How to become An Animal Caretaker

• Animal Care Giver(ACG)
• Aquarist
• Dog Bather
• Dog Groomer
• Groomer
• Kennel Attendant
• Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech)
• Pet Groomer
• Pet Stylist
• Zookeeper

What do Animal Caretakers do?

An Animal Caretaker would typically need to:

• Train, feed, groom, exercise, and care for animals
• Feed and give water to the animals; clean the equipment and living spaces of animals
• Keep track of animals' physical health, behaviour and diet; examine animals for signs of illness or injury
• Exercise, bathe and groom animals; train animals to obey and behave appropriately.

Animal Caretakers work in different environments depending on the job. They may work in stables, kennels, zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet stores. Travel may be a requirement for this career.

The work schedules are irregular. They may include holidays, late nights, weekends and travel. Animal Caretakers working in a 24-hour facility such as animal shelters, kennels, and stables need to provide constant care and may work in shifts. It is common for Animal Caretakers to find part-time work, even though most work full time.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Animal Caretakers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Animal Caretakers are generally employed by:

• Veterinary Clinics
• Veterinary Colleges
• Animal Breeders
• Animal Shelters
• Zoos
• Farms
• Kennels
• Pet Stores
• Aquariums

Organisations such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants can be knowledgeable sources of information and a chance to meet like-minded people.

• Witness unpleasant sights including injured, sick, or abused animals
• The need to undertake euthanisation of unwanted or injured animals
• A significant amount of manual labour, including cleaning and moving cages, exercising the animals, and lifting bags of animal food
• The risk of injury or illness when working with or cleaning aggressive or scared animals

Valuable experience includes working with animals in various settings so you can make an informed decision on the role that best suits you. You can volunteer at animal shelters and complete internships in zoos and aquariums. Entry-level roles as assistant caretakers will help you learn the ropes under expert supervision. In addition, you may work on farms and in veterinary practices, kennels, aquariums, and zoos

Generally, aspiring Animal Caretakers need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science or a related field. Online courses may provide the necessary knowledge, as would grooming schools, community colleges, or vocational and private training schools.

Although certification is not mandatory across the profession, dog trainers, groomers, and pet sitters would benefit from undertaking certification courses. In addition, marine mammal trainers need to be certified in scuba diving. Self-employed Animal Caretakers require a business license to practice their trade.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Therefore, Animal Caretakers with consistently high-performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. You may be promoted to the position of Senior Caretaker, then to that of Assistant Facility Manager, and finally to that of Facility Manager.

Having a large amount of prior experience, skills, and education will make qualifying for a career such as Animal Caretaker easier and further increase future job prospects.

Most Animal Caretakers receive on-the-job training. Depending on the positions that may be on offer, an aspiring Animal Caretaker may seek a degree in animal behaviour/ management, biology, pharmacology, physiology or toxicology. Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Animal Caretaker build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Tools of the Trade

Animal Caretakers should be familiar with software such as AppointmentPlus, Groom Pro, mGroomer, and Petshedule for scheduling appointments. In addition, familiarity with database interfaces such as DaySmart Software, 123Pet, and Microsoft Access will prove helpful. Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel will also prove helpful.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment Freelancing

Animal Caretakers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Animal Care Takers, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

An Animal Caretaker’s job is in the top nineteen per cent of careers with the highest satisfaction rate.

Some people value their animals as part of their family, and it is the job of Animal Caretakers to protect, take care and love that part. Having the opportunity to create special bonds with the animals is one of the most rewarding parts of this career; the other positively impact an animal’s life by showing it love and genuinely caring for it. Every animal is unique and requires special care, training and love. So, entering this career, be prepared to have some unique and rewarding experiences.

Since animals cannot talk, Animal Caretakers have to be very wise in noticing irregular animal behaviour that might signal a health problem.