Nestorbot
Social ServiceISCO 5164

Kennel supervisor

A kennel supervisor is a person who monitors the daily running of the kennels under their charge, seeing that the animals staying there are properly treated and cared for. The supervisor oversees the staff and keeps in contact with the owners who bring their animals in and collect them.

Take the free testCheck yourself in a minute ↓AI risk: 31/100 (low risk)

Check yourself in a minute: kennel supervisor

Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

manage schedule of tasks

control animal movement

advise customers on appropriate pet care

order supplies

manage staff

About kennel supervisor

The animals are the first responsibility. The supervisor assesses animal behaviour, works from a knowledge of animal nutrition, and gives advice on animal care. Assessing behaviour means observing each animal so that it can be handled safely and recognising changes from normal behaviour that may signal a health problem. The supervisor instructs the staff on animal care, covering feeding, nutrition, health and the welfare needs of the animals in the kennels.

The supervisor also manages the schedule of tasks, oversees the work of the staff, and looks after health and safety where people and animals meet.

Two kinds of relationship sit outside the kennels. The supervisor works with veterinary surgeons on the animals that need attention while they are boarding, and advises clients on caring for their pets properly, including feeding and everyday care.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (21)

animal nutritionanimal nutritionAspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to animals.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.physiology of animalsphysiology of animalsThe study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.anatomy of animalsanatomy of animalsThe study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.animal behaviouranimal behaviourThe natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.manage schedule of tasksmanage schedule of tasksMaintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.advise customers on appropriate pet careadvise customers on appropriate pet careProvide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...recruit employeesrecruit employeesHire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.protect health and safety when handling animalsprotect health and safety when handling animalsProtect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...work with veterinarianswork with veterinariansConsult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.instruct on animal careinstruct on animal careProvide employees in animal care with information on how to treat the animal, the animals eating habits, nutrition and medical condition and needs.supervise worksupervise workDirect and supervise the day-to-day activities of subordinate personnel.monitor the welfare of animalsmonitor the welfare of animalsMonitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of...assess animal behaviourassess animal behaviourObserve and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'.follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
Optional (19) — show
animal traininganimal trainingAnimal responses to specific conditions or stimuli. Animal behaviour, ethology, learning theory, training methods, equipment, as well as communicating and working with animals and humans.feed petsfeed petsMake sure that pets are given appropriate food and water on time.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.provide an enriching environment for animalsprovide an enriching environment for animalsProvide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing m...assist in transportation of animalsassist in transportation of animalsAssist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transpor...provide first aid to animalsprovide first aid to animalsAdminister emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians ...work in shiftswork in shiftsWork in rotating shifts, where the goal is to keep a service or production line running around the clock and each day of the week.stay alertstay alertStay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.plan dog grooming workplan dog grooming workAssess customer wishes and plan dog grooming work; assess the dog's head shape and its type of coat, recognising signs of abnormalities, and select the appropriate methods and equipment.provide dog walking servicesprovide dog walking servicesProvide dog-walking services, including activities such as agreement of services with the customer, selection and use of handling equipment, interaction with the dog, and safe and responsible dog walk...create animal recordscreate animal recordsCreate animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.plan shifts of employeesplan shifts of employeesPlans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.maintain animal accommodation hygienicmaintain animal accommodation hygienicMake sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.implement exercise activities for animalsimplement exercise activities for animalsProvide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'.handle veterinary emergencieshandle veterinary emergenciesHandle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...groom animalsgroom animalsPrepare the environment for grooming, select the correct grooming equipment and grooming methods for the animal. Apply occupational health and safety principles, of basic animal anatomy and physiology...

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

animal shelter worker10 shared essential skillsanimal care attendant8 shared essential skillskennel worker8 shared essential skillsveterinary nurse8 shared essential skillsalternative animal therapist7 shared essential skillsanimal behaviourist7 shared essential skillsanimal handler7 shared essential skillsdog trainer7 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a kennel supervisor do?

Kennel supervisors monitor the daily operations of the kennel under their supervision. They ensure that the pets kept in kennels are being properly handled and cared for. Kennel supervisors supervise the working staff and maintain contact with the owners of the pets while they drop off or pick up the pets.

What skills does a kennel supervisor need?

A kennel supervisor needs 21 essential skills, including animal nutrition, animal welfare legislation, physiology of animals, anatomy of animals, animal behaviour.

Will AI replace kennel supervisor jobs?

The AI disruption score for kennel supervisor is 31/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow written instructions, manage schedule of tasks, maintain professional administration. Most resilient: provide dog walking services, work in shifts, control animal movement.

Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal service workers
Essential Skills21

Is kennel supervisor right for you?

Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.

Take the free test