Kennel Technician vs. Kennel Assistant: What Are the Differences?

If you love animals and enjoy working with them, a career as a kennel technician or kennel assistant may be a good fit for you. Both of these positions work with animals in a professional setting, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we compare and contrast kennel technicians and kennel assistants, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.

What is a Kennel Technician?

Kennel Technicians work in animal shelters, veterinary clinics and other pet care facilities to provide routine care for animals. They feed, water and exercise the animals in their care. They also clean the animals’ living spaces and provide fresh bedding as needed. Kennel Technicians may also administer medications and vaccinations to animals as directed by a veterinarian. They keep detailed records of the animals’ food and water intake, bathroom habits, energy levels and any changes in behavior. Kennel Technicians also provide emotional support to animals that may be scared, injured or ill.

What is a Kennel Assistant?

A Kennel Assistant is responsible for the care and wellbeing of animals in a kennel or shelter environment. They feed, water and exercise the animals in their care. They also clean the kennel or cage areas and disinfect them to prevent the spread of disease. Kennel Assistants may also provide basic medical care to sick or injured animals. They may administer medication, take vital signs or provide first aid. Some Kennel Assistants also provide adoption counseling to families looking to adopt a new pet.

Kennel Technician vs. Kennel Assistant

Here are the main differences between a kennel technician and a kennel assistant.

Job Duties

A kennel technician is more specialized than a kennel assistant and has duties that are more technical in nature. These professionals may perform health assessments, take animal blood samples and run laboratory tests to determine the health of an animal. They may also assist veterinary technicians with surgical procedures and help train new dog handlers.

A kennel assistant performs general caretaking tasks for animals in a kennel. This can include feeding them, walking them and playing with them to provide enrichment. They may also clean kennels and cages and maintain kennel records.

Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for kennel technicians or assistants, but many employers prefer candidates who have at least a high school diploma. Some kennel technicians and assistants may receive on-the-job training from more experienced employees. However, some kennel facilities offer certification programs that teach individuals the basics of animal care, including how to feed and exercise animals, clean cages and administer medication.

Work Environment

Kennel technicians and assistants work in similar environments, but the kennel technician may spend more time working with animals. They may also travel to different locations to provide care for animals that are being boarded or trained. Kennel assistants typically work in a single location, such as an animal shelter or veterinary clinic.

A kennel assistant may work indoors, while a kennel technician may work outdoors. A kennel technician may also work during all four seasons, depending on where they’re located.

Skills

Both kennel technicians and assistants need to have excellent customer service skills as they will be working closely with pet owners. They also both need to be able to handle animals safely and have a basic understanding of animal care.

However, kennel technicians typically have more responsibilities than assistants. For example, they may be responsible for cleaning the kennels, feeding and watering the animals, administering medication and providing general care. They may also be responsible for training new employees. As a result, kennel technicians need to have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask. They also need to be able to work independently.

Kennel assistants typically have fewer responsibilities than technicians. Their duties may include cleaning the kennels, feeding and watering the animals and providing general care. They may also be responsible for walking the dogs.

Salary

Kennel technicians and kennel assistants both work in animal care facilities. Kennel technicians earn an average salary of $30,195 per year, while kennel assistants earn an average salary of $31,342 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the location of the job, the size of the company and the level of experience the employee has.