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How to Become an Animal Attendant: An Enjoyable Career That Makes a Positive Difference

To become an animal attendant, you’ll need a passion for animals and the right animal care skills. Volunteering and taking a course in animal care, like a Certificate II in Animal Studies (ACM30117), helps you achieve your goals and land your first job.

Find out more about what it takes to become an animal attendant, what the job market is like and what you need to do to score a job in this exciting field.

animal-attendant
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
  • Start Learning
  • Reviews

Animal attendant job description
info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed animal attendants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Animal attendants care for animals by providing them with food and water, and tend to any special diets animals may have. They prepare animals’ shelters, along with cleaning them and removing any animal waste. Animal attendants also help with the training and grooming of animals, including providing pest control treatments where necessary.
Intellectual

Intellectual
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Cooperative

Cooperative
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for an animal attendant

As the name suggests, animal attendants tend to animals in wildlife parks, shelters, and beyond. 

An animal attendant’s job description can include:

  • Preparing and providing food and water to animals, as well as bedding and comfortable living conditions
  • Ensuring animal enclosures, kennels and living areas are clear of animal waste, clean and hygienic
  • Washing and performing basic grooming tasks to animals where needed, including the administering of pest control treatments
  • Treating minor injuries and ensuring the physical welfare of the animals in your care is met
  • Assisting in training animals under supervision where needed
  • Assisting veterinarians in the performing of humane euthanasia where necessary

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Makes a difference

Makes a difference

Animal attendant jobs have you at the forefront of helping vulnerable animals thrive. Every day in this role can be more fulfilling than the last (cue the warm fuzzies).

Read More
Flexible hours

Flexible hours

Many employers are looking for part-time and casual employees. With a range of flexible options, you could even start working on the weekends if you don’t want to jump into full-time work.

Read More
Enjoyable

Enjoyable

Spending the day attending to animals and ensuring they are well cared for is an enjoyable and rewarding career. Every day is filled with appreciative animals who can boost your mood.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.

Stress level
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

medium

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

very-high

Skill level
info
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.

medium

Job market trends for an animal attendant

The animal care industry is an essential service in Australia, gaining recognition after the 2019-2020 bushfires and COVID-19 highlighted its necessity.

Animal welfare work is stable and secure. Data from the Australian Industry and Skills Committee has shown that employment levels for animal welfare positions have more than doubled in the last 20 years. Future predictions tell us that rates are to stay relatively stable.

$51,272 Per Year

Median salary
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Projected job growth
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Pathway options
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

Because animal attendants are required in many workplace settings, opportunities for your career path are aplenty. 

From animal shelters to wildlife parks, there are many opportunities to climb the ladder. 

Junior

  • Animal shelter attendant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Animal Studies (ACM30117)

Mid

  • Animal health officer roles in Indigenous communities

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Animal Studies (ACM30117)

  • Animal management officer

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40221)

  • Animal management officer

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40221)

  • Wildlife carer

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management (ACM40221)

     

Senior

  • Senior animal attendant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Animal Studies (ACM30117)

Skills you might already have
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

You may be more ready than you think to start a job in animal care. The natural soft skills you have acquired in life or past employment are as essential as anything you might need to bring to the table.

Empathy

Being naturally compassionate, empathetic and having a love of animals not only means you are good at animal care — it means that you enjoy it. An innate ability to comfort and soothe goes a long way with distressed or anxious animals.

Read More

Confidence around animals

Having confidence around animals is essential and can be achieved by having had a household pet, working in a pet shop or having experience with animals during your life. Reading an animal’s body language equips you with the skills to deal with situations before they arise.

Read More

Patience

This one’s crucial because animals can be unpredictable, and they don’t always do what we want them to do. Many animals (especially captive animals) fear people, vets, and other animals and require carers with a calm nature.

Read More

Teamwork

Being a team player with excellent communication skills is a critical element of this role. If you like to be surrounded by like-minded people with a common goal of bettering animals’ lives, you are in a strong position already.

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

Being an animal attendant requires specific knowledge and experience in caring for animals. 

While many of these skills can be learned on the job, having prior training can help you get your foot in the door.

Knowledge of animal behaviour and anatomy

Animals tell us a lot by the way they behave and their body language. Therefore, having a firm understanding of these behaviours and knowledge of their anatomy is a huge part of the job in animal care.

Read More

Disease recognition

Animals are susceptible to specific illnesses, disorders and parasites. In a role as an animal attendant, you’re expected to know the warning signs of anything that might be wrong physically.

Read More

Safe handling of animals

The handling of animals is specific to each species and needs to be learned thoroughly. This is especially important when dealing with injured, anxious or afraid animals for the safety of the animal and anyone else involved.

Read More

Administration

Like any industry, animal care can have a lot of admin. If you clearly understand the processes required for keeping animal records and other administrative practices, you can hit the ground running when you start your job.

Read More

How to become an animal attendant

Although no formal qualification is required to begin work as an animal attendant, there are a couple of things you can do to enhance your chances of bagging your dream job.
  1. Volunteer

    Contact your local RSPCA, cattery, zoo or veterinary clinic and enquire about volunteering. This might put you at the front of mind for traineeships or job opportunities that become available. At the very least, it allows you to gain valuable experience in the industry.

  2. Study

    Completing a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies with a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a great way to elevate your skillset and prepare you for an animal care attendant role. Employers look favourably upon individuals who take the time to upskill.

