Animal Attendants and Trainers

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

Most occupations in this unit group typically require an Australian Qualification Framework Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV.

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

• 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

Occupations:

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

Dog Handler Or Trainer

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Horse Trainer

Prepares horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show or competitions. Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation:

• Horse Breaker

Pet Groomer

Washes, dries, brushes, combs, cuts and styles pets' coats, clips their nails and cleans their ears.

Zookeeper

Feeds, provides water for and monitors the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks, cleans, fixes and maintains animal cages, and informs visitors about animals.

Specialisation:

• Aquarist

Kennel Hand

Provides routine care for dogs, including feeding, exercising, monitoring their health and cleaning kennels.

Animal Attendants And Trainers Nec

This occupation group covers Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified.

Occupations in this group include:

• Crutching Contractor 
• Muleser