Free Resume & Cover Letter Resources

[email protected]

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume in 2025 – Key Duties, Action Verbs

Resume Builder

October 23, 2025

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

A Kennel Assistant plays a vital role in the care and well-being of animals in a kennel or boarding facility. This position involves a variety of responsibilities, from feeding and grooming pets to maintaining a clean and safe environment. For those looking to craft a standout resume, understanding the key duties associated with this role is essential.

In this article, we will explore the Kennel Assistant job description for resume purposes, highlighting crucial action verbs and responsibilities that can make your application shine. By showcasing your skills and experiences effectively, you can increase your chances of landing the job you desire in the animal care industry.

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

A Kennel Assistant is a vital support role in animal care facilities, such as kennels, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics. Their primary purpose is to ensure the well-being of animals by providing daily care, including feeding, grooming, and exercising pets. They also maintain cleanliness in the facility, monitor animal behavior, and assist with basic medical tasks under supervision. This role is essential in the pet care industry, as it directly impacts the health and happiness of animals in a structured environment.

Typically an entry-level position, a Kennel Assistant offers a stepping stone for those looking to advance in animal care or veterinary services. The work environment is often fast-paced and hands-on, requiring physical stamina and a genuine love for animals. Kennel Assistants play a crucial role in promoting animal welfare and enhancing the overall experience for pets and their owners in the industry.

How a Kennel Assistant Job Description Enhances Resume

A strong job description is crucial for a Kennel Assistant resume as it effectively communicates the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the role. This section grabs recruiter attention by clearly outlining responsibilities and achievements that align with the job requirements, making it easier for hiring managers to identify suitable candidates.

Importance of a Strong Job Description in a Kennel Assistant Resume:

  • Keyword Matching for ATS: A well-crafted job description includes industry-specific keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for, ensuring your Kennel Assistant resume gets noticed.

  • Demonstrating Achievements: Highlighting specific accomplishments showcases your ability to excel in the role, making your Kennel Assistant resume stand out.

  • Relevance to the Position: Tailoring the job description to match the job posting increases the chances of passing through ATS filters and capturing recruiter interest in your Kennel Assistant resume.

  • Measurable Impact: Including quantifiable results (e.g., "increased pet satisfaction ratings by 20%") provides tangible evidence of your contributions, enhancing your Kennel Assistant resume's effectiveness.

In summary, a strong job description is not only essential for clarity but also serves as a strategic tool to enhance visibility and appeal to recruiters.

For step-by-step instructions on upgrading your resume, check our comprehensive guide to Kennel Attendant Job Description for Resume.

Kennel Assistant Job Description Examples

Entry Level Resume Job Description Examples

  1. Job Role: Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Responsible for the daily care of animals in the kennel, including feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs and cats. Maintain cleanliness of the kennel area, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all pets. Assist in monitoring the health and behavior of animals, reporting any concerns to senior staff.

  2. Job Role: Kennel Technician
    Job Description: Provide compassionate care for animals by cleaning kennels, providing food and water, and administering medications as directed. Engage with pets to ensure their comfort and well-being, while also assisting with basic behavioral training. Support the team in maintaining records of animal care and health status.

  3. Job Role: Animal Care Assistant
    Job Description: Assist in the daily operations of the kennel by feeding and caring for animals, cleaning and sanitizing living spaces, and helping with playtime and socialization. Observe animals for signs of distress or illness and communicate findings to supervisors. Work collaboratively with staff to ensure a positive environment for pets and visitors.

  4. Job Role: Kennel Caregiver
    Job Description: Provide essential care to dogs and cats in a kennel setting, including feeding, walking, and grooming. Ensure all animals are comfortable and healthy, while maintaining a clean and safe environment. Assist with customer service tasks, including greeting pet owners and providing updates on their pets' well-being.

  5. Job Role: Pet Care Assistant
    Job Description: Support the kennel staff in caring for animals by performing daily cleaning duties, feeding, and exercising pets. Monitor animal behavior and health, reporting any issues to senior staff members. Help create a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners and assist with administrative tasks as needed.

Mid-Level Resume Job Description Examples

  1. Job Role: Mid Level Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Responsible for the daily care and management of animals in the kennel, including feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs and cats. Ensures cleanliness of the facility, monitors animal behavior, and assists with veterinary care as needed. Collaborates with team members to create a safe and nurturing environment for all pets.

  2. Job Role: Mid Level Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Provides high-quality care for a variety of animals, including administering medications and tracking health records. Engages with pet owners to provide updates and address concerns while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. Participates in training programs for new staff and contributes to the overall efficiency of kennel operations.