Explore related qualifications

Certificate II in Animal Studies

Study method In-class Online

Subjects include those studied in the Certificate II course with added electives and can provide a pathway to a veterinary nursing career or other animal care roles.

The extra elements covered in this course could be more attractive to a potential employer and propel your career more quickly.

The average duration for a Certificate III in Animal Studies is one year. Study can be completed on campus or online and has flexible learning options.

Read More

3 providers offer this course

Open Colleges
Dentos Pet Stylist Academy
Swinburne Open Education

Related subjects

Jobs that exercise your ability to nurture and care for others come in all shapes and sizes. Other roles in veterinary and animal care are abundant, and there is always a need for empathetic team players in the healthcare industry.

Animal Care
Animal Care
Animal Science
Animal Science

Reviews
info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Bronwyn
Aug 27 2021

Working in a positive team environment and helping animals makes my job rewarding.

What are the best parts of the job?

As an animal attendant I've learnt to understand all basic animal care needs and can apply my skills to any animal in other fields of work. I've also gained an understanding of animal behaviour which I again can take into other animal-related fields of work. All while working in a team environment!

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Caring for multiple animals is a team effort, so communication is key. If communication falls short anywhere, it's the animals that suffer the consequences. Understanding multiple communication methods and what works best for your team goes a long way.

Read More
Qualification No qualification
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Stefano
Aug 28 2021

I enjoy being able to help animals everyday.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping animals — it sounds obvious but this is exactly why I work in animal care. It's rewarding being able to care for so many different animals.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Having to adapt can be challenging. Sometimes you need to pivot quickly to give an animal the best care.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Helping dogs walk
Lily
Aug 29 2021

Enjoy working with all sorts of animals.

What are the best parts of the job?

Getting to work with all kinds of animals means everyday is interesting and different.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Quick decision making is a key skill in animal care but it can be stressful.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Alanna
Sep 03 2021

Get to work in a team environment.

What are the best parts of the job?

Working with my team to give animals exceptional care. It's rewarding knowing we've all played a part in making a difference.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management is difficult when caring for animals, but you have to find the most efficient way to help all of them.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Josh
Sep 11 2021

Love helping animals but sometimes can be hard to understand how to best care for them.

What are the best parts of the job?

Tending to animals is rewarding. It makes me happy to help them get a positive outcome.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Understanding animals' needs isn't always simple, which can be a challenge.

Read More
Qualification Graduate certificate
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Surgery
Talia
Sep 11 2021

Love helping animals when they aren't causing trouble.

What are the best parts of the job?

Treating the animals and helping them recover is very fulfilling.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

When the animals are not cooperating it can be difficult to do my job.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Vet doctor
Nick
Sep 12 2021

It's an important job but sadly it's not always taken seriously.

What are the best parts of the job?

The job is important, and working hard to ensure animals are healthy and happy is a great feeling.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The lack of seriousness for this job in society can feel a bit invalidating.

Read More
Qualification Graduate certificate
Experience 10+
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Manager
Maddy
Sep 12 2021

Once you gain their trust, tending to animals is so fulfilling.

What are the best parts of the job?

Tending to pets and animals is fun and rewarding.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Gaining the animal's trust is the biggest challenge.

Read More
Qualification Graduate certificate
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Dogs and cat
Tom
Sep 12 2021

Love the constant interaction with animals.

What are the best parts of the job?

You get to spend most of your day interacting with the animals.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Figuring out how to control stubborn animals.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Dylan
Sep 12 2021

Love spending time with animals but gaining their trust can be hard.

What are the best parts of the job?

The time I spend with the animals is amazing. It's the best part of my job.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting to know the animals and gaining their trust can be hard.

Read More
Qualification Graduate certificate
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Carlo
Sep 16 2021

Fun to work with animals and care for them.

What are the best parts of the job?

Working with the animals when feeding is great.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

When there are children near the animals and they shouldn't be. It adds more challenges to the job when you're trying to keep kids at a safe distance.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
1 2 3 4

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If you feel a role as an animal attendant might be for you, you can dive into this catalogue of resources and information on short courses to help you on your way.

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The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info What are job clusters?

The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.

The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.

This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.

Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?

Working in a role that looks after vulnerable animals is best suited to the career personality of The Carer. 

The Carer has a personality that lends itself to helping others, employing a humane approach to life and work. The Carer is suited to a role with direct contact with people or animals, requiring compassion and empathy.

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

What does an animal attendant do?

Animal attendants look after all kinds of animals in shelters, wildlife parks, kennels and more. They do everything from basic grooming, cleaning, feeding and watering animals to performing first aid and assisting vets.

What qualifications do I need to work with animals?

The best qualification to get started in an animal care career is the Certificate II in Animal Studies. The course can also be a pathway into more advanced training in specialised areas such as vet nursing and animal behaviour studies.

What is a pet care attendant?

A pet care attendant is an animal attendant that works specifically with pets in places like kennels and pet boarding houses. They look after the pet’s basic needs like food, water and bedding, and basic grooming and first aid.

How much does an animal attendant earn?

Animal attendants earn an average salary  around $51K per year.

How can I be a good animal attendant?

To be a good animal attendant, you need to have a love for animals and want to care for them. You also need to have patience and be able to work in a team. If you love what you’re doing, odds are you’ll be good at it!

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