Top 10 Kennel Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a kennel assistant are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has been trained in the specific skills and knowledge necessary to work as a kennel assistant. Certifications show employers that a potential employee is reliable, has a commitment to learning, and is up-to-date on best practices related to animal care. Additionally, certifications demonstrate that an individual understands the ethical responsibilities of working with animals, such as adhering to safety protocols and providing high-quality care. This can be especially important in jobs where there is direct contact with animals.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Kennel Assistants and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Kennel Assistant Certifications?

Kennel assistant certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a kennel environment. This certification program is geared towards those who may have experience working in a kennel, but would like to further their career by obtaining formal certification.

This certification program covers topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, safety, health care, and management. It also includes instruction on proper handling of animals, recognizing signs of illness or injury, administering medications, and providing basic grooming services. After completing the program and passing the required examinations, individuals will receive a certificate that can help them stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in a kennel setting.

Having this certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it demonstrates that an employee has obtained specialized training in kennel-related topics which can make them more qualified for the job than someone who does not possess this type of certification. For employees, having this certificate provides them with the opportunity to show potential employers that they have taken initiative to increase their knowledge base and are committed to becoming more skilled at their job.

Pro Tip: When seeking kennel assistant certification, be sure to research the specific requirements for the certification in your state or country. Different certifications may have different prerequisites and requirements for course completion. Additionally, make sure to verify that the institution from which you’re obtaining your certification is accredited and highly-regarded in the industry.

Related: What does a Kennel Assistant do?

Top 10 Kennel Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Kennel Assistants today.

1. Pet Care Technician Certification

Pet Care Technician Certification is a program offered by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of pet care professionals. It is intended to help pet care providers demonstrate their commitment to excellence in providing quality pet care services.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as animal behavior, nutrition, safety, health, grooming, and business practices. The exam tests the knowledge gained from the course material. Upon successful completion of both parts of the certification process, individuals will receive a NAPPS Pet Care Technician Certificate.

The entire certification process takes approximately four weeks to complete. The online course can be completed at your own pace; however, it typically takes about two weeks to complete all course requirements. After completing the online course, individuals must take and pass a proctored exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the Pet Care Technician Certification program is $299 USD (plus applicable taxes). This fee includes access to the online course materials and one attempt at the proctored exam. Additional attempts at the exam may require an additional fee.

2. Animal Care and Management Certification

Animal Care and Management Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the care and management of animals. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to effectively manage and care for a variety of animals.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on the program chosen. The certification requires the completion of a series of courses related to animal care and management, including topics such as nutrition, health care, behavior management, humane handling techniques, safety protocols, record keeping, facility design and maintenance, regulatory compliance and more. In addition to coursework, some programs may require an internship or practicum experience in order to gain hands-on experience in animal care.

To obtain Animal Care and Management Certification, individuals must meet certain educational requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on the program chosen, additional requirements may include passing an exam or completing additional coursework related to animal care. Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have prior work experience in animal care or veterinary medicine.

The cost of obtaining Animal Care and Management Certification varies depending on the program chosen; however costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs.

3. Kennel Assistant Certificate Program

The Kennel Assistant Certificate Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a kennel environment. It covers topics such as animal care, health and safety, customer service, and business operations. The program can be completed in as little as three months but may take longer depending on the student's availability and learning style.

To get the certificate, students must complete an online or in-person course that covers all of the topics listed above. Most courses include lectures, hands-on activities, and quizzes to help ensure that students understand the material. After completing the coursework, students must pass a final exam to receive their certificate.

The cost of the program varies depending on where it is taken and how long it takes to complete. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $200-$400 USD.

4. Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) is a designation that demonstrates a dog trainer has achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field. It is awarded by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), an independent organization that provides certification to professional dog trainers who meet their standards.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least 300 hours of hands-on experience working with dogs, pass a written exam, and agree to abide by the CCPDT's code of ethics. The written exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as canine learning theory, canine behavior and development, and training techniques.

It usually takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all the requirements for certification. Applicants should also be prepared to pay a fee for the application process and for taking the written exam. The cost of certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an active member of one of the CCPDT's partner organizations (such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers).

Overall, becoming certified as a CPDT is an important step in demonstrating your expertise as a professional dog trainer. It is also an important way to show potential clients that you are committed to providing quality service and adhering to ethical standards in your work with dogs.

5. Veterinary Assistant Certification

Veterinary Assistant Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of veterinary assistants. It is awarded by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and requires passing an exam.

The certification process typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on the individual's level of experience and preparation. To become certified, applicants must first meet NAVTA’s eligibility requirements, which include having at least one year of experience as a veterinary assistant or technician and completing at least 30 hours of continuing education in veterinary assisting topics. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by NAVTA.

The cost for certification varies depending on the applicant's state and type of certification. The application fee generally ranges from $50 to $100, while the exam fee is usually around $150 to $200. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking continuing education courses or purchasing study materials.

Once certified, veterinary assistants can expect greater job opportunities, higher salaries, and more respect from employers and colleagues in the field.

6. Pet First Aid & CPR Certification

Pet First Aid & CPR Certification is a certification that provides pet owners and pet care professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide basic first aid and CPR to pets in an emergency situation. It is designed to help people recognize signs of illness or injury, respond appropriately, and provide basic first aid and CPR until professional veterinary care can be obtained.

