Career profile · live from the Careermash careers engine
Careermash
Research / problem-solvingResearch / problem-solving
Cattery and Kennel Manager
Cattery and kennel managers and proprietors play a pivotal role in the welfare of pets while providing peace of mind to pet owners. As guardians of our furry friends, they ensure safe, clean, and stimulating environments, making a significant impact on pet care standards across the UK.
No degree needed for many routesEntry routes with no formal quals
AI impact: low££ payDirect entry route
8
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Robin · your guide
Curious about being a cattery and kennel manager? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.
What you'd actually do
Cattery and kennel managers and proprietors are at the heart of the pet care industry, ensuring that animals receive the love, attention, and care they deserve when their owners are away. This role is not just about managing a facility; it’s about creating a nurturing environment where pets can thrive. With the increasing number of pet owners seeking quality care for their animals, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing, making it a rewarding career choice.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a cattery and kennel manager are diverse and dynamic. From overseeing the general operations of the facility to ensuring that every animal is well cared for, the role requires a blend of managerial skills and a genuine passion for animal welfare. You will develop tailored care plans for each pet, considering their specific needs in terms of diet, exercise, and social interaction. This ensures that every animal feels at home, reducing stress during their stay.
- The role involves managing a dedicated team of staff, which includes recruiting, training, and scheduling personnel. Effective leadership is essential to maintain a motivated team that shares your commitment to high standards of animal care.
- Customer service is a critical aspect of the job; you will handle inquiries and bookings, ensuring that pet owners feel confident and reassured about the care their pets will receive.
- Health and wellbeing monitoring is another vital task, as you will need to observe each animal closely and coordinate with veterinary professionals when necessary, ensuring prompt and effective care.
- Record-keeping is crucial; maintaining accurate logs of each pet's medical history, dietary needs, and any special requirements is essential for providing continuity of care.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as animal welfare legislation, is mandatory. You will need to stay updated on relevant laws and best practices to ensure your facility operates within legal frameworks.
- Marketing your cattery or kennel is also part of the role. Engaging with the local community and utilizing social media to showcase your services can help attract new clients and build a loyal customer base.
In summary, being a cattery and kennel manager or proprietor is a fulfilling career that combines a love for animals with business acumen. The challenges are significant, but the rewards of seeing happy pets and satisfied owners make every effort worthwhile. This role is perfect for those who are dedicated, organized, and passionate about animal welfare, providing an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
1Oversee the daily operations of the cattery or kennel, ensuring high standards of animal care and hygiene.
2Develop and implement care plans tailored to the individual needs of each pet, including feeding, exercise, and socialisation.
3Manage staff, including recruitment, training, and scheduling, to maintain a motivated and skilled team.
4Handle customer inquiries, bookings, and payments, providing exceptional service to pet owners.
5Monitor the health and wellbeing of animals, coordinating veterinary care as necessary.
6Maintain accurate records of animal care, including medical histories and dietary requirements.
7Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, along with animal welfare legislation.
8Market the business through social media, local advertising, and community engagement to attract new clients.
Career progression & pay
01
Getting in
Junior Cattery Assistant
£20,000
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care or equivalent
In this entry-level role, you will assist with the daily care of animals, including feeding, grooming, and exercising pets. You will learn the basics of animal behaviour and welfare while supporting the management team.
02
Building up
Cattery and Kennel Manager
£35,000
3-5 years experience in animal care + Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
As a mid-level manager, you will oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with regulations. You will be responsible for the welfare of the animals and the satisfaction of their owners.
03
At the top
Senior Operations Manager
£60,000+
10+ years experience, management qualifications, and a strong understanding of animal welfare legislation
In this peak career role, you will lead multiple facilities or a large operation, focusing on strategic growth, staff development, and high standards of animal care. You will be the face of the organisation, representing it in the community and with regulatory bodies.
Degrees that lead here via Animal Care
Degree options are mapped from subjects - explore the buckets to find related courses.
Apprenticeships that lead here
No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.
Who hires - top UK employers
Pets at Home
A leading pet care retailer in the UK, offering a range of services including grooming and boarding, with a strong commitment to animal welfare.
Bark & Birch
A premium pet boarding service known for its luxurious facilities and exceptional care, providing a great working environment for animal lovers.
The Dog House
A well-established kennel and cattery with a reputation for high standards of care and customer service, offering various career opportunities.
Pawfect Paws
An innovative pet care provider that focuses on personalised care and training, making it a fantastic place for career growth.
Happy Paws
A community-focused pet boarding service that prides itself on its family-like atmosphere and commitment to animal welfare.
AI & the future of this job
Cattery and kennel management is about as AI-resistant as a career gets. The core of the role is hands-on animal handling, physical observation, and building trust with both pets and their anxious owners, none of which can be replicated by software. AI can assist with booking systems, scheduling, and customer communications, but the moment an anxious cat needs calming or a dog shows subtle signs of illness, human presence and instinct are irreplaceable. This is a career built on physical skill, animal empathy, and operational grit.
Within 5 Years
Minimal operational change
Over the next five years, AI will improve the administrative layer of running a kennel or cattery. Automated booking platforms, AI-assisted customer enquiry responses, and digital health tracking tools will reduce paperwork. However, the physical care, daily routines, and animal welfare judgements that define the role remain entirely human. Staff who learn to use these admin tools efficiently will simply have more time to focus on the animals.
Within 10 Years
Smarter tools, same hands
By the mid-2030s, wearable health monitors for pets and AI-assisted behavioural analysis software may become standard, helping managers spot health issues earlier. These are genuine aids rather than replacements, giving experienced proprietors better data to act on. The physical work of feeding, socialising, cleaning, and comforting animals will not have changed in any meaningful way. Demand for quality pet care is also structurally strong, with UK pet ownership continuing to rise.
Within 20 Years
Robust, largely unchanged
Over a twenty-year horizon, robotics capable of replicating the nuanced physical and emotional labour of animal care remain implausible. Automated feeding systems and environmental monitoring may handle some routine tasks, but the welfare standards expected by UK regulators and pet owners require genuine human oversight and relationship-building. Proprietors who build strong reputations, maintain high welfare standards, and adapt their customer experience will continue to run commercially viable businesses. This career has genuine long-term stability.
How to stay ahead
Get qualified in animal welfare
Pursue a Level 3 Animal Management qualification or a veterinary nursing diploma rather than a generic degree. These credentials directly signal competence to customers, insurers, and licensing bodies. They also give you a practical foundation in animal health that AI tools cannot substitute for.
Learn the business fundamentals
Running your own facility means managing cash flow, licensing compliance, staff contracts, and marketing. A short business management course or apprenticeship will serve you far better than guessing your way through ownership. Proprietors who understand their margins and local competition build more resilient businesses.
Use digital tools to your advantage
Adopt modern booking software, automated customer messaging, and pet health tracking apps early so they become second nature. This frees up your time for the high-value work of direct animal care and owner relationships. Being tech-comfortable also makes your facility look professional and trustworthy to customers.
Build a specialist niche
Consider specialising in anxious animals, exotic pets, or medically complex cases that require higher skill and command premium pricing. These niches are harder to serve and therefore face less price competition. A reputation for handling the difficult cases that other facilities decline is a durable competitive advantage.
How to get in - your routes
Careermash · your kind of work, the careers in it, and every route in - all in one place.