  3. Job Role: Mid Level Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Oversees the daily operations of the kennel, ensuring all animals receive proper care and attention. Conducts regular health checks, maintains cleanliness standards, and assists with behavioral training. Works closely with veterinarians to implement care plans and educates pet owners on best practices for animal care.

  4. Job Role: Mid Level Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Supports the management of kennel activities, including scheduling appointments and coordinating with pet owners. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment, while providing enrichment activities for animals. Acts as a liaison between staff and clients, ensuring clear communication and exceptional customer service.

  5. Job Role: Mid Level Kennel Assistant
    Job Description: Engages in hands-on care of animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exercising dogs and cats. Monitors animal health and behavior, reporting any concerns to management. Assists in training new staff members and contributes to the development of kennel policies and procedures to enhance overall animal welfare.

Experienced Level Resume Job Description Examples

  • Kennel Assistant: Responsible for the daily care of animals in the kennel, including feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs and cats. Maintains cleanliness of the facility and ensures that all animals are healthy and safe. Monitors animal behavior and reports any concerns to management.

  • Senior Kennel Technician: Oversees the daily operations of the kennel, supervising junior staff and ensuring compliance with safety and health regulations. Provides exceptional care for animals, including administering medications and coordinating veterinary visits. Engages with pet owners to provide updates and address concerns.

  • Lead Kennel Attendant: Manages a team of kennel assistants, delegating tasks and ensuring high standards of animal care. Implements training programs for new staff and develops protocols for animal handling and sanitation. Maintains accurate records of animal health and behavior.

  • Kennel Care Specialist: Focuses on the behavioral and emotional needs of animals in the kennel. Develops enrichment programs to promote mental and physical well-being. Works closely with veterinarians and trainers to assess and address behavioral issues, ensuring a positive environment for all pets.

  • Veterinary Kennel Assistant: Supports veterinary staff in the care and treatment of animals in a kennel setting. Responsible for preparing animals for examinations, assisting in procedures, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Communicates effectively with pet owners regarding their animals' health and care needs.

List of 15 Key Duties of a Kennel Assistant

As a Kennel Assistant, you play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals in your care. Here are 15 key duties to highlight on your resume:

  1. Feed and water animals according to established schedules.
  2. Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and common areas.
  3. Monitor animal behavior and health for any signs of distress.
  4. Exercise and socialize dogs through walks and playtime.
  5. Administer medications as directed by veterinarians.
  6. Maintain accurate records of animal care and treatment.
  7. Assist in grooming and bathing animals.
  8. Provide basic training and reinforcement of commands.
  9. Ensure safety and security of the facility and animals.
  10. Communicate with pet owners regarding their animals’ needs.
  11. Assist veterinarians during examinations and treatments.
  12. Manage inventory of food, supplies, and medications.
  13. Support adoption processes and educate potential pet owners.
  14. Respond to emergency situations promptly and effectively.
  15. Collaborate with team members to improve animal care practices.

Key Responsibilities of a Kennel Assistant

A Kennel Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals in a kennel or shelter environment. Here are key responsibilities to include on your resume:

  • Animal Care: Provide daily care for animals, including feeding, grooming, and administering medications as needed to maintain their health and comfort.

  • Cleaning Duties: Maintain cleanliness of kennels and common areas by regularly cleaning cages, bedding, and equipment to ensure a hygienic environment for the animals.

  • Monitoring Behavior: Observe animal behavior and report any signs of distress or illness to the supervisor, ensuring prompt attention to their health and safety.

  • Customer Interaction: Assist pet owners during drop-off and pick-up, answering questions and providing information about services to enhance customer satisfaction.

  • Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of animal intake, health status, and any incidents, ensuring all information is up-to-date for effective management.

  • Training Support: Assist in training and socializing animals, helping them adapt to their environment and improving their chances of adoption or successful boarding.

  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with veterinarians, groomers, and other staff to provide comprehensive care and support for all animals in the facility.

