Kennel Attendant

A career as a Kennel Attendant can be a lot of fun but it’s also hard work. You’ll look after pet dogs staying in a boarding kennel while their owners are away. You’ll usually have quite a few dogs in the kennel at any one time and you’ll have to make sure they are fed with nutritionally sound meals and given plenty of fresh water. You’ll also have to keep the facility clean, including their bedding and enclosures. Kennel Attendants make sure dogs have plenty of exercise during their day and give each dog some individual attention. A Kennel Attendant also liaises with dog owners during check in and check out times.

Kennel Attendants will need to be energetic and have plenty of patience. You’ll be dealing with all breeds of dogs and you’ll need to be confident in all aspects of their care. It’s quite a physical job and you’ll often work long days and some weekends. It also involves people skills so you’ll need to be good at teamwork and communication.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $54,600
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a kennel attendant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
4 - 12 months
$0 - $7,448
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer
Zoo Keeper Cattery Attendant Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Trainer Wildlife Officer
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Wildlife Carer Zoo Keeper Cattery Attendant Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Manager Animal Trainer Wildlife Officer + 7 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
7 - 21 months
$0 - $12,978
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Management Officer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Technician
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand Cattery Attendant Animal Control Officer Apprentice Animal Trainer Assistant Dog Trainer Animal Management Officer Animal Welfare Officer Animal Technician + 7 more
ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Customer Service)
Distance
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kennel Attendant Animal Attendant Cattery Attendant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Kennel Attendant Animal Attendant Cattery Attendant
RGR10118

Certificate I in Racing (Stablehand)
On Campus
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
ACMSS00030

Animal Shelter Worker Skill Set
On Campus
6 weeks
$1,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Hand Kennel Attendant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Hand Kennel Attendant
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

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Common questions

How much does a Kennel Attendant earn?

In Australia, a full time Kennel Attendant generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Kennel Attendant?

The number of people working as a Kennel Attendant is expected to increase over the next five years. There are currently 16,500 animal attendants in Australia and a small percentage of these workers are employed as Kennel Attendants. Kennel Attendants can be found in all areas of Australia.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Kennel Attendant?

If you’re interested in a career as a Kennel Attendant you could start by enrolling in a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies. This is a great course if you’re working with animals and it covers animal nutrition, health care and grooming. You could also consider a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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26th August 2021

Most popular animal welfare and veterinary courses

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