17 Kennel Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various kennel assistant interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Kennel Assistant Interview Questions
- What made you want to become a kennel assistant?
- What are the most important qualities for a successful kennel assistant?
- What is your favorite part of the job?
- How do you handle difficult situations with animals?
- What is the most challenging part of the job?
- Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond for an animal.
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
- How do you handle animals that are sick or injured?
- What do you do to make sure the animals in your care are happy and healthy?
- How do you deal with cleaning up after animals?
- What is your policy on dealing with aggressive animals?
- How do you handle animals that have been abandoned or surrendered?
- What do you do to make sure the kennel is running smoothly?
- How do you deal with emergencies?
- What is your policy on overtime?
- Do you have any experience with training animals?
- Do you have any suggestions on ways to improve our kennel operations?
What made you want to become a kennel assistant?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your interest in the position and see if you have a genuine passion for working with animals. They could also be trying to get a sense of your motivations for wanting to become a kennel assistant and whether or not you would be a good fit for the position.
This question is important because it can help the interviewer to understand your reasons for wanting to become a kennel assistant and whether or not you would be a good fit for the position. If you have a genuine passion for working with animals and can articulate why you want to become a kennel assistant, then you will likely be seen as a strong candidate for the role.
Example: “I have always loved animals, and working with them has been a dream of mine since I was a child. When I saw an opening for a kennel assistant, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to turn my passion into a career.
As a kennel assistant, I get to work with a variety of animals on a daily basis, and I absolutely love it. I am responsible for feeding, walking, and cleaning up after the dogs in our care, and I take great pride in providing them with the best possible care. I am also responsible for keeping the kennel clean and organized, and for keeping track of the medical records for all of the animals in our care.
Working as a kennel assistant is both challenging and rewarding, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do something that I love every day.”
What are the most important qualities for a successful kennel assistant?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to determine if the kennel assistant understands the qualities necessary for success in the role. It is important for the kennel assistant to be able to identify qualities such as being able to work well with animals, having good customer service skills, and being able to maintain a clean and organized work environment. By understanding what qualities are necessary for success in the role, the kennel assistant can demonstrate that they are a good fit for the position.
Example: “The most important qualities for a successful kennel assistant are:
-Patience: Kennel assistants must be patient when dealing with animals, as some may be scared or aggressive.
-Empathy: It is important for kennel assistants to be able to empathize with the animals in their care, as many have come from difficult backgrounds.
-Physical Strength: Kennel assistants need to be physically strong in order to lift animals and clean cages.
-Stamina: The job can be physically demanding, so stamina is key.
-Attention to Detail: Kennel assistants must be detail oriented in order to properly care for the animals and maintain cleanliness standards.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a kennel assistant what their favorite part of the job is. First, it can help the interviewer get a sense of what the kennel assistant enjoys about their work. This can be helpful in determining whether or not the kennel assistant is a good fit for the position. Second, it can give the interviewer insight into what motivates the kennel assistant. This can be helpful in determining how to best motivate the kennel assistant in the future. Finally, it can help the interviewer understand what the kennel assistant values in their work. This can be helpful in creating a work environment that is conducive to the kennel assistant's success.
Example: “There are many aspects of the job that I enjoy, but if I had to choose one favorite part it would be getting to know all of the different dogs that come through the kennel. Each dog has their own personality and it's always fun to see how they interact with the other dogs and with the staff.”
How do you handle difficult situations with animals?
The interviewer may be asking this question to gauge the kennel assistant's ability to handle difficult situations with animals in a calm and professional manner. This is important because the kennel assistant will need to be able to handle difficult situations with animals on a daily basis.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to handle difficult situations with animals will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some tips on how to handle difficult situations with animals include remaining calm and patient, using positive reinforcement techniques, and seeking professional help if necessary.”
What is the most challenging part of the job?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the candidate is able to handle the physical and emotional demands of the job. The job of a kennel assistant can be challenging, as it requires working with animals who may be sick, injured, or scared. It is important for the interviewer to know that the candidate is up for the challenge and has the necessary skills to care for the animals.
Example: “The most challenging part of the job is dealing with sick animals. This can be emotionally and physically demanding, as you may have to comfort sick or injured animals while also cleaning up after them. You must be able to handle seeing animals in distress and be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.”
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond for an animal.
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a kennel assistant. First, it can reveal how much the person cares about animals and whether they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their safety and well-being. Second, it can show whether the person is able to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively. Finally, it can give the interviewer a sense of the person's work ethic and commitment to their job.
Example: “I was working as a kennel assistant at a local animal shelter when we received a dog who had been hit by a car. He was in pretty bad shape and needed around the clock care. I ended up staying at the shelter overnight to make sure he got the care he needed.”
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
The interviewer is trying to assess the candidate's customer service skills. It is important to be able to deal with difficult customers in a professional and courteous manner.
Example: “I once had a customer who was extremely unhappy with the service we provided. They demanded to speak to a manager and were very rude to me. I remained calm and professional and explained that a manager would be unavailable for some time. I offered to help in any way I could. The customer eventually calmed down and we were able to resolve the issue.”
How do you handle animals that are sick or injured?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the kennel assistant's experience and knowledge in handling sick or injured animals. This is important because it shows whether or not the kennel assistant is capable of providing proper care for the animals in their charge.
Example: “If an animal is sick or injured, the first thing I would do is to assess the situation and see if there is anything I can do to help. If the animal needs immediate medical attention, I would take them to the nearest vet or animal hospital. If the animal is not in immediate danger, I would make sure they are comfortable and then contact the owner to let them know what has happened.”
