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Job holders in this unit group care for animals held in kennels, stables, zoos and similar establishments, provide specialised training, grooming, clipping and trimming services for animals, and searches for and captures stray or nuisance dogs in public areas and perform a variety of animal care tasks.

Main tasks

  • Work alongside veterinary surgeons and nurses to provide vital nursing care to ensure the wellbeing of animal patients.
  • Patrols public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transports captured animals to kennels.
  • Meets prospective owners and advises on animal selection and animal care.
  • Checks animals for illness, treats minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required.
  • Houses, feeds, exercises, trains, grooms horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events.
  • Cleans animals’ quarters and renews bedding as necessary.
  • Feeds, washes, grooms, trims and exercises animals.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£31,073.04

Average earnings

£18,533.80

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 5%
Level 1 4%
Level 2 26%
Level 3 30%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 11%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 21%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 3%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.