3611 Animal Attendants and Trainers

Animal Attendants and Trainers train, exercise, feed, groom, and care for animals.

Indicative Skill Level:

The occupations Dog Handler or Trainer, Horse Trainer, Zookeeper and Track Rider in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

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 some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

    The occupations Pet Groomer, Kennel Hand and Animal Attendants and Trainers nec in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

    In Australia:

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

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

      Registration or licensing may be required.

      Tasks Include:

      • teaching animals to obey verbal and non-verbal commands and addressing behavioural 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
      • 361114 Zookeeper
      • 361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec

      361111 Dog Handler or Trainer

      Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

      Skill Level: 3

      361112 Horse Trainer

      Prepares horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show or competitions. Registration or licensing may be required.

      Skill Level: 3

      Specialisation:

      • Horse Breaker

      361114 Zookeeper

      Feeds, provides water for and monitors the health of animals in zoos, aquaria and wildlife parks, cleans, fixes and maintains animal cages, and informs visitors about animals.

      Skill Level: 3

      Specialisation:

      • Aquarist

      361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec

      This occupation group covers Animal Attendants and Trainers not elsewhere classified.

      Skill Level: 4

      Occupations in this group include:

      • Animal Trainer
      • Animal Welfare Officer