Kennel Hand

A Kennel Hand attends to the daily duties involved in operating a boarding kennel. Your role might involve cleaning enclosures for dogs to stay in, washing their bedding or disposing of dog waste. You might have to prepare their food, refresh their water supplies or provide any necessary medications. You’ll take them out to get plenty of exercise and you might spend time playing or giving them affection. You may also get to wash, brush and groom the dogs staying at the kennel.

Being a Kennel Hand requires a lot of manual labour and you may have to handle large dog breeds. You’ll need to have excellent dog handling skills and be able to deal with any behavioural issues. You’ll need to be energetic and organised as you’ll usually have many dogs to look after at once. Kennel Hands often have to work different shifts including weekends and public holidays.

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

How do I become a kennel hand?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
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
RGR10118

Certificate I in Racing
Online
12 weeks
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Racing Cadet Steward Kennel Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Racing Cadet Steward Kennel Hand
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
ACM10121

Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$0 - $2,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Stable Hand Kennel Hand
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Stable Hand Kennel Hand
ACMGEN309

Provide Basic Animal First Aid
Blended
2 days
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Hand Cattery Attendant
Pet Groomer
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Hand Cattery Attendant Pet Groomer + 1 more
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 Hand earn?

In Australia, a full time Kennel Hand 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 Hand?

While there are 16,500 people working as animal attendants in Australia, only a small percentage of these are employed as Kennel Hands. The number of people in this industry is expected to increase over the next five years. Kennel Hands may find work 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 Hand?

If a career as a Kennel Hand interests you might consider enrolling in a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies. This course looks at various aspects of animal care like health monitoring, grooming and nutrition. You could also think about a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing

7th September 2021

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