Running a successful kennel requires more than just clean facilities and ample space for pets to stay—it demands a dedicated team of trained professionals who are passionate about animal care. Whether you’re opening a new kennel or looking to improve an existing one, hiring the right people is critical. The staff you bring on board will shape the daily operations, customer satisfaction, and the well-being of the animals in your care. This article will guide you through key strategies for finding, hiring, and retaining the right team for your kennel.
Define Your Staffing Needs
Before hiring anyone, it’s essential to understand the specific roles you need to fill in your kennel. Depending on the size of your operation, you may need a mix of the following positions:
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Kennel Technicians who handle daily pet care tasks like feeding, cleaning, walking, and monitoring animal health.
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Groomers to provide bathing, nail trimming, and other grooming services.
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Veterinary Technicians or a liaison with local vets to address health concerns.
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Reception and Customer Services Staff to handle bookings, check-ins, and client communication.
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Kennel Managers to oversee operations and staff.
Create clear job descriptions for each role. These should outline duties, required qualifications, physical demands, and expectations for customer and animal interaction. Defining these roles helps you target the right candidates and ensures everyone knows their responsibilities.
Prioritize Experience and Credentials
Animal care is a field that requires both knowledge and compassion. Look for candidates who have previous experience in kennels, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet grooming businesses. While passion is important, practical experience ensures the staff can handle the demands of the job.
Key qualifications to look for include:
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Animal First Aid Certification or pet CPR training
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Formal education in animal science, veterinary assistance, or related fields
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Hands-on experience with various breeds and animal temperaments
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Customer service skills, especially for front desk or managerial roles
When interviewing, ask situational questions that gauge how candidates handle emergencies, aggressive pets, or difficult customers. You might also request a working interview where they demonstrate their skills during a trial shift.
Establish a Strong Training Program
Even experienced hires need to understand how your kennel operates. A structured onboarding and training program helps align new staff with your policies, standards, and procedures.
Your training program should include:
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Safety protocols for handling animals, cleaning procedures, and emergency responses
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Customer interaction guidelines to ensure consistent, professional communication
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Use of equipment such as kennels, grooming tools, feeding stations, and software for scheduling or billing
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Behavioral observation training to help staff recognize signs of stress, illness, or aggression in animals
Ongoing training is equally important. Consider monthly check-ins, refresher courses, or inviting guest speakers like veterinarians or animal behaviorists to keep your team engaged and up to date with best practices.
Foster a Positive Work Culture to Retain Talent
Staff turnover can be a major setback in the kennel business, especially when relationships with animals and their owners are disrupted. A positive workplace culture goes a long way in retaining skilled professionals.
Here are a few ways to build and maintain a motivated team:
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Offer competitive wages and benefits. Include incentives like paid time off, health benefits, or discounts on pet services.
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Recognize achievements. Celebrate employee milestones, great customer feedback, or successful handling of tough situations.
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Encourage teamwork and communication. Regular staff meetings and open channels of feedback foster collaboration and address issues early.
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Promote from within. Show staff there’s room for growth by offering leadership roles to long-term, high-performing employees.
Remember, people who work in animal care do it because they love animals. Supporting that passion through a fair, respectful, and appreciative environment is key to keeping your team loyal and your kennel thriving.
Hiring the right people for your kennel isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about building a team that shares your values and vision. By identifying your needs, hiring based on experience and dedication, training thoroughly, and creating a culture of respect and growth, you’ll staff your kennel with professionals who care as much about animals as you do. The result is a safer, happier, and more successful business for everyone involved.
