How to become a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator
Organises and controls the operations of an establishment which offers temporary boarding for dogs and cats.
Main tasks
- Manages the day-to-day operations of a boarding kennel or cattery
- Ensures the facility is clean, safe and well-maintained
- Receives and checks-in animals, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed
- Provides food, water and exercise for animals according to their specific needs
- Administers medications and treatments as required
- Monitors the health and behaviour of animals and seeks veterinary care when necessary
- Provides care and attention to animals to ensure their wellbeing
- Maintains records of animals' stays, including feeding schedules, medications and special instructions
- Handles customer enquiries, bookings and payments
- Oversees the hiring, training and supervision of staff
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40222); Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122); Certificate II in Racing (Greyhound) (RGR20117)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $109,980 a year
- About 92,700 people work in this job group now, and about 105,200 are projected by 2035. (+13.4%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator?
Ways in include: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management; Certificate III in Animal Care Services.
How much does a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $109,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 92,700 to about 105,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management; Certificate III in Animal Care Services.
Will AI change the work of a Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04