Animal caretakers tend to the basic needs of animals in various settings.
Animal care takers feed, groom, bathe and exercise animals. They work in kennels, pet stores, animal shelters, rescue leagues, veterinary hospitals and clinics. Depending on where they work, they may perform other tasks such as record keeping, answering telephone calls, interacting with the public and screening applicants wanting to adopt a pet. If you love animals and don't mind working irregular hours or on weekends and holidays, you may find taking care of animals a fulfilling career choice.
Instructions
1. Take high school classes such as animal science, anatomy and physiology, computer basics, food and nutrition, and introduction to business. Consider joining Future Farmers of America or the 4-H club. Obtain your high school diploma or GED.
2. Get on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. In most cases, on-the-training is the common route for animal care workers. Pet groomers, however, participate in informal apprenticeships. Pet groomer apprenticeships typically last 6 to 10 weeks and they work under the supervision of a more experienced groomer.
3. Participate in training programs and workshops. For example, vocational schools and community colleges offer courses and workshops for dog trainers. Courses include topics such as theory of animals, obedience cues, and safety. Animal care takers seeking employment with animal shelters may obtain training from the local Humane Society of the United States, American Humane Association or National Animal Control Association. Topics include investigating animal cruelty, euthanasia methods, animal capture guidelines and dealing with the public.
4. Pursue a college degree. Some animal care taker specialties require an advanced degree beyond high school. For example, zoo care takers must possess a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology or a related field. Another example includes marine mammal trainers who must obtain a bachelor's degree in marine biology, biology, animal science or a related field.
5. Conduct a job search for animal caretaker positions. Check out the help wanted ads in your local newspapers and use online job search websites. Also, contact your local kennels, animal shelters and veterinary hospitals and zoos. Apply for the animal care taker jobs that suit your personal and professional needs.
Tags: animal science, animal shelters, care takers, high school, animal care