Kennel attendants: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Kennel attendants care for pets while their owners are working or traveling. Basic attendant duties include cleaning cages and dog runs, and feeding, exercising, and playing with animals. Experienced attendants also may provide basic healthcare, bathe animals, and attend to other basic grooming needs.

Education Required
Most animal care and service worker positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training Required
Most animal care and service workers learn through on-the-job training.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 20% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills. For example, several professional associations and hundreds of private vocational and state-approved trade schools offer certification for dog trainers.
Median pay: How much do Animal Care and Service Workers make?
$22,230 Annual Salary
$10.69 per hour

Careers for Animal Care and Service Workers

  • Animal care technicians
  • Animal caregivers
  • Animal caretakers
  • Animal daycare providers
  • Animal groomers
  • Animal shelter workers
  • Animal sitters
  • Animal trainers
  • Aquarists
  • Aquarium tank attendants
  • Cat and dog bathers
  • Dog bathers
  • Dog beauticians
  • Dog groomers
  • Dog handlers
  • Dog sitters
  • Dog trainers
  • Dolphin trainers
  • Groomers
  • Grooms
  • Guide dog instructors
  • Guide dog mobility instructors
  • Guide dog trainers
  • Horse breakers
  • Horse exercisers
  • Horse trainers
  • Keepers
  • Kennel aides
  • Kennel helpers
  • Kennel workers
  • Licensed guide dog instructors
  • Lion trainers
  • Marine mammal trainers
  • Nonfarm animal caretakers
  • Pet feeders
  • Pet groomers
  • Pet sitters
  • Pet stylists
  • Seeing eye dog trainers
  • Zookeepers

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