16 Kennel Technician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Kennel technicians work in animal shelters, veterinary clinics and other animal care facilities. They provide care for animals, which can include feeding, cleaning and exercising them. Kennel technicians need to have a variety of skills to succeed in their job. These skills include being able to handle animals, being detail-oriented and being able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Animal Behavior

Animal behavior is the knowledge of how animals act and react to certain situations. Kennel technicians often work with dogs, cats or other types of pets that may have different personalities. Animal behavior can help kennel technicians understand what a pet might do in a situation so they can take action accordingly. For example, if a dog barks at someone entering their kennel, the technician might know to approach the animal slowly to avoid startling them.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for kennel technicians to have because they often work directly with customers. They need to be able to answer questions about the services offered by their employers and provide information in a friendly, helpful manner. Customer service skills also include empathy, which is necessary for interacting with animals and their owners.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help kennel technicians ensure they complete all their tasks correctly. This may include ensuring the right animal receives the correct medications, feeding and watering animals at the appropriate times or cleaning cages thoroughly so no waste remains. Attention to detail can also be important when recording information about pets, such as noting any allergies an animal has or keeping track of medical records.

Restraint Techniques

Kennel technicians must be able to restrain animals when necessary. This may include restraining a dog that is aggressive or trying to bite someone, or it could mean physically holding an animal still while another employee performs a procedure on them.

Restraint techniques can also help kennel technicians keep themselves safe when working with potentially dangerous animals. For example, if they need to move a large and potentially aggressive dog into a smaller cage, they may use restraint techniques to hold the dog down so they don’t get hurt.

Cleaning & Sanitation

Kennel technicians must be able to clean and sanitize the kennels, as well as disinfect any equipment they use. This is important because it ensures that all animals are kept in a safe environment free of germs or bacteria. It also helps ensure the health of the animals by preventing disease transmission.

Basic Veterinary Care

Basic veterinary care is the ability to recognize and treat common animal ailments. This includes administering medication, changing bandages and cleaning wounds. You may also need to know how to handle emergencies such as when an animal has a seizure or experiences extreme pain. Basic veterinary care can help you keep animals healthy and safe while working in a kennel.

Safety Procedures

Safety procedures are the steps and precautions that a kennel technician should follow to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of the animals in their care. Safety procedures include wearing protective clothing, following proper hygiene practices and using safe cleaning products. Kennel technicians who have strong safety skills can help keep themselves and the pets they work with healthy.

Feeding & Watering

Kennel technicians often need to feed and water animals. This can include preparing food, measuring out the correct amount of food for each animal and feeding them. It also includes cleaning dishes and watering plants or providing other sources of water for animals.

When it comes to feeding and watering animals, kennel technicians should be aware of any special diets that some animals may require. For example, dogs with diabetes may need a different diet than other dogs. Similarly, cats with kidney disease may need a special diet as well.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. As a kennel technician, you may be responsible for maintaining records on each animal in your care, as well as ensuring that all equipment is clean and maintained properly. Having strong organizational skills can help ensure that you are able to complete all necessary duties in a timely manner.

Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is the ability to care for animals, including feeding them and cleaning their living spaces. Kennel technicians often need animal husbandry skills because they may be responsible for caring for pets in a kennel setting. This can include knowing how to handle different types of pet species and ages.

Interpersonal Skills

Kennel technicians must be able to work with people of all ages and personalities. They often interact directly with pet owners, so they need to be friendly and welcoming while also maintaining a professional demeanor. Kennel technicians may also train new employees or instruct clients on how to use the kennel’s equipment properly.

Physical Stamina

Kennel technicians often work in animal care facilities, which can be physically demanding. They may need to lift heavy objects and clean large areas of the facility. Having physical stamina allows kennel technicians to complete their tasks efficiently and safely. It also helps them stay active throughout the day as they move around the kennel and interact with animals.

Patience

Patience is a skill that can help kennel technicians work with animals. Animals may have different personalities and needs, so it’s important to be patient when working with them. This can also help you stay calm if an animal becomes anxious or aggressive. You can use patience to teach animals new skills or behaviors.

Observational Skills

Kennel technicians must be able to observe their surroundings and notice any potential issues that may arise. For example, if a dog is acting aggressively or seems uncomfortable in its kennel, the technician should be able to recognize this and take action accordingly. This skill also helps them keep track of animals’ health by noticing when an animal isn’t acting normally.

Record Keeping

Keeping records of the animals in your care is an important part of being a kennel technician. You may need to record their medical history, vaccinations and other information that can help you take care of them effectively. Keeping track of this information can also be helpful if any of the animals become ill or injured so you know what treatment they’ve received previously and what treatments might work best for them.

Work Ethic

A strong work ethic is necessary for success in the kennel technician field. Kennel technicians often work long shifts and may be on their feet for most of it. They also need to be able to follow instructions from veterinarians, who are usually considered experts in animal care.

How Can I Learn These Kennel Technician Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a kennel technician. Many community colleges offer certificate programs in animal care, which can provide you with the basic knowledge and skills needed for the job. Alternatively, you can gain experience by working at a kennel or animal shelter in an entry-level position, such as a kennel attendant or animal caretaker. This will give you the opportunity to learn the day-to-day tasks of a kennel technician, as well as the necessary safety procedures and animal husbandry skills.