Animal Care and Service Workers

Animal Care and Service Workers provide care, feeding, and support for animals in shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and other settings. They maintain animal health, monitor behavior, and assist with daily routines. Their work is critical for animal welfare, public education, and support of veterinary services.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy working with animals, are compassionate, and can handle physical tasks.

What Do Animal Care and Service Workers Do?

These workers provide hands-on care and assistance for animals in various settings.

Common responsibilities include:

• Feeding, watering, and grooming animals
• Monitoring animals for signs of illness or injury
• Cleaning cages, enclosures, and work areas
• Assisting veterinarians or technicians with medical procedures
• Exercising animals and providing enrichment activities
• Recording and reporting behavioral or health observations
• Educating the public about animal care and safety

Key Areas of Animal Care and Service

Workers may focus on specific types of animals or settings:

• Shelter and Rescue Work: Caring for abandoned, stray, or injured animals
• Veterinary Support: Assisting in medical care and treatment
• Zoo and Aquarium Work: Caring for exotic or wild animals
• Pet Care and Boarding: Feeding, exercising, and monitoring pets
• Behavioral Observation and Training: Supporting animal training and behavioral management

Skills and Abilities Needed

Animal care workers combine practical animal knowledge with physical ability and observation skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Animal feeding, grooming, and handling - Basic health monitoring and first aid - Cleaning and maintenance of animal facilities - Behavioral observation and reporting - Assistance in veterinary or medical procedures - Knowledge of species-specific needs and care techniques

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Compassion and empathy for animals - Physical stamina and manual dexterity - Attention to detail and observation - Patience and problem-solving ability - Teamwork and communication skills - Responsibility and reliability

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires minimal formal education and on-the-job training:

• High School Diploma or GED (common): Basic knowledge of animal care and biology
• On-the-Job Training: Learning handling, feeding, and facility maintenance under supervision
• Vocational or Certificate Programs (optional): Animal care, veterinary assisting, or pet grooming courses
• Continuous Learning: Staying informed on animal behavior, safety, and welfare practices

Where Do Animal Care and Service Workers Work?

They are employed in settings that provide care and services for animals:

• Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations
• Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals
• Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Facilities
• Pet Stores and Boarding Facilities
• Training and Grooming Services

Work environments include indoor and outdoor spaces, kennels, clinics, or enclosures.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires physical stamina, patience, and compassion. Workers must manage sometimes difficult or unpredictable animal behavior while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy working closely with animals
• Are compassionate, patient, and observant
• Can handle physical and sometimes repetitive tasks
• Are interested in animal welfare, veterinary support, or zoological care
• Want a career that contributes to animal health and well-being

How to Prepare Early

• Take courses in biology, animal science, or veterinary studies
• Volunteer or intern at shelters, veterinary clinics, or farms
• Gain experience handling and caring for animals
• Develop observation, communication, and teamwork skills
• Stay informed on animal health, behavior, and safety practices

Animal care and service workers provide essential support to maintain animal health, welfare, and safety, improving the lives of animals and the communities they serve.