The kennel assistant (KA) position is a popular entry point for individuals seeking a professional career working with animals. This role offers valuable, hands-on experience in settings like veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities, and animal shelters. Determining the minimum hiring age is complex, as requirements depend on federal laws, state regulations, and the specific policies of the employer. Understanding this framework is crucial for young people interested in this path.
Understanding Legal Working Age Requirements
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal minimum age for non-agricultural employment at 14 years old. This baseline age comes with significant restrictions on the hours and types of jobs a minor can perform. For 14- and 15-year-olds, work is limited to outside of school hours. They are restricted to a maximum of three hours on a school day and 18 hours during a school week, and cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on a school night.
The FLSA also restricts minors from certain hazardous occupations. State and local laws often impose stricter standards, such as requiring work permits or setting lower limits on hours. Employers must always comply with the stricter state law if it sets a higher minimum age or imposes greater hour restrictions than the federal standard. Applicants must research the specific child labor statutes in their state of residence.
Why Employers Often Require Older Applicants
Despite the federal minimum age of 14, most kennels, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters typically set their hiring age at 16 or 18 years old. This preference stems from liability concerns and the nature of the work. Handling customer pets involves risk, and insurance policies often require staff to be adults to mitigate potential costs associated with animal bites or accidental injury to a client’s pet.
The FLSA prohibits workers under 18 from performing jobs designated as hazardous. Kennel assistant duties often involve tasks that are restricted for minors, such as deep cleaning with strong chemical disinfectants or restraining large, stressed, or aggressive animals. Employers prefer the flexibility of hiring an 18-year-old who is not subject to regulatory constraints on hours and duties, especially for closing shifts or working alone.
What Kennel Assistants Actually Do
The kennel assistant role is physically demanding and focuses on maintaining the health and safety of the animals and the facility. Core responsibilities involve extensive cleaning and sanitation, including the daily scrubbing and disinfecting of cages, runs, and common areas to prevent disease spread. Assistants also manage laundry, waste disposal, and general facility upkeep to ensure a sterile environment.
Daily animal husbandry tasks are also required:
- Preparing and delivering food and fresh water according to specific dietary instructions.
- Monitoring the animals’ behavior, appetite, and waste output.
- Reporting any changes or signs of illness to veterinary staff or managers.
- Providing exercise and socialization, such as walking dogs, to reduce stress and ensure mental well-being.
Developing Necessary Skills and Experience
Success in this role requires a combination of physical capacity and emotional intelligence. Kennel assistants must have physical stamina, as the job requires being on one’s feet for long periods, frequent bending, kneeling, and the ability to lift and carry animals up to 50 pounds. Attention to detail is necessary for accurately monitoring an animal’s health status.
Strong communication skills are also necessary for reporting observations to managers and interacting with clients during drop-offs and pickups. Young applicants can boost their credentials by gaining experience through related activities. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, pet-sitting, or dog walking demonstrates a sincere passion and a basic understanding of animal care principles.
Finding and Applying for Kennel Assistant Jobs
Aspiring kennel assistants should target a variety of employers, including veterinary hospitals, commercial boarding facilities, animal shelters, and specialized animal rescue organizations. When preparing an application, tailor the resume to emphasize any experience with animals, even if it was unpaid. Highlight soft skills such as reliability, a strong work ethic, and the ability to follow instructions precisely, as these qualities are valued in a fast-paced environment.
When an interview is secured, demonstrate enthusiasm and a professional demeanor. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you showed patience or responsibility. If the applicant is under 18, a strong reference from a teacher, mentor, or volunteer coordinator is helpful to assure the employer of their maturity. Focusing the search on entry-level positions and demonstrating a willingness to learn the facility’s specific protocols can open doors to this field.