Kennel Worker

Also known as:

Dog Care Worker

Introduction

Kennel workers look after dogs and keep their living area clean. Enclosed runs must be swept, hosed and disinfected daily, and dogs bathed and groomed. Kennel workers must also exercise and feed the dogs.

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Work Activities

Kennel workers care for dogs in various kinds of residential boarding and breeding establishments.

They clean, sweep, hose down and disinfect the dogs' living areas every day. They also feed the animals and make sure they have fresh water. Feeding may involve some preparation, particularly for dogs with special diets. Feeding bowls are washed after use.

Kennel workers make sure dogs in their care have regular exercise. They either take them for walks or let them out into enclosed runs. They check the dogs' health and condition and may treat minor ailments.

Depending on the kennel, the work may include other duties such as grooming or dog training. There may be clerical duties, for example keeping a record of bookings and taking payments.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

This job requires physical fitness and good health. You must like dogs and be able to handle them gently and patiently. You need to be responsible and ready to note any changes in each dog's condition. Kennel workers must also be prepared to carry out dirty and sometimes unpleasant tasks without being squeamish.

This type of work may be unsuitable if you have skin allergies.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Kennel workers can earn in the range of around £220 - £260 a week, rising to around £290 a week.

Kennel workers usually work a basic 37.5-hour week. However, long hours, including weekends, may be required. Some kennel workers live-in where they work.

Employers include boarding kennels, breeding kennels, quarantine kennels and racing kennels.

Other opportunities are with centres that help to find dogs new homes, such as those run by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA). There are also opportunities with specialist training organisations such as Guide Dogs, as well as with the armed services and the police.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and abilities gained in either paid or unpaid work with dogs or other small animals.

The Animal Care College runs open learning courses, including the National Small Animal Care Certificate - Level 2. Topics include cat and dog anatomy, feeding and nutrition, and basic animal nursing and first aid.

To complete the practical side of the Certificate, you will need to be in a workplace, although this can be in a voluntary job.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 40% of people in occupations such as kennel worker work part-time.
• 6% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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