Variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
65220 - Pet groomers and animal care workers
Animal care workers feed, handle, train and groom animals and assist veterinarians, animal health technologists and technicians and animal breeders. Pet groomers clip coats, bathe and otherwise groom pets. They are employed by animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, breeding and boarding kennels, zoos, laboratories, retail pet shops, dog training schools, pet grooming establishments, or may be self-employed.
Illustrative example(s)
- animal care worker (except farm)
- dog groomer
- dog trainer
- kennel attendant
- laboratory animal attendant
- pet groomer
- pound attendant
- veterinary attendant
- zoo attendant
Exclusion(s)
- Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians (See 32104 Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians)
- Animal nutritionist (See 21110 Biologists and related scientists)
- Horseshoer (See 72999 Other technical trades and related occupations)
- Marine mammal trainer (See 21110 Biologists and related scientists)
- Sheep shearer (See 84120 Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators)
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare food and feed animals, fish or birds at scheduled intervals
- Clean and disinfect cages, pens and surrounding areas
- Shampoo, clip and groom animals
- Assist veterinarians and animal health technologists and technicians to inoculate and treat animals
- Assist animal breeders to handle and nurture animals
- Assist scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals
- Monitor and document animal behaviour
- Train dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Depending on the type of work performed, training courses in animal handling, grooming or dog training are usually required. Animal health or veterinary assistant college courses may be required for animal care workers.
Additional information
- Progression to animal health technology occupations is possible with additional training.
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