17 Kennel Manager Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re an animal lover, a kennel manager position may be a perfect job for you. As a kennel manager, you’re responsible for the daily operations of a kennel, which includes caring for the animals, cleaning the kennel, and handling customer inquiries.

In order to be successful in a kennel manager interview, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your experience working with animals, your ability to handle customer inquiries, and your knowledge of cleaning and animal care. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions asked in a kennel manager interview and provided sample answers to help you get started.

Are you comfortable working with a wide variety of animals?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with different types of animals. If you have worked in a kennel before, share what kind of animals you cared for and how you interacted with them. If you haven’t worked in a kennel before, explain that you are open to learning about the needs of many different kinds of animals.

Example: “I’ve worked as a dog walker for several years now, so I’m very comfortable interacting with all sorts of dogs. In my previous role, I also helped care for cats and small rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs. While I don’t have any formal training on how to interact with these animals, I am always eager to learn new things.”

What are some of the most important skills for a kennel manager to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and qualifications to be successful in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills that relate to the job description.

Example: “The most important skill for a kennel manager is communication. Kennel managers need to communicate with their team members, clients and veterinarians to ensure all animals are healthy and happy. Another important skill is problem-solving. I find that there are always challenges when working with animals, so being able to solve problems quickly is essential. Finally, patience is another key skill because some situations may take time to resolve.”

How would you deal with an aggressive animal?

This question can help interviewers assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Use examples from past experiences and explain how you used problem-solving skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “I once had a dog that was aggressive toward other dogs, but it wasn’t clear why. I spoke with the owner about what they knew about the dog’s behavior and asked if there were any changes in their routine or environment. The owners said they hadn’t changed anything, so we decided to keep the dog separated from other dogs until we could figure out what was causing the aggression. After a few days of observation, we noticed the dog became more aggressive when its owner wore a certain type of perfume. We informed the owner and suggested they avoid wearing the perfume while visiting the kennel.”

What is your experience with animal nutrition and care?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with the nutritional needs of animals and how you care for them. Use examples from your previous job to explain what you did in regards to nutrition and animal care, such as developing a feeding schedule or ensuring that pets have access to clean water.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for creating an effective feeding schedule for all dogs in our kennel. I researched different types of food and developed a menu that included both dry and wet food options. I also ensured that we had plenty of fresh water available at all times so that the dogs always had easy access to it. This helped me ensure that the dogs were getting proper nutrition while they stayed with us.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult customer or client.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you handle conflict and whether or not you can resolve it quickly. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you have the ability to diffuse a situation and keep customers happy.

Example: “In my previous role as a kennel manager, I had a client who brought their dog in for grooming every week. One day, they came into the facility with a complaint about our services. The owner said we cut their dog’s nails too short and made them bleed. I asked if they wanted me to fix the issue or refund their money. They decided to let me re-groom their dog at no charge. Afterward, they left the facility satisfied.”

If an animal became sick, how would you determine the cause and take necessary action?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you use your problem-solving skills to make decisions that benefit the health of animals in your care. Use examples from past experiences where you used critical thinking and logic to solve a problem or address an issue.

Example: “If I noticed one animal was sick, I would first try to figure out what caused it. If it’s something like a virus, there isn’t much we can do other than quarantine the animal until they’re better. However, if it’s something like food poisoning, then I would take action by making sure all staff members are following proper procedures when handling food for the animals. This could include retraining employees on safe food handling techniques.”

What would you do if you noticed two animals were starting to form a romantic relationship?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s policies and procedures. It also shows how you would handle an unexpected situation that could arise in the workplace. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the animals’ safety while maintaining the company’s standards.

Example: “I have worked with many different types of animals, so I am familiar with their mating habits. If I noticed two dogs or cats were starting to form a romantic relationship, I would first make sure they are both healthy and safe. Then, I would separate them from each other until they no longer showed interest in one another. This ensures we’re not encouraging any behavior that goes against our company’s standards.”

How well do you deal with stress?

Working in a kennel can be stressful, especially when you’re under pressure to get dogs ready for their owners. Employers ask this question to make sure that you have the ability to handle stress and remain calm while working with clients. In your answer, try to show that you are able to stay positive even when things get hectic.

