Kennel Attendant Job Description

Hygiene and health are equally important for animals as it is for humans. Animals cannot communicate so it is impossible for them to demand for their needs. It essential to appoint someone, who can provide personal care for these animals and help them meet their daily requirements. Especially in places such as pet houses, veterinary hospitals, zoos, animal rescue centers and animal lodgings as in such places animals come in close contact with the humans and there is possibility of disease transmission. Even some household pet owners employ kennel attendants for the maintenance and cleanliness of the living space of the animals and attend their animals. The kennel attendant job description given here will help you know more about the day-to-day activities of a kennel attendant.

Kennel attendants are also called as kennel technicians in some places. As they come in contact with the animals for most of the time, it is also essential that the kennel attendants look after their personal hygiene as well. Their job is physically and mentally demanding. The highlighted duties and responsibilities will give you a better idea.

Duties and Responsibilities of Kennel Attendants

Grooming the animals and providing basic hygiene to them such as bathing, brushing teeth and trimming their nails
Preparing diet charts for the animals, feeding them, maintaining food stock required for the animals and removing the left over and uneaten food
Cleaning the living space or cages of the animals and disinfecting it by spraying various chemicals and disposal of dead animals
Carrying exercise routines for the animals and assist them in obedience training
Taking the animals for routine health check up, vaccinations, drugs in case the animals are suffering from any diseases
Some experienced kennel attendants even train the animals in breeding process or euthanasia and the process of parturition for the female species of the animals
Handle heavy equipments while cleaning and maintenance such as floor cleaning equipment, crematorium, steam or pressure washers, refrigeration units, etc.
Some kennel attendants who are independent workers also sell pet food

Skills Required in Kennel Attendants

Should be mentally, emotionally and physically stable and have patience to deal with the all types of animals
Loving and caring and should have basic understanding of the animal handling and animal care
Ability to work in different work settings and handle all the assigned responsibilities individually
Sound understanding of the hygiene to be maintained and ability to identify health issues with the animals
Possess sound knowledge of the medications and vaccinations to be given to the animals
Ability to supervise and interact with the animals and ability to work for prolonged hours

Educational Qualifications Required for Kennel Attendants

Educational qualification for kennel attendants may be different for different employers. Some employers require a high school while some may require degree in any relevant field such as zoology. Most of the employers hire employees who have pursued some veterinary courses as they have profound knowledge of animal care.

If willing to work in the animal shelters, then possessing a state-approved euthanasia certificate will help you. These employers require knowledge of sodium pentobarbital and legend drugs which can be acquired through these certification programs. Legend drugs are used in animal sedation and any uncertified and un-experienced person is not allowed to deal with such issue.

Salaries Offered to Kennel Attendants

The average wages paid to kennel attendants may range from $20,045 to $36,173 in United States. However, kennel attendants can earn more than this by selling animal fodder, antiseptics for animals, etc., as a secondary source of income. Kennel attendants who work independently may earn more than this.

Hope the above given kennel attendant job description helped you in knowing the duties of kennel attendant. If you want to reveal more about this profile, you can reach us.