Animal Attendants and Trainers (ANZSCO 3611)

Animal Attendants and Trainers are responsible for the training, exercise, feeding, grooming, and overall care of animals. This occupation group includes various specialized roles such as Dog Handler or Trainer, Horse Trainer, Zookeeper, Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand, Track Rider, and Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified.

Indicative Skill Level:

The skill level for the occupations within this unit group varies depending on the specific role and is outlined as follows:

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances, additional relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may also be required.

The skill level for the occupations Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand, and Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified is as follows:

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

Similarly, in these roles, additional relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

• Teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioral problems
• Training animals to accept riders and pull vehicles
• Training animals and conditioning horses to perform in competitions
• Reporting to trainers on horses’ progress and performance
• Bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying, and styling pets' coats, clipping their nails, and cleaning their ears
• Inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures
• Transporting food, filling water troughs, and feeding animals according to their individual needs
• Maintaining animal health records, treating minor injuries, and reporting serious conditions to Veterinarians
• Exercising and playing with animals, answering visitor questions, and transferring animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
• Dusting and spraying insecticides on animals and immersing them in insecticide baths to control insect pests

Occupations:

• 361111 Dog Handler or Trainer
• 361112 Horse Trainer
• 361113 Pet Groomer
• 361114 Zookeeper
• 361115 Kennel Hand
• 361116 Track Rider
• 361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified

361111 Dog Handler or Trainer

This occupation involves teaching dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks. It requires a skill level of 3.

361112 Horse Trainer

Horse Trainers prepare horses for various purposes such as riding, breeding, racing, work, show, or competitions. Registration or licensing may be required. This occupation requires a skill level of 3. A specialization within this role is Horse Breaker.

361113 Pet Groomer

Pet Groomers are responsible for washing, drying, brushing, combing, cutting, styling pets' coats, clipping their nails, and cleaning their ears. This occupation requires a skill level of 4.

361114 Zookeeper

Zookeepers feed, provide water for, and monitor the health of animals in zoos, aquaria, and wildlife parks. They also clean, fix, and maintain animal cages and provide information to visitors about the animals. This occupation requires a skill level of 3. A specialization within this role is Aquarist.

361115 Kennel Hand

Kennel Hands provide routine care for dogs, including feeding, exercising, monitoring their health, and cleaning kennels. This occupation requires a skill level of 4.

361116 Track Rider

Track Riders, also known as Exercise Riders or Trackwork Riders, exercise thoroughbreds to condition them for racing by riding the horse at varying speeds. Registration or licensing may be required. This occupation requires a skill level of 3.

361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified cover various roles within the industry. This occupation group requires a skill level of 4. Occupations within this group include Animal Trainer and Animal Welfare Officer.