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 New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification, 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 New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, 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.

• 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

• 361111 Dog Handler or Trainer
• 361112 Horse Trainer
• 361113 Pet Groomer
• 361114 Zookeeper
• 361115 Kennel Hand
• 361116 Track Rider
• 361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers nec

Teaches dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks.

Skill Level: 3

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

Skill Level: 3

Specialisation:

• Horse Breaker

Washes, dries, brushes, combs, cuts and styles pets' coats, clips their nails and cleans their ears.

Skill Level: 4

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

Provides routine care for dogs, including feeding, exercising, monitoring their health and cleaning kennels.

Skill Level: 4

Alternative Titles:

• Exercise Rider
• Trackwork Rider

Exercises thoroughbreds to condition them for racing by riding the horse at varying speeds. Registration or licensing may be required

Skill Level: 3

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

Skill Level: 4

Occupations in this group include:

• Animal Trainer
• Animal Welfare Officer

Most occupations 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 (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

• holding animals to allow examination and treatment by Veterinarians
• cleaning and sterilising examination tables and equipment
• preparing instruments and handing them to the Veterinarian
• assisting Veterinarians to administer anaesthetics and oxygen during operations
• placing animals in cages for recovery from operations and monitoring their condition
• giving medications to animals
• maintaining stock control and records
• providing animal care advice, and preparing, delivering, and reviewing animal care education programs
• may perform diagnostic laboratory tests
• may act as receptionist, accept payments, and undertake clerical work

• 361311 Veterinary Nurse

Alternative Titles:

• Animal Nurse
• Veterinary Assistant

Cares for animals under treatment or in temporary residence at veterinary facilities and assists Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations.

Skill Level: 3