Kennel Technician

Career Guide

A Kennel Technician cares for animals in boarding facilities, shelters, and veterinary hospitals. The role focuses on daily care, cleaning, safety, and monitoring animal health and behavior, while supporting veterinarians, technicians, and pet owners.

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Key Responsibilities

Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and common areas
Feed and water animals based on schedules and instructions
Provide exercise, enrichment, and basic handling support
Monitor appetite, energy, stool, and behavior for changes
Report health concerns to supervisors or clinical staff
Assist with safe animal restraint during exams or grooming
Support basic grooming such as brushing and bathing when required
Maintain accurate care notes and logs
Prepare kennels with bedding, bowls, and supplies
Follow safety rules for bites, scratches, and disease prevention
Support check in and check out processes in boarding settings
Restock supplies and help keep the facility organized

Top Skills for Success

Animal Handling

Sanitation Practices

Observation Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Physical Stamina

Communication

Customer Service

Animal Behavior Basics

Infection Prevention

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Kennel Technician

Animal Care Lead

Kennel Supervisor

Boarding Facility Manager

Transition Opportunities

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician

Groomer

Dog Trainer

Shelter Animal Care Specialist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Safe Restraint TechniquesMedication HandlingRecord KeepingDe escalation TechniquesRecognizing Signs of IllnessBite PreventionProfessional Communication

Development SuggestionsAsk to be cross trained on safe handling and basic care logging. Complete a short animal handling course and review facility cleaning standards. If working in a clinic, request supervised exposure to basic medication routines and post care monitoring.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 28,000 to 34,000 per year

Mid LevelUSD 34,000 to 42,000 per year

Senior LevelUSD 42,000 to 52,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring is supported by continued pet ownership and the ongoing need for boarding, shelter care, and veterinary support. Pay varies widely by region, shift type, and facility.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

VCA Animal HospitalsBanfield Pet HospitalBluePearl Pet HospitalPetcoPetSmartDogtopiaASPCABest Friends Animal SocietyHumane Society of the United States

Industry Sectors

Veterinary HospitalsPet BoardingDog DaycareAnimal SheltersRescue OrganizationsGrooming Facilities

Recommended Next Steps

Get a pet first aid certification

Complete a basic animal handling course

Learn your facility sanitation checklist and follow it consistently

Keep a simple log of accomplishments such as intake volume and cleaning accuracy

Ask for training on behavior warning signs and stress signals

Build a resume that highlights reliability, cleanliness, and safety

If aiming for a clinic path, explore a Veterinary Assistant program

If aiming for a management path, request shift lead tasks such as scheduling support and supply tracking