17 Kennel Technician 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 technician interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Kennel Technician Interview Questions
- What made you want to become a kennel technician?
- What are the most important qualities for a successful kennel technician?
- What is your favorite part of the job?
- What do you think is the most challenging part of the job?
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult animal.
- Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
- How do you deal with animals that are sick or injured?
- What do you do if an animal escapes from its kennel?
- What is your policy on euthanasia?
- How do you deal with difficult customers?
- Have you ever had to put an animal down? If so, how did you deal with it emotionally?
- What is your favorite breed of dog?
- Do you have any experience with exotic animals? If so, which ones?
- How do you deal with animals that are aggressive or bite?
- What is your policy on feeding and watering animals?
- How do you deal with animals that are in heat or pregnant?
- Do you have any experience with grooming? If so, what types of grooming do you know how to do?
What made you want to become a kennel technician?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the motivation behind the candidate's career choice. It is important to know why the candidate became a kennel technician in order to determine if they are likely to be satisfied with the job and stick with it for the long term.
Example: “I have always loved animals, and working with them has been a dream of mine since I was a child. When I learned about the kennel technician role and saw that it would allow me to work closely with animals on a daily basis, I knew it was the perfect career for me. I love being able to care for the animals and help them feel comfortable and safe while their owners are away.”
What are the most important qualities for a successful kennel technician?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge if the kennel technician understands what the job entails and what skills are necessary to be successful. Second, they may be looking for qualities that the technician has that would make them a good fit for the position. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the kennel technician's work ethic and dedication to the job.
Example: “The most important qualities for a successful kennel technician are:
-Patience: Kennel technicians must be patient when dealing with animals, as they may not always be cooperative.
-Physical Strength: Kennel technicians need to be physically strong in order to lift animals and clean cages.
-Attention to Detail: Kennel technicians must pay attention to detail in order to properly care for the animals and maintain a clean environment.
-Compassion: Kennel technicians must be compassionate in order to provide the best possible care for the animals.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a kennel technician what their favorite part of the job is. It can help the interviewer to understand what motivates the technician and what they find most fulfilling about the job. Additionally, it can give the interviewer insight into what the technician feels are the most important aspects of the job. For example, if the technician enjoys caring for the animals and finds that to be the most rewarding part of the job, the interviewer might conclude that animal welfare is a priority for the technician. Ultimately, this question can help the interviewer to get a better sense of the technician as a person and whether they would be a good fit for the position.
Example: “I absolutely love working with animals! I've always had a passion for them and it's so rewarding to be able to help care for them. I really enjoy getting to know each animal and their individual personalities. It's also very gratifying to see the animals happy and healthy under our care.”
What do you think is the most challenging part of the job?
The most challenging part of the job is keeping the animals clean and comfortable. It is important to keep the animals clean and comfortable because they are in close quarters and need to be able to move around freely.
Example: “The most challenging part of the job is keeping the kennel clean and free of debris. The kennel technician must also be able to identify any potential health hazards and take corrective action.”
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult animal.
This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the Kennel Technician's ability to handle difficult situations. In particular, it allows the interviewer to see how the Kennel Technician deals with difficult animals, which is an important skill for this position.
Example: “I once had to deal with a difficult animal that was very aggressive and would not let anyone near it. I was able to get the animal under control by using a tranquilizer gun and then safely remove it from the premises.”
Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
The interviewer is trying to gauge the level of customer service the kennel technician is capable of. It is important because it shows whether or not the technician is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the customer is happy.
Example: “I was working at a pet store and a customer came in who was looking for a new dog. She was really struggling to find the right fit and was getting frustrated. I took the time to talk to her about what she was looking for and helped her find a few options. Then, I went above and beyond by staying late to help her fill out the paperwork and get everything set up.”
How do you deal with animals that are sick or injured?
An interviewer would ask "How do you deal with animals that are sick or injured?" to a/an Kennel Technician to gauge their ability to handle difficult situations. This is important because it shows whether or not the candidate has the ability to think on their feet and make quick decisions. It also allows the interviewer to see how the candidate would handle a situation if they were faced with it in the workplace.
Example: “If an animal is sick or injured, the first thing I would do is notify the veterinarian. Then, I would follow the veterinarian's instructions on how to care for the animal. This might include giving the animal medication, changing its diet, or providing special care. I would also make sure to keep the animal comfortable and clean, and to monitor its condition closely.”
What do you do if an animal escapes from its kennel?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the kennel technician's ability to think on their feet and handle difficult situations. It is important for the kennel technician to be able to remain calm and take quick, decisive action when an animal escapes, as this could mean the difference between the animal being safely returned or getting lost.
Example: “If an animal escapes from its kennel, the first thing to do is to remain calm and assess the situation. If the animal is not posing a threat to anyone, try to coax it back into the kennel with treats or toys. If the animal is aggressive or poses a danger to others, immediately notify a supervisor or call animal control.”