The length of time it takes to get Pet First Aid & CPR Certification varies depending on the provider. Generally, certification courses take between 4-8 hours to complete.

To get Pet First Aid & CPR Certification, you must successfully complete a course offered by an accredited provider. There are many providers offering courses both online and in-person. You can find a list of accredited providers at www.petfirstaidcprcertification.org/find-a-provider/.

The cost of Pet First Aid & CPR Certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$150 USD per person for an in-person course or $25-$100 USD per person for an online course.

7. Animal Behavior College (ABC) Certificate Program

The Animal Behavior College (ABC) Certificate Program is an online program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a professional animal trainer. The program consists of four courses, each lasting six weeks. During the course of the program, students will learn about animal behavior, training methods, and how to apply these concepts in real-world settings.

The ABC Certificate Program takes approximately six months to complete. Students should expect to spend around 10 hours per week studying and completing assignments. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate from ABC.

To get started in the ABC Certificate Program, students must first complete an application form and pay a one-time fee of $399. After submitting the application form and fee, students will be given access to their course materials and will begin their studies immediately.

Throughout their studies, students will be able to contact their instructors via email or phone for assistance with any questions they may have regarding the course material or assignments. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will be awarded their certificate from ABC and can begin working as professional animal trainers.

8. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Certification

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) certification is a professional designation that recognizes pet sitters who have met the highest standards of excellence in the pet care industry. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates commitment to continuing education, ethical practices and professionalism.

To become certified, pet sitters must complete an application process that includes providing proof of experience, passing a written exam and submitting references from two current clients. The application process typically takes four to six weeks to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NAPPS Certification Program, applicants must have at least one year of professional pet sitting experience or a minimum of 500 hours of supervised pet care experience within the last five years. Applicants must also provide proof that they are insured and bonded as well as submit a copy of their business license or permit if required by law.

The cost for NAPPS Certification is $150 USD for members and $200 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the written exam, processing fees and certification materials.

9. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification is an internationally recognized program that encourages responsible pet ownership and enhances the bond between owners and their dogs. The program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.

The CGC Certification test consists of 10 skills that a dog must demonstrate in order to pass. These skills include: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, allowing grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sitting and lying down on command, coming when called, reacting appropriately to another dog, reacting appropriately to distractions, and staying in place.

It usually takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the CGC Certification process. To get started, owners should find an approved CGC evaluator in their area. Evaluators can be found through the American Kennel Club website or by contacting local obedience clubs or trainers. Once an evaluator has been located, owners will need to register their dog for the test and schedule an appointment with the evaluator.

The cost of the CGC Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $20-$50 per test session. After successfully passing all 10 skills of the test, owners will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club recognizing their dog as a Canine Good Citizen.

10. Animal Welfare Advocate Certificate

Animal Welfare Advocate Certificate is a certification program designed to help individuals gain knowledge and skills in animal welfare. The certificate is available through the University of Guelph’s Open Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd).

The certificate consists of four courses that cover the topics of animal welfare, animal behavior, humane education, and advocacy. Each course takes approximately six weeks to complete. After completing all four courses, students will receive their Animal Welfare Advocate Certificate.

To get started with the Animal Welfare Advocate Certificate, students must first register for the program on OpenEd's website. Once registered, students can access all four courses online at any time. The cost for the entire program is $250 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive their Animal Welfare Advocate Certificate from OpenEd as well as a digital badge that can be displayed on social media profiles or resumes.

Do You Really Need a Kennel Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. While there is no legal requirement for a kennel assistant certificate, many employers may prefer to hire someone with a certificate as they view it as an indication that the applicant has some knowledge of animal care and handling.

Having a kennel assistant certificate can be beneficial if you are looking for work in the animal care field. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and have acquired some knowledge and skills related to caring for animals. This can give you an edge over other candidates who do not possess the same credentials.

In addition, having a kennel assistant certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the pet industry or related fields such as veterinary clinics or pet stores. This is because employers may view applicants with certification as being more knowledgeable and capable of providing better care for their animals than those without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a kennel assistant certificate depends on your specific goals and ambitions. If you want to pursue a career in animal care, then it may be beneficial for you to obtain one. However, if you only plan on working part-time at a kennel or pet store, then it may not be necessary for you to get certified.

Related: Kennel Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Kennel Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Kennel Assistant Certification?

A Kennel Assistant Certification is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively care for animals in a kennel environment. It includes topics such as animal health, nutrition, housing, grooming, handling, and more.

2. How do I become certified as a Kennel Assistant?

To become certified as a Kennel Assistant you must complete an approved course of study and pass the required exam. Course of study can include online courses or classes offered by local community colleges or vocational schools.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

The time it takes to get certified depends on the type of program you choose. Online programs typically take about 8-12 weeks to complete while classroom based programs can take up to 6 months or longer depending on the school's schedule and requirements.

4. What are the benefits of getting certified?

The main benefit of becoming certified as a Kennel Assistant is increased job security and potential salary increases due to your increased knowledge and expertise in animal care. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with certifications when hiring for kennel assistant positions.

5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Yes, most certifications have an expiration date that must be renewed every 2-3 years depending on the program you are enrolled in.