Essential Skills to Highlight on Kennel Assistant Resume

As a Kennel Assistant, showcasing a diverse skill set is crucial for demonstrating your ability to care for animals and support kennel operations effectively. Here are essential skills to include in your resume:

  1. Animal care and handling
  2. Basic veterinary knowledge
  3. Feeding and nutrition management
  4. Grooming and bathing
  5. Cleaning and sanitation
  6. Record keeping
  7. Customer service skills
  8. Team collaboration
  9. Time management
  10. Problem-solving abilities
  11. First aid for animals
  12. Behavior assessment
  13. Leash handling
  14. Knowledge of breeds
  15. Medication administration
  16. Basic training techniques
  17. Attention to detail
  18. Physical stamina
  19. Communication skills
  20. Emergency response preparedness

Other Resume Job Descriptions

How to Quantify Achievements in Kennel Assistant Job Description

To quantify achievements in a Kennel Assistant job description for your resume, focus on specific metrics, outcomes, and contributions that highlight your skills and impact. Here are some strategies:

  • Animal Care: Cared for an average of 30 dogs and cats daily, ensuring proper feeding, grooming, and exercise, resulting in a 20% increase in overall pet satisfaction scores.

  • Customer Service: Received a 95% positive feedback rating from pet owners for exceptional service and communication, enhancing client retention by 15%.

  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined the feeding and cleaning schedule, reducing time spent on tasks by 25%, allowing for more time dedicated to animal interaction and care.

  • Health Monitoring: Assisted in monitoring the health of over 50 animals, identifying early signs of illness, which led to a 30% decrease in health-related emergencies.

  • Training Programs: Participated in training sessions for new staff, improving onboarding time by 40% and ensuring consistent care standards across the team.

By using quantifiable achievements, you not only demonstrate your capabilities but also provide potential employers with clear evidence of your contributions in previous roles.

Tips to Tailor Kennel Assistant Job Description for ATS

When crafting a Kennel Assistant job description for an ATS, begin by clearly outlining the key responsibilities associated with the role. Include tasks such as feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, along with cleaning kennels and maintaining hygiene standards. Use specific keywords related to the position, as these will help ensure your description is picked up by the ATS, making it easier for potential candidates to tailor their Kennel Assistant Resume accordingly.

Next, emphasize the required qualifications and skills. Highlight essential attributes like compassion for animals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Mention any relevant certifications, such as pet first aid or animal care training, to attract qualified candidates. This clarity will help applicants align their Kennel Assistant Resume with your expectations.

Lastly, incorporate a brief overview of your organization’s mission and values. This not only attracts candidates who resonate with your ethos but also encourages them to present their passion for animal care in their Kennel Assistant Resume.

Action Verbs & Power Words for Kennel Assistant Job Description

When crafting a resume for a Kennel Assistant position, using strong action verbs can significantly enhance your job description. Here are 15 powerful words to consider:

  1. Cared
  2. Monitored
  3. Trained
  4. Assisted
  5. Groomed
  6. Organized
  7. Communicated
  8. Implemented
  9. Supervised
  10. Maintained
  11. Fed
  12. Cleaned
  13. Observed
  14. Scheduled
  15. Coordinated

Sample Resume with Kennel Assistant Job Description

Following is the ATS-friendly sample resume of Kennel Assistant with job description with all necessary resume sections. Now have a look at Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume.

John Smith
123 Bark Avenue
Dogtown, CA 90210
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]

Objective
Dedicated and compassionate kennel assistant with over 2 years of experience in animal care and a strong passion for providing excellent service to pets and their owners. Seeking to leverage my skills in a reputable animal care facility.

Education
Associate Degree in Animal Science
Dogtown Community College, Dogtown, CA
Graduated: May 2021

Experience

Kennel Assistant
Happy Paws Animal Shelter, Dogtown, CA
June 2021 - Present

  • Provided daily care for up to 30 dogs and cats, including feeding, grooming, and exercising.
  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kennel facilities to ensure a safe environment for animals.
  • Assisted in the administration of medications and treatments as directed by veterinarians.
  • Communicated effectively with pet owners regarding their animals’ needs and well-being.
  • Participated in adoption events, helping to match pets with potential owners.

Intern
Pawsitive Pet Care, Dogtown, CA
January 2021 - May 2021

  • Assisted in the care of animals, including walking dogs and cleaning kennels.
  • Observed and reported any behavioral or health concerns to senior staff.
  • Helped with training sessions for new volunteers, ensuring best practices in animal handling.
  • Engaged with pet owners, providing information on services and promoting healthy pet care.

Skills

  • Animal Care and Handling
  • Customer Service
  • Team Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Basic First Aid for Animals
  • Knowledge of Animal Behavior

Certifications

  • Certified Pet First Aid and CPR
  • Dog Training Fundamentals Certification

References
Available upon request.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Kennel Assistant Job Description

When crafting a Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume, it's crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your chances of landing an interview. A well-structured job description not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your understanding of the role. Ensuring clarity and relevance in this section can set you apart from other candidates.

