Kennel worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course, for example:

• Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Animal Care
• Level 2 Diploma in Animal Management

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to apply for an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you're aiming to become a supervisor or manager at a kennels or cattery.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Volunteering

Volunteering is a useful way to get experience and shows employers that you are enthusiastic and interested in working with animals.

You can find out about opportunities for volunteering in your area from:

• Blue Cross
• RSPCA
• PDSA
• Dogs Trust
• Cats Protection

DirectApplication

There are no set qualifications for applying directly to become a kennel worker. Some employers may ask you for GCSE grades at 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English.

Experience of working with animals will be useful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands
• a desire to help people
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of biology
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses

What you'll do:

Kennel workers care for dogs and cats in kennels or catteries.

In this job, you will:

• prepare food and feed the animals
• keep animals clean and groom them
• exercise dogs in a yard or take them for walks
• clean out kennels and cages
• maintain cages, runs and kennel grounds
• look after elderly, ill or distressed animals
• answer telephone calls and greet visitors to the premises

Location : You could work in kennels or at an animal welfare centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £12,000
Experienced : £17,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager, or set up your own kennels or cattery.

You could move into other kinds of work with animals, like dog trainer, RSPCA inspector or veterinary nurse.