So, what are those magical qualities that make the perfect attendant? Aside from compassion and kindness, kennel attendants must be dependable and must be, to some degree, physically fit. Usually, these personnel will be responsible for walking dogs whose owners are out of town. They must be sure the animals in their charge are fed and watered regularly and must keep their temporary living spaces clean. Kennel attendants might also find themselves in the field making house calls for horses and other larger animals that cannot be kenneled. Nothing short of total commitment is required since the health and well-being of animals is at stake.
The requirements vary, depending on the kennel service and what it offers. Just as with any other position, dependability and steady work histories are considered and play a large role in whether a candidate is chosen. Further, candidates usually are required to do some lifting and cleaning. They must be comfortable with bathing animals and doing the less-than-pleasant tasks to keep animals’ living areas sanitary and clean. Because kennels are state regulated it is imperative to business owners to remain in compliance with all laws regarding humane treatment.
Personnel must also be willing to play with the pets that are entrusted to them and of course, long walks are necessary as well. The ability to simultaneously walk several dogs is an art form and serves anyone looking for a position in this field well. Just as with small children, having several dogs together can sometimes mean a bit of bickering. Experienced kennel attendants know how to handle these spats and can act fast to keep them from escalating.
Educational requirements vary, but usually do not require any formal education. Often a high school diploma is preferred. Experience is preferred, but many kennels and veterinary clinics are willing to provide some training to the right candidate. The ability to keep accurate records is usually required as a safeguard to ensure no pets go unnoticed. Not only that, but many states require recordkeeping as part of their compliance requirements.
The preferred experience includes past work with animals so that candidates are familiar with different personalities, whether of dogs or reptiles, and have at least a working knowledge of the principles behind the behaviors. The ability to follow directions, especially when pets are on special diets, is mandatory with all employers. Weekend and holiday work is often required.
The potential in this field for growth is steady, because most candidates are passionate about their work and find themselves being promoted from time to time. Many kennels and jobs at veterinary offices sometimes offer benefits packages to those who prove themselves through required hard work. An expected salary, depending on the region of the country (or global area), experience, and the demand for qualified candidates, can often mean a $40,000 annual income. It is important to note, however, the duties required by the employer are often what determine the salary base.
As more jobs take many of us on many business trips a year, we have become increasingly dependent on quality care for our pets when we cannot be there to take care of them. Accordingly, the field of kennel attendants has seen small, yet consistent, growth over the past few years. This growth is expected to continue. For those who are truly passionate about animals, the role of an attendant is an excellent place to begin veterinary careers that have many avenues available for growth and promotion.