Here are five mistakes to avoid when detailing your Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume:

  • Vagueness: Avoid using general terms. Be specific about your responsibilities and achievements to showcase your expertise.
  • Neglecting Soft Skills: Don’t overlook the importance of soft skills like communication and empathy, which are vital in animal care.
  • Omitting Relevant Experience: Ensure you include all relevant experience, even if it’s volunteer work, to demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
  • Ignoring Keywords: Failing to incorporate industry-specific keywords can lead to your resume being overlooked by applicant tracking systems.
  • Overloading with Jargon: While some terminology is important, excessive jargon can confuse readers. Keep it clear and straightforward.

By steering clear of these mistakes, you'll create a compelling Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume that effectively showcases your qualifications.

Do & Don't Do in Resume for Kennel Assistant Job Description

When crafting your Kennel Assistant resume, focus on highlighting your hands-on experience with animals, emphasizing your ability to provide care, grooming, and training support. Include specific tasks you’ve performed, such as feeding, bathing, and exercising pets, which showcase your dedication and reliability in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Additionally, mention your skills in communication and teamwork, as collaboration with colleagues and pet owners is key in this role. Tailor your resume to reflect your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to ensuring the well-being of every pet, making you an ideal candidate for any kennel position.

Do

Do: Provide daily care for animals, ensuring they receive proper feeding, exercise, and grooming to maintain their health and well-being.
Do: Maintain cleanliness of the kennel, including cleaning and disinfecting animal living areas, to create a safe and hygienic environment.
Do: Monitor animal behavior and health, identifying any signs of distress or illness and reporting them to the veterinarian or supervisor promptly.
Do: Assist with customer service, greeting pet owners and providing information about services, ensuring a positive experience for clients and their pets.
Do: Support training and socialization efforts, engaging with animals to help them develop good behavior and adapt to their surroundings.

Don't Do

Don't: Neglect animal hygiene - Ensure that all animals are kept clean and their living areas are sanitized to promote health and well-being.

Don't: Ignore signs of distress - Be vigilant in observing animal behavior and promptly report any signs of illness or discomfort to the supervisor.

Don't: Overlook feeding schedules - Adhere to the established feeding routines to ensure that all animals receive proper nutrition and care.

Don't: Dismiss safety protocols - Follow all safety guidelines and procedures to protect both animals and staff from accidents or injuries.

Don't: Skip training opportunities - Continuously seek out and participate in training sessions to improve skills and knowledge in animal care and handling.

Similar Job Roles & Titles

If you're interested in the animal care field and considering a role similar to that of a Kennel Assistant, here are ten related job titles to explore:

  1. Pet Care Technician
  2. Animal Caretaker
  3. Veterinary Assistant
  4. Dog Walker
  5. Pet Groomer
  6. Animal Shelter Worker
  7. Pet Boarding Attendant
  8. Veterinary Technician
  9. Zookeeper
  10. Animal Control Officer

FAQs about Kennel Assistant Resume Job Description

How detailed should the job description be on a Kennel Assistant resume?

The job description on a Kennel Assistant resume should be detailed enough to highlight specific responsibilities, skills, and achievements, ideally using bullet points for clarity and impact.

How can I make my Kennel Assistant job description stand out?

Highlight unique responsibilities, emphasize teamwork and compassion for animals, include opportunities for growth, and showcase a positive work environment to attract passionate candidates.

Can I include duties I performed outside the official Kennel Assistant title?

Yes, you can include relevant duties performed outside the official Kennel Assistant title, as long as they demonstrate your skills and experience related to the position.

How to handle limited experience in a Kennel Assistant job description?

Emphasize transferable skills, demonstrate a willingness to learn, highlight any relevant volunteer work, and showcase passion for animal care to compensate for limited experience in your application.

What are the Key Duties of Kennel Assistant Job Role?

Key duties include feeding and caring for animals, cleaning kennels, monitoring health, providing exercise, assisting with grooming, and ensuring a safe, clean environment for pets and visitors.

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume

Discover the essential Kennel Assistant Job Description for Resume, highlighting key duties and action verbs to enhance your application. Stand out to employers with a compelling resume that showcases your skills and passion for animal care.

Key Duties

Feed and water animals daily

Clean and maintain kennel facilities

Monitor animal health and behavior

Assist with grooming and bathing

Provide exercise and companionship

Required Skills

Animal Care Knowledge

Strong Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management Abilities

Teamwork and Collaboration

Mistakes to Avoid in Job Description

Vague job responsibilities

Lack of specific skills

Ignoring relevant experience

Tips for Job Description

Highlight animal care experience

Include relevant certifications

Emphasize teamwork and communication skills

Free Resume Templates