Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume in 2025 with Best Examples

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume: Are you passionate about animals and considering a career as a kennel assistant? This role is not just about caring for pets; it’s a vital position that ensures the well-being of animals in various settings, from shelters to boarding facilities. Understanding the key responsibilities and skills required for this job can set you apart in a competitive job market.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive kennel assistant job description tailored for your resume in 2025. You’ll discover essential duties that highlight your ability to care for animals, maintain cleanliness, and assist with daily operations.

Additionally, we offer practical examples and a sample resume to help you craft a compelling application. By showcasing your passion and relevant experience, you’ll be well-equipped to land that dream job in the animal care industry. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a successful kennel assistant!

What Does Kennel Assistant Do ?

A kennel assistant plays a vital role in the care and well-being of animals in a boarding facility or shelter. Their daily tasks include feeding, grooming, and exercising pets, ensuring they are healthy and happy. They also clean kennels and maintain a safe environment, monitoring the animals for any signs of illness or distress.

In addition to hands-on care, kennel assistants often interact with pet owners, providing updates and answering questions. Their dedication helps create a positive experience for both pets and their families.

Key Responsibilities of Kennel Assistant for Resume

Explore the essential duties of a kennel assistant, including animal care, facility maintenance, customer interaction, and record-keeping, to enhance your resume and showcase your qualifications for this rewarding role.

• Animal Care and Welfare: Provide daily care for animals, including feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs and cats. Monitor their health and behavior, ensuring any signs of illness or distress are reported to the supervisor promptly.
• Cleaning and Sanitation: Maintain a clean and sanitary environment for the animals by regularly cleaning kennels, play areas, and equipment. This includes disinfecting surfaces, removing waste, and ensuring that all areas are safe and hygienic.
• Feeding and Nutrition: Prepare and serve appropriate meals based on the dietary needs of each animal. Ensure that fresh water is always available and monitor food intake to identify any changes in appetite.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of each animal’s feeding schedules, health status, and any medications administered. Document any behavioral changes or incidents that occur during the shift to ensure continuity of care.
• Customer Service: Interact with pet owners and potential clients in a friendly and professional manner. Answer questions about services, provide updates on their pets, and address any concerns they may have.
• Behavioral Observation: Observe and assess the behavior of animals in the kennel. Identify any signs of stress, aggression, or anxiety and implement appropriate measures to ensure a calm and safe environment.
• Socialization and Exercise: Engage animals in play and socialization activities to promote mental and physical well-being. Take dogs for walks, supervise playgroups, and provide enrichment activities to keep them stimulated.
• Assisting with Veterinary Care: Assist in administering medications and treatments as directed by a veterinarian or supervisor. Help with basic veterinary procedures, such as vaccinations, and monitor animals post-treatment.
• Handling and Restraining Animals: Safely handle and restrain animals for grooming, feeding, or medical examinations. Use appropriate techniques to ensure the safety of both the animal and the handler.
• Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to emergencies, including medical situations or behavioral incidents. Follow established protocols for handling emergencies and ensure the safety of all animals and staff.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with other kennel staff, including veterinarians, groomers, and trainers, to ensure a cohesive approach to animal care. Communicate effectively to share important information about each animal’s needs.
• Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills in animal care, behavior, and safety protocols. Stay informed about best practices in kennel management.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all equipment, such as leashes, collars, and grooming tools, are clean, safe, and in good working condition. Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment to the supervisor.
• Adherence to Policies: Follow all kennel policies and procedures, including health and safety regulations. Ensure compliance with local animal welfare laws and guidelines.
• Promoting Adoption and Services: Assist in promoting the kennel’s services, including boarding, grooming, and training. Engage with potential clients to highlight the benefits of choosing the kennel for their pet care needs.
• Handling Payments and Transactions: Assist with the processing of payments for services rendered. Ensure accurate record-keeping of financial transactions and maintain a cash drawer if required.
• Participating in Events: Participate in community events, such as adoption days or educational workshops, to promote the kennel and its services. Help set up and manage events to ensure a positive experience for attendees.
• Providing Enrichment Activities: Develop and implement enrichment programs for animals to enhance their physical and mental stimulation. This may include puzzle toys, training exercises, or interactive play sessions.
• Monitoring Facility Conditions: Regularly check the condition of the kennel facility, including temperature, ventilation, and overall cleanliness. Report any maintenance issues to ensure a safe environment for the animals.
• Fostering a Positive Environment: Create a welcoming and positive atmosphere for both animals and clients. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior in animals and promote a sense of trust and safety.
• Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize oneself with emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and first aid protocols. Participate in drills and training sessions to ensure readiness in case of an emergency.
• Building Relationships with Animals: Establish trust and rapport with animals in the kennel. Spend quality time with each animal to help them feel comfortable and secure in their environment.

