Kennel Jobs

If you are an animal lover and in need of a career change, then getting a job at a kennel could be the perfect job for you. As a kennel worker your duty will be to monitor and look after pets in your temporary possession. The best way to get an understanding as to whether you’d like the career, is to simply volunteer at a local pet kennel. This will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and information, but most importantly, experience, to decide whether this career is right for you.

Most kennels are open during regular business hours, but as a kennel worker you’re expected to be available day and night, monitoring and looking after potentially sick animals at a calls notice. You’re more likely than not, going to be on a roster system, with certain times each week where you’ll be expected to do your duties looking after and caring for the pets.

Looking after animals does include a lot of dirty work. Some of your tasks will include cleaning up after them, washing them, and administering any medication that the animals may need. But what most job descriptions will leave out is that fact that you’ll also need to care for humans who drop their beloved pets off. It can be quite a stressful event for them, so you’ll need little a bit of grace on your part. Most kennel operators also offer other services to clients such as one on one walks, individual play time, and grooming. You’ll be expected to learn and take part in all of these tasks.

The characteristics of a successful kennel worker include being highly compassionate, especially towards animals, dedicated, and hard working. The work involved in kennel jobs can be quite daunting and hard, so you must be prepared to roll your sleeves up and get stuck into all that is required. Having a calming and cheerful nature will also help you relate to the pets as well as humans that you come into contact with. Pets certainly pick up on your moods, and the more joyful mood you’re in, the more joyful mood they’ll be in. It’ll also help you carry out the tasks which are a little bit unsavory, such as cleaning out the poop, and washing the pets. The quality of the pet’s lives rests on your shoulders so you will have to be highly responsible and diligent in carrying out all the tasks required. The most rewarding part of the job is certainly the appreciation that pet owners will give you as well as the adoring faces of the pets showing similar appreciation.

The salary that kennel workers earn vary quite a bit, especially if you’re likely to be involved in a management role or capacity. But the average wage would be around $30,000 each year if you work full time. It also depends whether you work in a city, urban or rural environment as the costs for pet owners vary with each. If you love animals then you’ll surely find it to be quite a rewarding career!

I've also provided a list of websites that will help you find kennels that are hiring in your area.

#1. Craigslist.org
#2. Monster.com