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There are dozens of jobs that allow you to work with animals. In addition to veterinary-related jobs, there are kennel-related jobs, one of the most common being a kennel technician. Regardless of where you live, there are probably animal kennels nearby. These kennels rely on technicians to keep their respective businesses up and running. What does a kennel technician do exactly?

An Introduction to Kennel Technicians

Also known as a kennel assistant, a kennel technician is a worker at an animal boarding facility who performs a variety of general duties regarding the kennel’s operations. Kennels, of course, are businesses that house and keep animals for a temporary period. They are often used as an alternative to a pet sitter. If an owner is going out of town or otherwise can’t watch his or her pet, the owner may drop off the pet at a kennel. Kennel technicians are workers at these businesses who are responsible for a wide range of duties pertaining to the wellbeing of animals and the maintenance of the kennel itself.

There are thousands of kennels across the country. Most of these kennels have technicians who are essential to their operations. Kennel technicians are workers at kennels who perform several tasks, some of which include the following:

Cleaning

Kennel technicians are typically responsible for cleaning areas in which animals are housed. Some kennels have cages, whereas others fenced-in areas or dog houses. There are kennels with different types of housing units for their animals. Regardless, kennel technicians must clean these areas. They must ensure that all debris is removed from these areas, and they must sanitize these areas to reduce the risk of transmissible disease. Cleaning is one of the most duties of kennel technicians.

Providing Food and Water

Animals are often housed at kennels for multiple days or even weeks, so they’ll need food and water. Most kennels have technicians who are responsible for providing food and water to animals. They’ll usually follow a schedule that involves feeding each animal twice a day.  Of course, different animals require different types of food. Puppies generally require more protein and less fat in their diet than senior dogs. Cats, on the other hand, require a balanced combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates in their diet. Kennel technicians must learn which type of food to choose for the animals housed at their facilities.

Play With Animals

A kennel technician is one of the few jobs that allow you to make money while playing with animals. Owners want to know their pets are being treated well. If they believe a kennel will neglect their pets, they probably won’t choose it. Rather, owners prefer kennels that play with and give attention to their pets. When they aren’t busy cleaning or performing other activities, kennel technicians will play with the animals. Kennel technicians will provide valuable companionship for animals so that they are more comfortable and less stressed. In turn, owners are more likely to continue using the kennel’s housing services.

Bathing Animals

Kennel technicians are also responsible for bathing animals. Animals can get dirty, especially when housed for longer than one week. Rather than returning dirty pets to their respective owners, kennel technicians will bathe them. Bathing may sound easy enough, but some animals have a natural standoff disposition towards strangers. Cats are particularly finicky regarding bathtime. Veterinary technicians must learn to calm animals so that they can be bathed. This is just one more responsibility that falls on the shoulders of kennel technicians.

Walking Animals

Animals housed at kennels often require walking. Dogs, for example, can’t stay cooped up inside of a cage for long periods. Rather, they must go outside for physical activity. Kennel technicians are usually responsible for walking dogs. Most kennels have an indoor area in which animals are housed as well as an outdoor walking area. Throughout the day, kennel technicians will take animals from the indoor area to the outdoor walking area. Kennel technicians may also use this opportunity to play with animals.

Give Medication

While they aren’t veterinarians, kennel technicians must give medication to the animals housed at their facilities. Research shows that over three-fourths of all dog owners and over one-half of all cat owners give their respective pets some type of medication. When dropping off their pets at a kennel, owners may ask the technician to continue the medication. Kennel technicians must give the appropriate type and dosage of medication to animals.

In Conclusion

Kennel technicians perform a wide variety of duties as kennels. Some of their most common duties include cleaning, providing food and water, playing with animals, bathing animals, walking animals and giving medication. If you’re looking for a job that allows you to work, as well as play, with animals, perhaps a kennel technician is the right choice.