Applying for kennel position- Pay?

[Trilt]

I would really appreciate a little help.

One of the veterinary clinics in the area is hiring for a kennel position, and I heading over there tomorrow to fill out an application. However, from filling out volunteer forms, I know they generally have a "Pay Requested/Salary" section to fill out. (Though I've obviously written "None!" in them before)

My only job experience is working part time at Taco Bell, so, needless to say, I have no idea what sort of pay to ask for in this situation. Any opinion/suggestions? What have others you've known been paid for kennel work?

(For some frame of reference, I live in NC, where the minimum wage is currently $6.55.)

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[237397]

I live in GA, and I think the kennel crew at the hospital I worked at made $6.50/hr (minimum wage was around $5.75/hr). Kennel kids never really make any money.

I'd put "open" and expect minimum wage... some places will give you periodic raises after you've been working for a certain length of time. It is completely appropriate to ask about this during your interview.

Good luck! Kennel work can suck sometimes, but it's usually pretty fun, and it's a good way to work your way up to a vet tech assistant position.

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

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[TurtleLover]

I agree with putting "open" for your salary amount. Especially in an economy like this, I would hate for the salary I listed to be the reason I didn't get hired to get the necessary experience.

When I worked in Miami, FL I got $8/hr (minimum wage was around 6 something then). When I worked in Orlando, FL, I got $7.75/hr and minimum wage was $7.21 I think? It really depends on the city and state you live in. Sorry I can't really help for NC.

According to this website: http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm#NorthCarolina

North Caroline minimum wage is currently $6.55 and projected to go to $7.25 on 7/24/2009. So maybe list $7/hr? or $6.75/hr.

 

[Optimistic 13]

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[BodhiBird]

When I was in your situation I listed minimum wage as the salary I wanted. I just wanted the job. I ended up getting paid about a buck more than minimum wage and was able to work my way up to tech position in a relatively short time.

Another tip... blanket your city with resumes and applications. Even if a clinic isn't advertising it is still advantageous to apply for a position, you never know when they are going to need extra help, or lose existing help. Good luck!

 

[ckd816]

I live in a suburb of Phoenix, AZ and I worked in a kennel for about 10 months... Pay was $8/hour when I was hired and I got a raise to $9/hour at my 6 month review. The minimum wage here was just raised to $7.25, which I believe is the second increase since I was hired in October of 2007.

 

[jop21]

I agree with the above posts. When I first started cleaning cages I was paid 6.50/hr. If you continue to work hard, then your will receive raises. Its a tough job,and given the physical nature of the job the pay may seem low. But, you have to start somewhere. Good luck!

 

[Trilt]

I'd actually be more than happy to receive minimum wage- better than the for free volunteering I've been expecting!

Thank you for all the responses to this thread. I am going to take the consensus of advice and simply write 'open.' Wish me luck.

(And as far as blanketing the city with my resume- I have the addresses of all clinics within a distance in a file on my computer. However, I currently do not have a car, so I need to do further research on available bus routes before I go shoot papers at them.)

 

[3dogsand2cats]

I also live in North Carolina (Greenville area). In the past I worked for multiple places doing kennel work and I was paid b/t $6.50-$7.50. I agree with everyone else though write open!

 

[KKibo]

When I started working at the place I do now (in Chatt, TN) the kennel workers started at $8/hr. Pretty high turnover rate though.

 

[r00]

I just applied for (and finished my follow up interview/shadow - keep your fingers crossed for me) a kennel position here in orlando. The starting pay is $7.50/hr with a "good chance of a raise" after the probation period of 90 days... which just says to me that they have a decent turnover rate too

 

[cms07c]

I'm working as a kennel tech now hoping to sometime in the next 2352 years to actually move up to being an actual tech. I make minimum wage in tallahassee (6.75). But i think after 3 months, I get a .50 raise. I would agree with everyone else, put open, and then after a few months, ask about a raise.