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| Animal Caretakers |
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| Employment Increase: |
40% |
| People In Field: |
143,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$13,650 |
| Qualifications: |
Training |
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Nature of the Work:
Most people like animals, but, as pet owners can attest,
it is hard work taking care of them. Animal caretakers,
sometimes called animal attendants, feed, water, groom, bathe,
and exercise animals and clean and repair their cages. They
also play with the animals, provide companionship, and
observe behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Most animal caretakers working in kennels, pet stores,
animal shelters, and stables are trained on the job. There are
few formal training programs, but the American Boarding
Kennel Association offers a home-study program for kennel
technicians. Some states require certification of caretakers
who euthanize animals. Training may be through a veterinarian
or a State Humane Society. Otherwise, there are no
formal training requirements in these settings; nonetheless,
many employers look for people with some experience with
animals. Caretakers start by cleaning cages and advance to
giving medication and grooming. Most dog groomers learn
their trade through on-the-job training, but a few
grooming schools do exist.
Job Outlook:
Employment of animal caretakers is expected to
grow faster than the average for all occupations through the
year 2005 as the population and economy expand. The number
of dogs and cats has increased significantly over the last
ten years, and is expected to continue to increase. There will
be approximately 143,000 animal caretakers by 2005.
Sources of Additional Information:
For more information on animal caretaking and the animal shelter
and control personnel training program, write to:
The Humane Society of the United States
Animal Caretakers Information
Companion Animals Division, Suite 100
5430 Grosvenor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
To obtain a listing of grooming schools or the name of the nearest
certified dog groomer in your area, send a stamped self-addressed
envelope to:
National Dog Groomers Association of America
Box 101
Clark, PA 16113
For information on training and certification of kennel staff and owners,
contact:
American Boarding Kennel Association
4575 Galley Rd., Suite 400-A
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
For information on certification for laboratory
animal technicians and technologists, write to:
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
70 Timber Creek Dr., Suite #5
Cordova, TN 93018
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