Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kennel Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Kennel Technician is the cornerstone of any animal care facility, entrusted with the daily well-being, safety, and comfort of animals in their charge. This hands-on role requires a deep sense of compassion, a strong work ethic, and meticulous attention to detail. The position involves direct animal care, rigorous cleaning and sanitation protocols, and observant monitoring of animal health and behavior. A Kennel Technician ensures the facility operates smoothly and maintains the highest standards of care, providing a secure and nurturing environment for pets whether they are boarding, awaiting adoption, or receiving medical attention.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate with a passion for animals
Volunteer at an Animal Shelter or Rescue
Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Advancement To:

Lead Kennel Technician / Kennel Manager
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Technician (requires additional education/certification)
Animal Control Officer

Lateral Moves:

Pet Groomer or Groomer's Assistant
Pet Adoption Counselor
Customer Service Representative in a veterinary or boarding facility

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide all animals with fresh food and water daily, meticulously following specific dietary instructions, portion controls, and feeding schedules prescribed for each individual pet.
Perform comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of all kennels, cages, play areas, and runs using established protocols to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a sanitary environment.
Administer oral, topical, and subcutaneous medications to animals as precisely directed by veterinary staff, carefully documenting each administration in the animal's record.
Continuously monitor the physical and behavioral health of all animals, promptly identifying and reporting any signs of illness, stress, or injury—such as lethargy, inappetence, or unusual behavior—to senior staff or veterinarians.
Handle, move, and restrain animals of various sizes, temperaments, and species in a safe, compassionate, and low-stress manner for cleaning, exercise, and medical procedures.
Provide routine hygiene care, including bathing and brushing animals as needed, performing nail trims, and cleaning ears to maintain their comfort and health.
Manage the facility's laundry and dishwashing needs, ensuring a constant supply of clean bedding, towels, and food/water bowls to uphold sanitation standards.
Facilitate supervised individual or group play and enrichment activities to promote physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, helping to reduce kennel-related stress.
Offer direct support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians during physical examinations, treatments, and sample collection by gently restraining animals and preparing necessary equipment.
Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date records for each animal, documenting feeding habits, behavior, medication administration, and any health observations in a log or computer system.
Execute animal intake and discharge procedures, ensuring all paperwork is complete, belongings are accounted for, and the transition for the pet is as smooth as possible.
Ensure the proper and sanitary disposal of animal waste in accordance with facility policies and local health and safety regulations.

Secondary Functions

Monitor, manage, and organize inventory of pet food, cleaning supplies, bedding, and other facility resources, reporting any shortages to management to ensure continuous operation.
Perform routine light maintenance on facility and kennel equipment, such as repairing latches, replacing light bulbs, and addressing minor structural issues to ensure safety and functionality.
Engage professionally and courteously with pet owners during drop-off and pick-up, providing brief, positive updates on their pet's stay and answering basic questions.
Assist potential adopters by providing information about available animals, explaining their personalities and needs, and facilitating meet-and-greet sessions.
Educate clients on fundamental aspects of animal care, including feeding guidelines, exercise needs, and post-boarding instructions to ensure a smooth transition back home.
Provide support to front desk staff by answering phone calls, scheduling boarding or grooming appointments, and processing payments during peak hours or staff shortages.
Capture engaging photos and short videos of animals for use on the facility's social media channels or adoption websites to promote services and find homes for pets.
Actively participate in ongoing staff training and development sessions covering topics like low-stress handling techniques, disease control protocols, and workplace safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Safe Animal Handling & Restraint: Proficiency in safely controlling and restraining animals of varying sizes and temperaments for their safety and the safety of the team.
Sanitation & Disinfection Protocols: Thorough knowledge of cleaning agents and procedures necessary to prevent the spread of infectious and zoonotic diseases in a kennel environment.
-Medication Administration: Experience in accurately administering oral and topical medications as prescribed.
Basic Animal Grooming: Competence in performing essential grooming tasks such as bathing, brushing, and nail trimming.
Canine and Feline Behavior: A solid understanding of animal body language and behavior to identify signs of stress, fear, or aggression.
Record Keeping: Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and consistent logs of animal care, feeding schedules, and health observations.

Soft Skills

Patience and Compassion: The ability to remain calm, empathetic, and gentle with animals, especially those who are fearful, anxious, or difficult.
Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy animals and supplies (up to 50 lbs), and being on one's feet for extended periods.
Exceptional Observational Skills: A keen eye for detail to notice subtle changes in an animal's health or behavior that could indicate a problem.
Reliability and Punctuality: A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to showing up on time for scheduled shifts, as animals depend on it.
Teamwork and Communication: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and communicate clearly about animal status and facility needs.
Resilience Under Pressure: The capacity to handle stressful, emotional, and fast-paced situations effectively without compromising the quality of care.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and react appropriately to unexpected situations, such as an animal health emergency or a facility issue.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree in Animal Care, Veterinary Assisting, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Animal Science
Veterinary Technology
Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
0-2 years of experience in a professional or volunteer animal care role.

Preferred:
At least 1 year of paid, hands-on experience working directly with animals in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, professional boarding kennel, or dog daycare facility.