Animal care worker
Look after all sorts of animals in kennels, catteries or rescue centres and make sure they're happy and healthy.
Also known as: kennel worker, cattery worker, animal welfare assistant, animal care auxiliary, animal care assistant, animal boarding assistant
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£269
Entry level
£462
Experienced
Monthly
£1,167
Entry level
£2,000
Experienced
Yearly
£14,000
Entry level
£24,000
Experienced
6,600
people are currently employed
High growth
600 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Animal care worker
What it's like
You would look after animals living in kennels, catteries or rescue centres and keep them healthy and happy.
You could care for dogs and cats, or other animals such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. You might care for donkeys, horses or even parrots.
You would:
Prepare food and feed the animals
Keep animals clean and groom them
Exercise dogs in a yard or take them for walks
Clean out kennels, pens and cages, and change bedding
Look after animals who become ill or distressed
Answer queries from colleagues and visitors
Maintain the animal enclosures
If you work in an animal sanctuary or rescue centre some animals may be injured or distressed when they arrive so you'd have to try to keep them calm. You'd need to be gentle and confident when you handle them during their treatment.
In some jobs you might also keep records, take bookings and advise owners on how to look after their animals.
You could also get a job as:
An animal welfare assistant at an animal adoption or re-homing centre
An animal collection officer for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)
An animal care auxiliary at an animal hospital
You might specialise in animal massage or hydrotherapy, working with animals recovering from injury or undergoing treatment for mobility problems.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- empathising
- social conscience
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Science
You will not always need formal qualifications for animal care jobs, although some employers may ask for qualifications may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.
To enter an animal care National Certificate or National Qualification course usually requires at least three National 4s (including Maths and English) plus a science at National 5 (biology most useful).
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) requires two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ.
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care (SVQ Level 2/3) or be willing to work towards this once in a job.
Experience of dealing with animals.
Practical experience is essential when applying to this role. This might be gained through work, volunteering or an animal care course that includes a work placement.
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