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Animal Caretakers

Also called: Aquarist, Dog Groomer, Groomer, Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech)

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What they do:
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
On the job, you would:
  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.

Knowledge

Business
  • customer service
  • administrative services
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking
Endurance
  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Petschedule

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$28,600
$21,380
$38,750
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Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about animal caretakers.