Work at Boarding Kennels and Catteries

What boarding kennels and catteries do

Boarding kennels and catteries look after pets while their owners are away. They provide temporary accommodation for dogs and cats, keeping them fed, exercised and cared for until their owners return. Most facilities see their busiest periods during school holidays and bank holiday weekends, when families are most likely to travel.

The quality of boarding facilities varies. Some operate as small family businesses with a handful of enclosures, while others are larger commercial operations housing dozens of animals at once. All must be licensed and inspected by local councils under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, or equivalent legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Working in this sector suits people who genuinely enjoy spending time around animals and do not mind physically demanding, routine work. The environment can be noisy and, at times, unpleasant. Dogs bark, litter trays need emptying, and staff become accustomed to the strong odours associated with animal care.

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Typical duties as a kennel or cattery assistant

Most entry level roles are called kennel hand, cattery assistant or animal care assistant. The daily tasks tend to follow a similar pattern regardless of the size of the facility.

• Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, runs and cattery units
• Preparing and serving food according to each animal's dietary requirements
• Providing fresh water throughout the day
• Walking dogs, sometimes multiple times daily
• Washing bedding, bowls and feeding equipment
• Monitoring animals for signs of illness or distress
• Socialising with animals through play and gentle handling
• Basic grooming such as brushing coats
• Keeping records of feeding, behaviour and any concerns

The work is physical. You will be on your feet for most of the day, lifting bags of food, bending to clean enclosures and walking dogs in all weather. A reasonable level of fitness helps.

Boarding facilities typically operate year round, including weekends and bank holidays. Peak booking periods often coincide with times when others are on holiday, so shift work during these periods is standard.

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Skills and experience that help

Formal qualifications are not always required for entry level positions, though some employers prefer candidates with relevant training. Courses such as a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care or similar qualifications from City and Guilds or other awarding bodies can strengthen an application. An Animal Care and Management apprenticeship offers another route into the industry, allowing you to gain qualifications while working. Some employers may ask about specific certificates, so checking job adverts carefully before applying is sensible.

Experience with animals matters more to many employers than paper qualifications. Volunteering at a rescue centre, helping at a local shelter or even caring for pets at home all count. Familiarity with different breeds and temperaments can be helpful when handling dogs that may be anxious, excitable or unpredictable in unfamiliar surroundings, though employers often provide training for new staff.

Basic knowledge of animal behaviour helps you spot early signs of stress or illness. Understanding why a dog might be reluctant to eat or why a cat is hiding at the back of its unit means you can respond appropriately and alert senior staff when needed. Some knowledge of animal first aid is also valuable, as you may need to recognise when an animal requires urgent veterinary attention.

Patience and a calm manner are valuable traits. Animals pick up on stress, and a steady presence helps keep them settled. Good communication skills also matter, both for working alongside colleagues and for occasional contact with pet owners during drop off and collection.

Health and safety awareness is part of the role. This includes understanding how to handle animals safely, awareness of zoonotic diseases and following hygiene protocols to prevent infection spreading between animals.

Finding work and what to expect

Vacancies appear on general job sites, on specialist platforms like Animal Job Board, and sometimes on the websites of individual kennels and catteries. Local facilities may not always advertise widely, so approaching them directly with a CV can be worthwhile.

Pay for kennel and cattery assistants often starts around the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, depending on your age. Rates vary by employer and region. For current wage rates, check GOV.UK. Some positions offer accommodation on site, which may affect the overall package.

Career progression might involve moving into supervisory roles, managing a facility, or branching into related fields such as dog grooming, animal training or veterinary nursing. Larger organisations sometimes offer structured training and development.

Before committing to a role, visiting the premises can give you a realistic sense of the working environment. A well run facility will usually be clean, organised and staffed by people who handle animals calmly and confidently. It is worth assessing whether the workplace environment aligns with your professional standards and comfort levels.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Qualification Checker lets you not sure what qualifications you need to work with animals? Enter the career you are interested in and find out exactly what is required, how long it takes, and where to study. Try it now →