How do I become a kennel hand?
Certificate II in Animal Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
Pet Groomer
A pet groomer enhances the appearance of pets through bathing, grooming, and health checks while needing patience, flexibility, and good people skills.
Animal Attendant
An Animal Attendant cares for animals by providing food, monitoring health, cleaning, and grooming. Patience and observation skills are essential.
Cattery Attendant
A Cattery Attendant cares for cats, ensuring their needs are met, maintaining enclosures, and managing check-ins and check-outs.
Kennel Attendant
A Kennel Attendant cares for dogs in a boarding kennel, ensuring they are fed, exercised, and their environment is clean while liaising with owners.
Wildlife Carer
A Wildlife Carer cares for injured native animals and orphans until they can be released back into the wild, requiring flexibility and patience.
Zoo Keeper
A Zoo Keeper cares for animals, maintains enclosures, provides enrichment, conducts presentations, and ensures welfare in zoos or sanctuaries.
Animal Technician
An Animal Technician monitors animal health, provides care, follows procedures, and ensures welfare in research or agricultural settings.
Zoologist
A Zoologist researches animal behaviours, habitats, and genetics, conducts fieldwork, collects samples, and helps manage conservation programs.
Ecologist
An Ecologist studies ecosystems and biodiversity, conducts field surveys, analyses data, develops conservation plans, and advises on sustainability.
Wildlife Conservator
A Wildlife Conservator protects wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing species health, and collaborating on conservation efforts.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
A Wildlife Rehabilitator cares for injured or orphaned wildlife, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for release into their habitats.
Animal Welfare Officer
An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.
Livestock Manager
A Livestock Manager oversees the care and management of livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity while complying with welfare regulations.
Wildlife Biologist
A Wildlife Biologist studies animal species and habitats, conducting research to support conservation efforts and manage ecosystems effectively.
Common questions
How much does a Kennel Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time Kennel Hand generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Kennel Hand?
While there are 16,500 people working as animal attendants in Australia, only a small percentage of these are employed as Kennel Hands. The number of people in this industry is expected to increase over the next five years. Kennel Hands may find work in all areas of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
How do I become a Kennel Hand?
If a career as a Kennel Hand interests you might consider enrolling in a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies. This course looks at various aspects of animal care like health monitoring, grooming and nutrition. You could also think about a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services.