Animal care specialist
begin training when the animal is very young and weaned.
Animal care specialist are animals lovers who have turned their passion into a profession. They provide care for animals, ensuring their safety, health and hygiene. Animal care specialists gain experience working for boarding kennels, pet groomers, veterinary practices, laboratories, pet stores, zoos, aquariums and animal rescue shelters.
Education and Training
Although many employers may request a high school diploma or GED certificate, the only true qualifications for becoming an animal care specialist is a sincere desire to do so. Employers are often willing to provide on-the-job training. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition reports that the majority of animal care specialists receive their training through apprenticeship programs and animal care workshops.
Individuals who desire a career as an animal care specialist may choose to broaden their experience by participating in additional educational options. Courses in animal behavior training include instruction regarding pet CPR and emergency first aid, typical animal medical problems, stress, exhaustion and dehydration symptoms of animals and animal diet and nutrition. Course work also covers the performance of the normal duties of an animal care specialist and ethics of an animal care specialist. Many students of animal behavior gain experience working at animal rescue shelters, zoos, veterinary practices, grooming salons, laboratories, boarding kennels, pet stores and caring for farm animals and domestic pets.
Junior and community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs in the veterinary sciences. Universities and colleges present four-year bachelor of veterinary science degrees. Candidates who pursue formal training receive the highest pay, preference in hiring and the best opportunities for advancement.
Requirements
A sincere affection for animals ranks high among the required qualifications an animal care specialist must possess. Candidates should also be in the best possible physical condition. Duties may include long periods of standing, cleaning and lifting heavy cages, controlling and lifting large animals and moving equipment and supplies. Working with animals that are ill, injured or mistreated can create work-related emotional stress. An injured or mistreated animal may become violent. The work presents a high risk of on-the-job injuries. You may have to euthanize animals. Animal care specialist should be compassionate and caring while always presenting a calm, professional demeanor.
Duties
Animal care specials feed, water, exercise and provide basic first aid for animals in their care. They are generally responsible for cleaning cages, pens, corrals and exercise runs. The work is often preformed in unpleasant and dirty conditions in all kinds of weather. Animal care specialist transport animals to veterinary clinics or to training, grooming or testing facilities. Animal care specialist are often required to bath and groom animals, including teeth and foot care.
Salaries
MySalary.com reports that in 2011, animal care specialists or technicians receive an annual median wage of $32,602. Workers in the lowest 10 percent of wage earners report an annual average income of $30,307. Wage earners in the highest 10 percent earn an annual median income of $39,695.
Tags: care specialist, Animal care, animal care specialist, care specialists, animal behavior, animal care, Animal care