3611 ANIMAL ATTENDANTS AND TRAINERS
ANIMAL ATTENDANTS AND TRAINERS train, feed, groom and care for animals.
Indicative Skill Level:
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:
NZ Register 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.
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 to perform in competitions
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