Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator
SOC 39-2021.00 · ESCO 1439 · OSCA 172931
Role snapshot
Overview
Cares for pets while their owners are away, managing feeding schedules, exercise routines, enclosure hygiene, and health monitoring. Handles bookings, communicates with owners about their animals, and maintains facilities to meet licensing standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals under their care.
Provides peace of mind to pet owners by ensuring their beloved animals receive professional, compassionate care in a safe and stimulating environment while they are away. Contributes to animal welfare by maintaining high standards of hygiene and health monitoring.
On the job
- Develop and manage feeding, medication, and exercise schedules tailored to individual animal needs.
- Oversee and participate in daily cleaning, sanitisation, and maintenance of all animal enclosures and common areas.
- Handle customer bookings, check-ins, check-outs, and provide regular updates and communication to pet owners.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, identifying signs of distress or illness, and coordinating with veterinarians as necessary.
- Manage facility operations, including staff supervision, inventory, and ensuring compliance with all animal welfare regulations and licensing requirements.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
High school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training or certifications in animal care, first aid, or business management.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator
Personal & Professional Services
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RSC
People who enjoy hands-on work with animals and facilities, combined with providing care and following established procedures, often thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Systematic planner
Able to meticulously manage complex schedules for feeding, medication, and exercise, ensuring all pets receive precise care.
Compassionate
Deeply committed to the well-being and comfort of animals, showing empathy and patience in all interactions.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and effectiveness when faced with unexpected animal health issues or demanding owner situations.
Engaging communicator
Enjoys interacting with pet owners, providing reassurance and detailed updates about their animals' stay.
Practical
Prefers hands-on tasks and established routines, focusing on the immediate and tangible needs of animals and facility management.
Best for
- People who have a genuine love for animals and enjoy working directly with them.
- Individuals who are highly organized, responsible, and detail-oriented in managing care schedules and facility hygiene.
- Those who enjoy both independent work and interacting with pet owners, building trust and providing reassurance.
Watch out for
- The job can be physically demanding, involving lifting, cleaning, and extended periods of standing.
- Emotional resilience is needed to handle animal illnesses, injuries, or difficult owner situations.
- Work often occurs during holidays and weekends when pet owners travel.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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