Overview
Animal care workers feed, handle, train and groom animals and assist veterinarians, animal health technologists and technicians and animal breeders. Pet groomers clip coats, bathe and otherwise groom pets. They are employed by animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, breeding and boarding kennels, zoos, laboratories, retail pet shops, dog training schools, pet grooming establishments, or may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Prepare food and feed animals, fish or birds at scheduled intervals
Clean and disinfect cages, pens and surrounding areas
Shampoo, clip and groom animals
Assist veterinarians and animal health technologists and technicians to inoculate and treat animals
Assist animal breeders to handle and nurture animals
Assist scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals
Monitor and document animal behaviour
Train dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$37,541
$52,140
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
660expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Depending on the type of work performed, training courses in animal handling, grooming or dog training are usually required. Animal health or veterinary assistant college courses may be required for animal care workers.
Additional information
Progression to animal health technology occupations is possible with additional training.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.