Pet Boarding Attendant
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Feed and provide fresh water based on each pet’s schedule
- Clean and sanitize kennels, play areas, and food bowls
- Walk dogs and supervise playtime to ensure safe behavior
- Monitor health and behavior and report concerns quickly
- Administer basic care tasks such as brushing and bathing when assigned
- Follow facility rules for handling, safety, and pet identification
- Update care notes and communicate shift handoffs
- Support check-in and check-out by confirming instructions and belongings
- Manage laundry and restock cleaning and pet care supplies
- Respond calmly to stressful situations such as barking, fear, or minor conflicts
Top Skills for Success
Animal Handling
Animal Behavior Awareness
Attention to Detail
Reliability
Time Management
Customer Service
Sanitation Practices
Record Keeping
Teamwork
Stress Tolerance
Basic First Aid
Conflict De-escalation
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Pet Boarding Attendant
Shift Lead
Kennel Supervisor
Pet Care Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Dog Daycare Attendant
Grooming Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Animal Shelter Technician
Pet Sitter
Dog Walker
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Animal Behavior AwarenessSafe Restraint TechniquesMedication AdministrationInfection ControlCustomer Communication
Development SuggestionsAsk for training on handling and behavior, learn facility cleaning standards, practice clear owner updates, and complete a basic pet first aid course. Seek supervised practice before taking on medication tasks.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$13 to US$16 per hour
Mid LevelUS$16 to US$20 per hour
Senior LevelUS$20 to US$26 per hour
Growth Trend
Stable demand, with higher hiring in areas with strong pet ownership and in facilities offering daycare and grooming services.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
PetSmart PetsHotelCamp Bow WowDogtopiaRoverWagLocal veterinary clinics with boardingIndependent boarding kennelsAnimal shelters with temporary boarding services
Industry Sectors
Pet boarding facilitiesDog daycare centersVeterinary clinicsGrooming and pet spa businessesAnimal shelters and rescuesIn-home pet care services
Recommended Next Steps
1
Earn a basic pet first aid certificate2
Request shadowing time for safe handling and behavior observation3
Build a simple checklist for cleaning and feeding routines to reduce errors4
Practice writing short, clear daily pet updates for owners5
Track experience with different sizes and temperaments of dogs6
Learn the facility’s emergency and escalation process and review it monthly7
If interested in advancement, ask to support closing duties and shift coordination