Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kennel Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Kennel Attendant, you are the cornerstone of our animal care team, entrusted with the daily well-being of the pets under our supervision. This role goes beyond basic care; you are a dedicated guardian, ensuring each animal experiences a safe, clean, and engaging environment. You'll be responsible for everything from feeding and sanitation to monitoring health and facilitating positive social interactions. This position is perfect for a compassionate, reliable, and observant individual who is passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Animal Shelter Volunteer
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
Retail Associate (Pet Store)
Farm Hand

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Kennel Attendant
Kennel Manager or Supervisor
Veterinary Assistant or Technician (with further education)
Professional Dog Trainer or Behaviorist

Lateral Moves:

Pet Groomer or Bather
Animal Control Officer
Animal Shelter Adoption Counselor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diligently provide all boarded and daycare animals with fresh food and water, strictly following specific dietary plans, portion controls, and feeding schedules as detailed by pet owners.
Conduct thorough, routine cleaning and disinfection of all kennels, enclosures, play areas, and common spaces to maintain a high standard of hygiene and prevent the spread of disease.
Closely monitor the physical and emotional well-being of each animal, looking for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition, and promptly report concerns to management or veterinary staff.
Supervise and manage group play sessions for dogs, ensuring a safe and positive social environment by actively monitoring interactions, managing energy levels, and intervening to prevent conflicts.
Safely and compassionately handle animals of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments during transfers, walks, and other daily activities, utilizing proper handling and restraint techniques.
Administer oral, topical, and injectable medications to animals as prescribed and directed by veterinarians, ensuring accurate dosage and timing.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of animal care, including feeding times, medication administration, exercise schedules, and detailed notes on behavior or health observations.
Provide regular exercise and enrichment for all animals, including leashed walks, individual playtimes, and interaction with puzzles or toys to ensure mental and physical stimulation.
Assist with the intake and discharge of pets, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and communicating professionally with pet owners about their pet's stay.
Manage facility laundry, ensuring a constant supply of clean towels, blankets, and bedding for the comfort of the animals.
Perform basic grooming tasks such as bathing, brushing, nail trims, and ear cleaning as scheduled or requested by clients.

Secondary Functions

Engage with pet owners in a friendly, professional, and reassuring manner, providing updates and answering questions about their pet’s well-being and daily activities.
Monitor and maintain inventory of pet food, cleaning supplies, and other operational materials, reporting any shortages to the facility manager.
Uphold and enforce all facility safety and operational protocols to ensure a secure environment for both animals and staff.
Assist in identifying and documenting animal behavioral patterns to help create tailored care or enrichment plans.
Escort animals to and from their kennels to play yards, grooming stations, or for client pick-up in a timely and organized fashion.
Support the front desk team during peak hours with client check-ins, check-outs, and scheduling appointments.
Perform minor facility maintenance tasks, such as repairing toys, patching turf, or changing light bulbs, to keep the environment in top condition.
Capture photos and videos of pets during their stay for social media updates and to provide owners with a visual connection to their furry family members.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development sessions to stay current with best practices in animal care, safety, and handling.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Animal Handling & Restraint: Confident and safe handling of dogs and cats of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
Knowledge of Sanitation Protocols: Understanding of proper cleaning and disinfection procedures to prevent cross-contamination and disease.
Basic Animal First Aid: Ability to recognize and respond to common medical emergencies such as choking, heatstroke, or minor injuries.
Medication Administration: Experience in accurately administering oral, topical, and sometimes injectable medications.
Breed Identification: Familiarity with different dog and cat breeds and their common behavioral and health characteristics.
-Canine Body Language: Ability to read and interpret dog body language to anticipate behavior and prevent conflicts in group settings.

Soft Skills

Compassion & Empathy: A genuine love for animals and the ability to provide care with kindness and patience.
Strong Observational Skills: Keen ability to notice subtle changes in an animal's health or behavior.
Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds for extended periods in a physically demanding environment.
Reliability & Punctuality: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to scheduled shifts, understanding that animals depend on it.
Clear Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with team members and provide clear, reassuring updates to pet owners.
Patience & a Calm Demeanor: The capacity to remain calm and composed when dealing with anxious, fearful, or difficult animals.
Problem-Solving Ability: Quick thinking to address and resolve unexpected situations, from animal scuffles to facility issues.
Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with other attendants and staff to ensure seamless care for all animals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate in Animal Care, Veterinary Assisting, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Animal Science
Veterinary Technology
Zoology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years.

Preferred: 1+ years of professional or volunteer experience working with animals in a setting such as a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, dog daycare, or grooming salon is highly desirable. Personal experience with a variety of pets is also a plus.