What do you do to make sure the animals in your care are happy and healthy?
The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of how the kennel assistant cares for the animals in their charge. It is important to ensure that animals are happy and healthy because it helps them to lead fuller, happier lives. Additionally, healthy animals are less likely to get sick and spread disease.
Example: “The first and most important thing I do to make sure the animals in my care are happy and healthy is to provide them with plenty of love and attention. I spend time every day playing with them, petting them, and just talking to them so they know they are loved. I also make sure they have plenty of food and water, and that their living quarters are clean and comfortable. I keep a close eye on their health and behavior, and if I notice anything out of the ordinary, I take action immediately.”
How do you deal with cleaning up after animals?
Cleaning up after animals is an important part of the job for a kennel assistant. It is important to know how the kennel assistant deals with this task so that the interviewer can gauge if they are capable of handling the job.
Example: “There are a few things to consider when cleaning up after animals. First, you need to identify the type of animal waste you are dealing with. This will determine the best way to dispose of it. Second, you need to choose the right cleaning products. Some products may be harmful to animals if used incorrectly. Finally, you need to have a good plan for disposing of the waste. This may include using a trash can or dumpster for solid waste, and a drain or septic system for liquid waste.”
What is your policy on dealing with aggressive animals?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the kennel assistant's ability to handle difficult situations. It is important for the kennel assistant to be able to remain calm and collected when dealing with aggressive animals, as this will help to keep the animals under control and prevent any accidents from happening.
Example: “We have a strict policy on dealing with aggressive animals. We always put the safety of our staff and clients first and foremost. We will never put anyone in a situation where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. If an animal is showing signs of aggression, we will immediately remove them from the situation and place them in a safe area. We will then assess the situation and determine the best course of action. This may include working with a professional trainer or behaviorist to help the animal learn how to properly interact with people.”
How do you handle animals that have been abandoned or surrendered?
Some kennels take in abandoned or surrendered animals in addition to boarders. This is important to know because it affects the type of care the animals will need and the number of animals that will be in the kennel at any given time.
Example: “If an animal is abandoned or surrendered, the first thing that needs to be done is to assess the situation and see if the animal is in immediate danger. If so, the animal should be removed from the situation and brought to a safe place. Once the animal is in a safe place, a thorough assessment should be done to determine the best course of action for the animal. This may include finding a new home for the animal, placing the animal in a foster home, or bringing the animal to a shelter.”
What do you do to make sure the kennel is running smoothly?
One of the key responsibilities of a kennel assistant is to ensure that the kennel is running smoothly. This involves a variety of tasks, such as cleaning the kennels, feeding and watering the animals, exercising the animals, and keeping the kennels tidy. It is important for the interviewer to know that the kennel assistant is capable of performing all of these tasks efficiently and effectively in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the animals.
Example: “I make sure that the kennel is clean and organized. I also make sure that the dogs are fed and watered on schedule, and that they have plenty of exercise and playtime. I keep an eye on the health of all the dogs in the kennel, and report any concerns to the head kennelkeeper. Finally, I make sure that all the paperwork for each dog is up to date and in order.”
How do you deal with emergencies?
An interviewer might ask "How do you deal with emergencies?" to a kennel assistant to gauge the person's ability to think and act quickly in potentially stressful situations. This is important because kennel assistants need to be able to remain calm and take appropriate action in the event of an emergency, such as a dog escaping from its enclosure.
Example: “In the event of an emergency, I would first assess the situation and determine what the best course of action would be. If the animal is in immediate danger, I would take whatever steps necessary to ensure their safety. This could include moving them to a safe area, providing first aid, or calling for help. Once the animal is safe, I would then begin to gather information from witnesses and owners to help piece together what happened and why. This information would be used to help prevent future accidents or emergencies from occurring.”
What is your policy on overtime?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the kennel assistant is willing to work overtime if needed. This is important because the kennel may need someone to stay late or come in early on occasion to help take care of the animals.
Example: “We do not offer overtime at our kennel.”
Do you have any experience with training animals?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge whether the candidate has the necessary skills to perform the job duties of a kennel assistant. A kennel assistant is responsible for the care and welfare of animals in a kennel or shelter environment. This includes feeding, watering, exercising, and cleaning the animals' enclosures. A kennel assistant may also be responsible for administering medication to the animals under their care.
Example: “I have experience with training animals in a number of different ways. I have worked with dogs, cats, and horses, and have trained them in obedience, tricks, and behaviors. I am familiar with a variety of training methods and can adapt my approach to the needs of each individual animal. I am patient and have a good rapport with animals, which helps them to respond well to me.”
Do you have any suggestions on ways to improve our kennel operations?
The interviewer is asking for suggestions because they want to improve the kennel operations and make them more efficient. It is important to be able to give suggestions because it shows that the candidate is able to think critically about the kennel and how it can be improved.
Example: “There are a few ways that I think our kennel could be run more efficiently.
One way would be to have a better system for organization and keeping track of the animals. This could include having a designated area for each animal, with their name and information, as well as a daily schedule of when they need to be fed, exercised, and cleaned.
Another way to improve efficiency would be to have set times for feeding and exercising the animals, rather than doing it on an ad-hoc basis. This would help to ensure that all the animals are getting the care they need, and that there is no confusion about who is responsible for what.
Finally, I think it would be helpful to have a designated person who is in charge of cleaning the kennel each day. This would help to keep the space clean and tidy, and would make it easier to spot any potential problems.”