How to Write Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

Writing a compelling kennel assistant job description for your resume is essential to showcase your skills and experience effectively. Follow these steps to create a standout entry:

1. Job Title: Clearly state your position, such as “Kennel Assistant” or “Animal Care Technician.”
2. Summary Statement: Begin with a brief overview of your experience and passion for animal care. Highlight any specific areas of expertise, such as handling various breeds or administering medications.
3. Key Responsibilities: List your primary duties in bullet points. Focus on tasks that demonstrate your skills, such as:

• Providing daily care for animals, including feeding, grooming, and exercise.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization of kennels and common areas.
• Monitoring animal behavior and health, reporting any concerns to supervisors.
• Assisting with the intake and discharge of pets, ensuring proper documentation.

4. Skills: Highlight relevant skills that set you apart, such as:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and basic first aid.

5. Achievements: Include any notable accomplishments, such as improving kennel efficiency or receiving positive feedback from pet owners.
6. Certifications: Mention any relevant certifications, such as CPR for pets or animal handling courses.

By following this structure, you can create a clear and concise kennel assistant job description that effectively showcases your qualifications and attracts potential employers.

Top Skills for Kennel Assistant Resume

Hard Skills:

1. Animal handling and restraint techniques
2. Knowledge of animal health and behavior
3. Basic grooming skills
4. Record keeping and documentation
5. Familiarity with kennel cleaning protocols

Soft Skills:

1. Strong communication skills
2. Empathy and compassion for animals
3. Attention to detail
4. Teamwork and collaboration
5. Time management and multitasking abilities

Resume Description Example of Kennel Assistant – For No Experience / Entry Level

Entry-level Kennel Assistant Job Description

• Provided daily care for dogs and cats, including feeding, grooming, and exercise, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
• Assisted in monitoring the health and behavior of animals, reporting any concerns to senior staff.
• Maintained cleanliness of kennel facilities, including washing bedding, cleaning cages, and disinfecting common areas.
• Supported veterinary staff during routine check-ups and procedures, handling animals with care and compassion.
• Engaged with pet owners, providing updates on their pets and answering questions about services and care.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient operations and high standards of animal welfare.
• Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of animal care and behavior.

Resume Description Examples for Kennel Assistant Resume – Experienced

Experienced Kennel Assistant

• Provided daily care for a diverse range of animals, ensuring their health and well-being through proper feeding, grooming, and exercise routines.
• Monitored animal behavior and health, promptly reporting any signs of illness or distress to veterinary staff, leading to timely interventions and improved outcomes.
• Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kennel facilities, adhering to strict hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure a safe environment for all animals.
• Assisted in administering medications and treatments as directed by veterinarians, demonstrating strong attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Developed and implemented enrichment activities to promote physical and mental stimulation for animals, enhancing their overall quality of life during their stay.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth daily operations, including scheduling appointments, managing supplies, and maintaining accurate records of animal care.
• Provided exceptional customer service to pet owners, addressing inquiries and concerns with empathy and professionalism, fostering positive relationships and repeat business.
• Trained and mentored new staff and volunteers on best practices for animal care and kennel operations, contributing to a cohesive and knowledgeable team environment.

Sample Resume – Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

Tips for Highlighting Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

Highlighting your kennel assistant job experience on your resume can make a significant impact. Here are some effective tips to showcase your skills and achievements:

1. Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific terms like “animal care,” “kennel management,” and “customer service” to align with job descriptions.
2. Quantify Achievements: Include numbers to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Cared for over 30 animals daily” or “Reduced kennel cleaning time by 20%.”
3. Highlight Skills: Emphasize skills such as animal handling, grooming, feeding, and administering medications. Mention any specialized training or certifications.
4. Showcase Responsibilities: Detail your daily tasks, including cleaning, feeding, and exercising animals, to give potential employers a clear picture of your experience.
5. Include Soft Skills: Mention interpersonal skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy, which are crucial in animal care settings.
6. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application, focusing on the most relevant experiences that match the job requirements.

By following these tips, you can effectively present your kennel assistant experience and stand out to potential employers.

Also Read: Resume Summary Writing Tips

FAQs about Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

What are the primary responsibilities of a Kennel Assistant?

A Kennel Assistant is responsible for the daily care of animals in a kennel or boarding facility. This includes feeding, grooming, exercising pets, cleaning kennels, and monitoring the health and behavior of animals. They also assist with customer service and may help with administrative tasks.

What skills are essential for a Kennel Assistant?

A successful Kennel Assistant should possess strong communication skills, a passion for animal care, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Physical stamina is crucial, as the job involves lifting and moving animals. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and first aid can also be beneficial.

How does a Kennel Assistant contribute to animal welfare?

A Kennel Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals in their care. By providing proper nutrition, exercise, and socialization, they help maintain the physical and emotional health of pets. Their vigilance in monitoring animal behavior can also prevent potential health issues.

What qualifications are needed for a Kennel Assistant position?

While formal education is not always required, a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred for a Kennel Assistant role. Experience with animals, whether through volunteering or previous employment, is highly valued. Certifications in animal care or first aid can enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

What is the work environment like for a Kennel Assistant?

Kennel Assistants typically work in animal shelters, boarding facilities, or veterinary clinics. The environment can be noisy and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and resilience. Assistants often work in teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere, but must also be comfortable working independently when needed.