Example: “I think it’s important to always remain calm and collected no matter how stressful the situation is. I’ve worked in some high-stress environments before, so I know what it takes to keep my cool. When I’m stressed, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that everything will work out. This helps me feel more confident and prepared to deal with whatever comes my way.”

Do you have any questions for us about the kennel manager position?

This question gives you the opportunity to show your interest in the position and learn more about it. Interviewers often ask this question near the end of an interview as a way to ensure that you’re satisfied with what they’ve told you so far. When preparing for this question, think of questions that will help you understand the job better or determine if it’s right for you.

Example: “I have one final question for you. I noticed that there are two shifts available for this role. One is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the other is from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Which shift would be best for me?”

When was the last time you took an animal safety course?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re keeping up with the latest developments in your field. They want to know that you’re committed to learning more about animal safety and how to keep their pets safe while they’re in your care. When answering this question, list any relevant courses you’ve taken recently. If you haven’t taken a course recently, explain what steps you take to stay current on best practices for pet care.

Example: “I took an online course last year on dog behavior. I found it really interesting, and I learned some things that have helped me better understand my dogs’ needs. I also signed up for a certification program through PetSmart where I can learn more about dog training and proper nutrition.”

We want to ensure our kennel is welcoming to both regular customers and first-time visitors. What would you do to make our kennel feel inviting?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would make the kennel welcoming for all types of people and ensure they have a positive experience. In your answer, try to describe specific actions you would take to improve the overall atmosphere of the facility.

Example: “I think it’s important that our kennel feels like a home away from home for our customers. I would start by making sure we had plenty of comfortable seating throughout the facility so everyone can relax while their pet is in care. I also plan to introduce myself to every new visitor and give them a tour of the facility when they arrive.”

Describe your experience working with first-time pet owners.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. As a kennel manager, you’ll likely interact with many new pet owners each day. Your answer should highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathize with customers.

Example: “When I worked as a dog trainer, I often interacted with first-time dog owners. I always made sure to explain the basics of training in an easy-to-understand way. I also tried to make my instructions fun for both the owner and their dog. For example, I would use treats or toys to help dogs understand commands.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their organization. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I have extensive experience working in kennels and animal shelters. I am passionate about helping animals find loving homes. In my previous position as an assistant manager at a pet store, I helped customers find the right products for their pets. I also trained new employees and developed training programs for our staff. These skills make me well-suited for this role.”

Which management style do you prefer: delegating tasks to others or handling everything yourself?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would manage your team. Your answer should show that you are willing to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others, but also have the ability to take on more challenging projects yourself.

Example: “I prefer a management style where I am able to work with my team members to accomplish goals and objectives. However, if there is something I need to handle myself, I will do so without hesitation. For example, when I worked at my previous job as a kennel manager, I was responsible for hiring new employees. My team and I were all in agreement that we wanted to hire someone who shared our values and could be an asset to the company.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

Customer service is an important part of any job, but it’s especially crucial for a kennel manager. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of customer service and how it can affect your business. Use examples from previous jobs where you’ve helped customers or clients with their needs.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is making sure that our customers are happy. I always strive to make sure my customers feel welcome when they come into the facility. For example, at my last job, we had a client who was nervous about leaving her dog in our care. I took some time to talk to her and explain everything we do to ensure her dog’s safety and comfort. By the end of our conversation, she felt much more confident about leaving her dog with us.”

How often do you recommend pets get checked-up?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of pet care. It’s important to show that you’re familiar with common procedures and schedules for checking up on pets’ health.

Example: “I recommend getting a check-up at least once every six months, but I also encourage owners to bring their pets in more often if they notice any changes in behavior or appetite. If an owner doesn’t want to take their pet to the vet as much, I always offer them alternative options like online check-ups where we can monitor their pet remotely.”

There is a new vaccine that veterinarians aren’t sure how effective it is for pets. Should we start administering it to our animals?

This question is a great way to test your critical thinking skills. It’s important for kennel managers to be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of their animals and customers, even if they aren’t sure about something.

Example: “I would ask my veterinarian what his or her opinion was on this vaccine. If he or she said it wasn’t effective, I wouldn’t administer it. However, if there were no negative side effects from administering it, I would do so. The safety of our pets is always our top priority.”