Animal Attendant

ANZSCO ID 3611 

Animal Attendants and Trainers train, feed, groom and care for animals. 

Tasks 

• Teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural problems 
• Training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles 
• Training animals to perform in competitions 
• Bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets’ coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears 
• Inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures 
• Transporting food, filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs 
• Maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians 
• Exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them 
• Dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths, to control insect pests 

Study Pathway 

A Certificate III including at least 2 years of on-the-job training, or a Certificate IV, or at least 3 years of relevant experience, is usually needed. Around half of workers have not completed any post school qualifications (that is, they have finished Year 10, 11 or 12). Sometimes experience or on-the-job training is needed in addition to a qualification. (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) 

• Certificate II in Animal Studies (ACM20117) or a  
• Certificate III in Animal Studies (ACM30117)  

Find a VET provider here.

Career Pathway 

• Dog Handler or Trainer 
• Horse Trainer 
• Pet Groomer 
• Zookeeper 
• Kennel Hand 
• Other Animal Attendants and Trainers