Animal Caretaker

Animal caretakers perform the basic tasks that provide for the comfort, health and well-being of animals in a variety of settings, including pet stores, zoos and aquariums, veterinary clinics, humane shelters and boarding kennels. Several community colleges and vocational schools offer training in animal husbandry, canine behavior, animal safety and other topics which may be useful for those seeking entry-level careers as animal caretakers.

Animal caretakers provide food and water, clean living areas

and exercise according to each animal's needs. They monitor animals for signs of injury or illness and assist in restraining them for medical treatment or transport. Stable grooms maintain equipment and work in tandem with trainers to prepare horses for competition. Pet groomers maintain the appearance of pets by bathing them, brushing and clipping their coats, and perhaps performing oral hygiene and manicuring pets' nails.

Zookeepers may care for a specific animal or an entire group. They prepare food in accordance with a prescribed diet, clean enclosures and observe animals for changes in behavior. They may interact with the public to answer questions and enforce safety regulations. Animal trainers provide teach obedience, companionship or show performance to a variety of animals.

Certification:

Animal caretakers are responsible for feeding, bathing, exercising and sometimes training animals in shelters, kennels, pet stores, zoos, animal clinics and more. Employers have differing educational requirements for the position of animal caretaker. Many animal shelters and kennels hire high school graduates and provide on-the-job training. However, some employers do prefer or require at least a certificate in animal care.

Students enrolled in an animal care certificate program learn about animal nutrition, characteristics of different breeds and species, obedience training, animal behavioral problems and basic veterinary issues. Many certificate programs also include a clinical experience that allows students to practice working directly with animals, including how to properly bathe and feed different types of animals.

There are little or no educational prerequisites for gaining enrollment in the majority of animal care certificate programs. Some that are offered through community schools do require that students have a high school diploma; however some non-credit certificate programs do not even require that.

Program Coursework:

A certificate program in animal care is likely to contain a majority of courses that are practical and hands-on in nature. Students are often expected to work directly with animals to build their skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• ·         Veterinary anatomy and physiology
• ·         Animal science
• ·         Animal training techniques
• ·         Animal nutrition
• ·         Laboratory animal care
• ·         Clinical practicum

Popular Career Options:

A certificate in animal care can prepare students for a variety of entry-level careers working directly with animals. Some of these include:

• ·         Animal shelter employee
• ·         Humane Society staff
• ·         Animal laboratory research assistant
• ·         Private practice veterinary assistant
• ·         Pet store manager

Required Skills:

Work as an animal caretaker may have stressful, dangerous or physically taxing components. Most caretakers need to restrain, lift or move injured animals that may bite or scratch. They may handle chemicals and come in contact with blood and animal waste. Caretakers may work long hours, stand for extended periods, kneel and bend. They may have to move or lift 25 pounds or more, may work in a noisy environment and often work outdoors.

Shelter and clinic workers may experience stress from treating abused animals, performing euthanizations and dealing with distraught or argumentative pet owners. These workers need the ability to remain emotionally stable, professional and composed to successfully perform their job duties.

Most employers require a high school or General Educational Development diploma. New caretakers in clinics, stables, boarding kennels and retail pet stores may learn their skills through on-the-job training and mentoring from experienced workers. Animal training facilities and zoos may require advanced training such as an animal health technician certificate or a bachelor's degree in animal science or biology. Advanced courses in animal psychology and obedience training are available through private institutions for horse handlers and canine trainers.

•