Duties and Tasks

Animal attendants may perform the following tasks:

• prepare food (including special diets) and deliver food and water to animals
• clean and prepare comfortable sleeping quarters for animals
• clear away animal waste, clean, disinfect and look after animal enclosures and cages, and check locks
• bathe and groom animals, and treat them with insecticide to control insect pests
• treat minor injuries and report serious health problems to veterinarians
• transfer animals between enclosures
• rescue injured and neglected animals
• assist with humane killing of animals and handling of animals that have died
• maintain animal records
• talk with the public and other staff.

Specialisations

Dog Clipper/Groomer
Kennel Hand
Pet Shop Attendant

Work Conditions

Working conditions vary depending on place of work. Some attendants have to work on weekends and public holidays. Many work outdoors. Considerable contact with the public is involved when accepting donations and lost and unwanted animals and when selling animals.

Personal Requirements

• enjoy practical and manual activities
• free from allergies aggravated by animal hair, fur, feathers and dust
• able to undertake manual and sometimes heavy work
• able to handle animals with confidence and patience
• interested in animals and their welfare
• observant and methodical.

Related Industries

Personal and Other Services
Other Store-Based Retailing
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Except Computer System Design and Related Services)

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Animal Attendants and Trainers

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Animal Attendants (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Animal Welfare for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Animal Technician
Dog Trainer
Horse Trainer
Livestock Farmer
Veterinary Nurse
Zoologist