Pet Boarding Attendant

Career Guide

A Pet Boarding Attendant cares for animals staying overnight or for extended periods in a boarding facility. The role focuses on daily animal care, safety, cleanliness, and clear communication with pet owners and the care team.

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Key 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

Earn a basic pet first aid certificate

Request shadowing time for safe handling and behavior observation

Build a simple checklist for cleaning and feeding routines to reduce errors

Practice writing short, clear daily pet updates for owners

Track experience with different sizes and temperaments of dogs

Learn the facility’s emergency and escalation process and review it monthly

If interested in advancement, ask to support closing duties and shift coordination