Apprenticeship Animal Care Worker Jobs

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Helping you find a career in the animal care worker industry

Animal care workers look after animals in a variety of different settings under supervision, including kennels and catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, zoos and aquariums, and grooming establishments and veterinary hospitals.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does an Animal care worker do?

As an animal care worker your duties will include:

Cleaning out the animal accommodation
Changing bedding
Ensuring that the animal enclosures are maintained and meeting safety regulations
Cleaning and grooming the animals
Preparing food and supervising at feeding time
Assisting with moving the animals
Checking for signs of injury or illness
Providing enrichment to the enclosure
Keeping relevant records up-to-date and making bookings when necessary
Answering questions and queries from visitors
Provide exercise opportunities for animals

Skills & interests required for an Animal care worker

Animal care workers have to be passionate about animal welfare and looking after the animals under their charge. They may also need to interact with the general public in an educational context, describing the animals they're looking after and sharing information.

What hours does an Animal care worker typically do?

You will typically work standard full-time hours; however, as animals need 24 hours care, 7 days a week, then a shift system for working is normally in place. This may require you to work early starts, weekends, bank holidays and evenings.

What environment is an Animal care worker based in?

You will work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

How much does an Animal care worker travel?

Travel is not typical in this role, though on the rare occasion that animals are poorly then you may be required to travel with them to an veterinary hospital.

How much does an Animal care worker get paid?

Starting salaries are usually in line with the national minimum wage, and therefore, you may earn up to £13,000 or more. With more experience you can earn around £14,000 a year.

What qualifications does an Animal care worker need?

There are no official requirements for this role, though a good standard of general education is preferable.