Kennel and Cattery managers play a key role in the animal care sector. They’re committed to providing the utmost care to all animals they’re entrusted with. An affinity for canines and felines is a given, but it’s more than that. You’ll need to have a deep understanding of animal hygiene, behaviour, enrichment and overall well-being.
Usually, kennels and catteries are divided into two subcategories. One subsection deals with boarding dogs and cats for owners who are away on holiday or otherwise engaged. And the other deals with re-homing unwanted or neglected animals.
The role of the manager in each of these circumstances would vary. Although, the work you do in both is essential as you’ll oversee the general running of the establishment. Whether that’s a private boarding facility or animal charity doesn’t matter, your priority is first and foremost the animals’ welfare.
It’s a hands-on job that involves a lot of physical activity. But can also be very rewarding should you be a right fit for the role. No matter what your previous experience is or stage you’re at in life it’s never too late to get started. Read on to learn more about being a kennel or cattery manager.
What do you do in a Kennel or Cattery?
In the day-to-day running of a kennel or cattery, you’ll do an array of tasks. Making sure all the animals are fed and watered. Cleaning enclosures for current boarders and preparing them for new arrivals.
You’ll also be tasked with stimulating the animals so they’re active and happy. For the dogs this could be walking them, playing fetch or tug of war. The cats are little less boisterous but still need to be stimulated with toys and affection.
If you’re working for an animal charity you may have extra duties that involve behavioural assessments and health checks. This requires a deeper level of understanding of animal welfare. So you’re able to identify the problem areas and work through them.
The overall objective is to get all the animals re-homed somewhere they are loved. However, this is not always possible due to the conditions they may arrive in. You’ll need to be patient and empathetic when working with challenging animals. Ensuring they receive the love and attention they need to improve and hopefully, be re-homed.
How do I qualify?
It is possible to work your way up into a management role at a kennel or cattery. Either through volunteering or entry-level positions and gaining experience. However, getting qualified is a much quicker and more effective method.
Earning your Kennel and Cattery Management Level 3 Diploma (RQF) fast-tracks you to your desired career. Expanding your knowledge on proper animal care, legislation and even touching on animal psychology.
You’ll end the course with a well-rounded understanding of both cats and dogs. So you’re prepared to walk straight into employment once you’re done.
The course has modules on canine body language. Covering signs of stress and aggression and how to deal with it. As well as proper handling and transportation.
You’ll learn about feline psychology and the core principles of their behaviour. How to understand their signalling and body language. As well as learning about a force-free way to improve challenging behaviour.
The qualification also has modules on proper management etiquette to ensure you’re an excellent leader. As well as furthering you’re understanding of current animal welfare legislation related to kennels and correct protocol.
Finally, you’ll study how to identify common illnesses and administer medication to both canines and felines.
What’s more, you can study all this from the comfort of your own home.
Studying Online
Getting back to education is easier than ever with an online course. Distance learning allows you to study your chosen course at home, whenever it suits you best.
You don’t have to worry about getting to class, finding childcare or rearranging shifts. So long as you have a stable internet connection and a computer, you’re able to study any time that works.
Unlike physical colleges where you’d have to follow a rigid timetable that allows little room for adjustments. Teachers would also dictate the speed of learning which may not work for you.
However, with an online course, you’re able to set the pace yourself. Meaning you can study the modules as quickly or as slowly as you like. It’s completely up to you.
The material is available to you 24/7 from the moment you enrol onto the course. Whereas enrolling in a bricks and mortar institute means you’d have to wait until the start of term to begin. Elongating your overall process.
In addition to this, you’ll still have a dedicated tutor supporting you despite being a more independent learning style. They’ll be an expert within the animal care field and provide constructive feedback on all your assignments. As well as being an email away should you need to contact them for any extra support.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards your new career, learndirect has the right course for you.
learndirect is the UK’s leading distance learning online course providers. Helping thousands of students reach their personal and professional ambitions.
Our online Kennel and Cattery Management Level 3 Diploma (RQF) will give you the knowledge to succeed in this profession. Whether you’re seeking employment or wishing to start your own business. You can learn all the skills you need from the comfort of your own home.
We also have flexible payment options to help spread the cost, so it doesn’t have to break the bank.
To learn more on how to prepare for your online course visit our blog here. You can also keep track of all animal awareness days and events with our FREE calendar! Download it here.
If you have any further questions get in touch with our advisors or start today and enrol online below.
