendant should be compassionate and caring towards animals.
They should have good observational skills to notice any changes in a pet’s behavior or health.
Being physically fit to manage playful and active pets, and having the ability to stay calm and handle emergency situations efficiently are also crucial qualities.
Is it difficult to hire Pet Daycare Attendants?
Hiring Pet Daycare Attendants can be challenging, as it requires finding candidates with a unique blend of skills such as animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and great interpersonal skills.
However, creating an engaging job description and offering a supportive work environment can attract the right candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the ins and outs of being a pet daycare attendant.
Guess what?
It’s not just about playing with dogs and cats.
It’s about creating a safe and nurturing environment for pets, one wagging tail at a time.
Armed with our pet daycare attendant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your first step towards crafting detailed listings or refining your resume to impress.
Remember:
Every pet cared for is a part of a happier, healthier pet community.
Let’s create that world. Together.