Kennel Hand Courses
A Kennel Hand manages daily tasks at a boarding kennel, including cleaning, feeding, exercising dogs, and handling grooming while ensuring their welfare.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Kennel Hand
Get qualified to work as a Kennel Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
ACM30122
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get a job at a pet shop, rescue shelter, or grooming organisation with the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to choose specialist electives in animal care and welfare, pet grooming, or customer service. Career competencies include: understanding animal behaviour, interacting safely with animals, providing basic animal first aid, communicating with clients and your work team, staying safe at work, ensuring the health and wellbeing of anima...
Career opportunities
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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ACM10121
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The ACM10121 Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways provides foundational knowledge and skills for work in the animal care and management sector. Students will assist with routine tasks in an animal care facility, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and grooming a variety of small domestic and wild animals. The course also covers animal behaviour and proper handling techniques, preparing students for initial work, community involvement, or further study in the industry.
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Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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RGR10118
If you want to work in the Australian horse racing industry try the RGR10118 Certificate I in Racing. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you the fundamentals of horse behaviour, horse handling, and stable safety. By the end of this 6 month course you will be able to catch and handle quiet horses (under supervision) and perform basic stable duties.
Enquire now for the latest opportunities for enrolment and the list of study units.
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CPP30316
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
The Certificate III in Cleaning Operations is for commercial cleaners and domestic staff wanting the latest in cleaning techniques, chemical safety, and industrial equipment. You’ll be learning the finer arts of cleaning window coverings, glass surfaces, wet areas, furniture and fittings, as well as preparing rooms for residents and guests. And you’ll graduate equipped to clean a range of public venues, food-service, and community premises that require strict infection controls and building security. Enq...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Kennel Hand.
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.
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
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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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
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.
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