What is your policy on euthanasia?
The interviewer is asking the kennel technician for their policy on euthanasia because it is an important issue in the animal care industry. It is important to know the kennel technician's policy on euthanasia because it will help the interviewer determine if the kennel technician is a good fit for the job.
Example: “We believe that euthanasia is a personal decision that should be made by the pet owner in consultation with their veterinarian. We do not advocate for or against euthanasia, but we do believe that it should be performed humanely and with compassion.”
How do you deal with difficult customers?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the applicant's customer service skills. It is important for a kennel technician to be able to deal with difficult customers because they will be working closely with them. A kennel technician needs to be able to handle customer complaints and concerns in a professional and efficient manner.
Example: “There are a few ways to deal with difficult customers. The first way is to try and understand where they are coming from. Oftentimes, difficult customers are just trying to get their needs met in the best way they know how. If you can understand what it is they are trying to accomplish, it will be easier to find a resolution that satisfies both parties.
Another way to deal with difficult customers is to remain calm and professional at all times. This can be difficult, especially if the customer is being rude or aggressive, but it is important to remember that the customer is not attacking you personally. Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor will help diffuse the situation and make it easier to find a resolution.
Finally, it is important to always be willing to compromise. This does not mean that you should give in to every demand the customer makes, but be willing to meet them halfway. By showing that you are willing to work together, you can often diffused the situation and come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Have you ever had to put an animal down? If so, how did you deal with it emotionally?
The interviewer is asking this question to see if the candidate can deal with the emotional stress of having to put an animal down. This is an important skill for a kennel technician, as they will likely have to do this at some point in their career.
Example: “I have had to put an animal down before, and it was definitely a difficult experience. I felt very emotional afterwards, but I tried to deal with it by focusing on the fact that I had helped the animal avoid further suffering. I also reminded myself that euthanasia is sometimes the most humane option for an animal, and that ultimately I had made the decision in their best interests.”
What is your favorite breed of dog?
The interviewer is asking this question to get to know the Kennel Technician on a personal level. This question allows the interviewer to see if the Kennel Technician is comfortable talking about personal topics. It is also important to ask this question because it shows that the interviewer is interested in the Kennel Technician as a person, not just as an employee.
Example: “I absolutely love all breeds of dogs, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the Labrador Retriever. They are such sweet and loyal dogs that make great companions. Plus, they're great with kids and other animals, which makes them the perfect family pet.”
Do you have any experience with exotic animals? If so, which ones?
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate has any experience with animals that are not common household pets. This is important because it will help the interviewer determine if the candidate is able to care for animals that may have special needs or require special handling.
Example: “I have experience with a variety of exotic animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals. I am comfortable handling and caring for all of these animals, and have a good working knowledge of their husbandry requirements.”
How do you deal with animals that are aggressive or bite?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the applicant's ability to handle difficult situations. It is important for a kennel technician to be able to deal with aggressive animals calmly and safely, as they will be working with a variety of animals on a daily basis.
Example: “If an animal is aggressive or bites, the first thing to do is to try to calm the animal down. This can be done by speaking calmly and gently, and by offering the animal some food. If the animal is still aggressive, it may need to be put in a kennel or cage until it calms down. If an animal continues to be aggressive or bites, it may need to be euthanized.”
What is your policy on feeding and watering animals?
The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the kennel technician is comfortable and familiar with the various tasks associated with caring for animals, including feeding and watering them. It is important for the interviewer to know this because it will help them determine if the kennel technician is a good fit for the job.
Example: “We always make sure to feed and water the animals twice a day. We also make sure to clean their food and water bowls regularly.”
How do you deal with animals that are in heat or pregnant?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the candidate is able to handle the physical demands of the job. The job of a kennel technician often involves caring for animals that are in heat or pregnant, and the interviewer wants to know if the candidate is able to handle that.
Example: “There are a few different ways to deal with animals that are in heat or pregnant. The most common way is to simply keep them away from other animals, either by keeping them in a separate area or by using a divider in their kennel. This ensures that they cannot mate and also prevents any aggression that may occur between animals in heat. Another way to deal with animals in heat or pregnant is to spay or neuter them. This is a permanent solution that will prevent them from ever going into heat again or getting pregnant.”
Do you have any experience with grooming? If so, what types of grooming do you know how to do?
The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the candidate's experience and knowledge in the area of grooming. It is important to know if the candidate has any experience grooming, as this will be a key part of the job as a kennel technician. The types of grooming the candidate knows how to do will also be important, as this will determine what the candidate will be able to do for the animals in their care.
Example: “I have experience with grooming both dogs and cats. I am able to do basic grooming such as bathing, brushing, and trimming nails. I am also able to do more advanced grooming such as clipping and scissoring.”