Group
Unit Group

3611 Animal Attendants and Trainers

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ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2021
Released
23/11/2021

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 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.

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
  • 361113 Pet Groomer
  • 361114 Zookeeper
  • 361115 Kennel Hand
  • 361116 Track Rider
  • 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

361113 Pet Groomer

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

Skill Level: 4

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

361115 Kennel Hand

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

Skill Level: 4

361116 Track Rider

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

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
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