How do I become a animal attendant
Get qualified to work as a animal attendant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Animal Attendant.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Animal Attendant generally earns $1,190 per week ($61,880 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
There are currently 16,500 Animal Attendants in Australia and this number is expected to increase in coming years. There will be 18,200 animal attendants in five years’ time. Animal Attendants can be found in all areas of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
Courses.com.au Team
If you’re thinking of embarking on a career as an Animal Attendant you could enrol in a Certificate II or III in Animal Studies. These courses address the health, nutrition and hygiene information you need to succeed in this industry. You could also consider a Certificate III in Companion Animal Services.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing
7th September 2021
How to start a career in Dog Training
26th August 2021All animal attendant courses
Animal Attendant careers
An Animal Attendant works with animals to ensure their needs are met while in their care. You’ll make sure animals have proper nutrition and fresh water and monitor all aspects of their health. You’ll clean their enclosures and make sure they have appropriate bedding. You might have to exercise animals or organise enrichment activities for them. Bathing and grooming animals will be part of your daily duties and you might be involved with their training or have to address problem behaviours. Animal Attendants work in a range of settings like animal shelters, pet shops and kennels or catteries.
Being an Animal Attendant requires some manual labour and possible heavy lifting. You’ll need to be confident with all sorts of animals and be able to handle various temperaments. Animal Attendants need to be patient, flexible and have good observation skills. It’s important that you are organised because you’ll usually be looking after many animals at one time.
