23 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking intake notes and the shift board (paper or software like DaySmart or 123Pet). Morning tasks are feeding, watering, cleaning runs, and checking temperatures and humidity controls in overnight areas.
Midday is grooming, socializing animals, answering patron questions, and small admin like updating records in Microsoft Excel or Groomsoft. Afternoons include med checks, medication logs, cleaning surgical or grooming tools, and preparing animals for transport or adoption events.
Common systems are DaySmart or 123Pet for bookings, client records, and animal intake. Groom Pro or Groomsoft are used if you do grooming schedules and client appointments. Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook handle spreadsheets, forms, and email.
Some places use Microsoft Access for larger databases and PowerPoint for staff training. You’ll rarely need advanced IT skills — basic data entry, saving files, and sending emails is enough most shifts.
Yes, kennel attendants often administer medications and treatments, but only as directed by a veterinarian or licensed technician. You follow written orders: animal name, drug, dosage, route (pill, injection, topical), and time.
You must log each dose in the animal’s record (paper or system like 123Pet) and report any adverse reactions immediately to the supervisor or vet. Never change a dose on your own.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 266,910 people employed in this field with a 2025 median wage of $35,360 per year. The lowest tenth earned $27,250 and the top tenth $50,060.
Wages vary by location, facility type (shelter, boarding kennel, veterinary clinic), and responsibilities like grooming or med administration. Use the BLS numbers to set realistic expectations.
Formal schooling is not always required. Short courses in animal care, pet first aid, or a kennel attendant certificate help. Grooming courses (Groom Pro/Groomsoft training) are useful if you’ll groom.
Experience volunteering at shelters, handling animals, and basic computer skills (Excel, Outlook) count a lot. If you’ll medicate animals, training or on-the-job supervision from a vet clinic is typical.
A kennel attendant handles feeding, cleaning, socializing, basic meds, and facility tasks. You support vets and techs but don’t perform advanced medical procedures like venipuncture or anesthesia monitoring.
A groomer focuses on haircuts, brushing, and grooming tools (often using Groom Pro/Groomsoft). A veterinary technician is licensed and performs clinical care and diagnostics. Overlap exists, but licensing and training levels separate the roles.
Animal handling and temperament assessment matter most: reading fear, aggression, or stress, and using safe restraint techniques. That keeps animals, visitors, and staff safe.
Cleaning and infection control are next — disinfecting runs and surgical/grooming tools correctly. Basic record-keeping in Excel or DaySmart and accurate medication logging are also crucial to avoid mistakes.