Animal Care Assistants play a vital role in ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, such as veterinary practices, animal shelters, kennels, catteries, and zoos. Their daily tasks include feeding, grooming, cleaning out enclosures, exercising animals, and monitoring their health and behaviour. They may also assist vets and veterinary nurses with treatments and procedures, as well as provide comfort and support to both animals and their owners. It is a hands-on, physically demanding job that requires patience, compassion, and a genuine love for animals. Entry to this career usually does not require formal qualifications, but experience with animals and a willingness to complete relevant training courses are highly beneficial.
Animal Care Assistants in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £22,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 20,000 people employed in animal care roles in the UK, with opportunities in kennels, rescue centres, veterinary practices, and zoos.
Animal Care Assistants often work around 37 to 40 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays, as animal care is required every day.
Support vets in caring for animals, assisting with medical procedures, and looking after animals during recovery in a veterinary practice.
Work in animal shelters to feed, clean, and care for stray or abandoned animals, and help with their rehoming.
Care for dogs by washing, trimming, and styling their fur, as well as checking for signs of health problems.
Start by gaining practical experience caring for animals, either at home or through volunteering.
You can volunteer at local animal shelters, wildlife centres, or rescue organisations. Even looking after pets for friends or neighbours counts. This experience will help you become confident handling different types of animals and demonstrate your passion and commitment to future employers.
Good communication is important when working with colleagues, vets, and members of the public.
You will need to explain animal care routines, report concerns, and sometimes reassure pet owners. Try to improve your communication by participating in group activities or taking part in school clubs.
Consider animal care courses such as a Level 1 or 2 Diploma in Animal Care.
Many colleges across the UK offer animal care courses. GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, maths, and science are often required, but entry requirements can vary. These courses will give you foundational knowledge in animal health, welfare, and handling.
Look for work experience placements or apprenticeships in animal care.
Many employers value hands-on experience, so try securing a part-time job or work placement in a veterinary practice, kennel, cattery, or pet shop. You can also search for apprenticeships in animal care, which combine paid work with study.
Look for entry-level jobs in animal shelters, vet surgeries, kennels, or zoos.
Create a CV that highlights your experience, skills, and any qualifications. Check job websites, local animal charities, and council-run facilities for vacancies. Be prepared to start on a part-time or voluntary basis and work your way up.
Practice answering questions about animal care and your motivation for the role.
You may be asked about how you would handle difficult situations, work as part of a team, or deal with distressed animals. Show your enthusiasm for animal welfare and your willingness to learn new skills.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Animal Care Assistant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Animal Care Assistant and an Animal Care Worker both involve providing direct care and support to animals, ensuring their well-being and wellbeing. The roles require similar skills in handling, feeding, and maintaining the health of animals in a caring environment.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course in animal care to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job, for example:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:
These take between 1 and 2 years to complete, and combine work-based training with classroom study.
You'll usually need:
Volunteering is a good way to get experience of working with animals before you start looking for a job.
You can search for volunteering opportunities on sites like:
Some of the bigger national animal charities that take volunteers, include:
You may be able to find more animal welfare charities in your local area by searching online.
You could apply directly for jobs. You may not need formal qualifications to start but it it will help if you've got some experience of working with animals.
For pet shop assistant roles, a background in retail or customer service could be useful.
Make sure to check online courses carefully. You may need to be working or volunteering with an organisation in order to complete the practical experience and assessment requirements of a course.
You can find out more about careers in animal care from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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