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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.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Kennel Hand.
Possible job outcomes:
Get started as an animal carer with the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for support roles at animal shelters, kennels, pet shops, and wildlife centres. The course covers: feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and enclosures, assisting with animal health care, communicating with co-workers, keeping safe at work, assisting with animal enrichment and welfare, providing animal first aid, basic grooming, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, animal care career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 6 months.
In Australia, a full time Kennel Hand generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 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.
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
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.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within animal care. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Animal Care
Animal Attendant
$960 weekly pay
Cattery Attendant
Kennel Attendant
Kennel Hand
Pet Groomer
Animal Technician
$1,150 weekly pay
Ecologist
$1,540 weekly pay
Wildlife Carer
Wildlife Conservator
$1,250 weekly pay
Zoo Keeper
$1,300 weekly pay
Zoologist
$1,440 weekly pay
Learn more about Kennel Hand courses in your area.