An animal care assistant is responsible for looking after animals in settings such as animal shelters, kennels, catteries, veterinary practices, and zoos. The role involves feeding, grooming, cleaning out living spaces, exercising animals, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care under supervision. Animal care assistants play a vital role in ensuring the health and happiness of animals, and they may also help with rehoming processes or supporting veterinary staff during procedures. This career is ideal for those who are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy hands-on work.
Animal care assistants in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £21,000 per year.
There are approximately 21,000 people employed in animal care roles across the UK, with steady demand in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and zoos.
Animal care assistants usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, often including weekends and bank holidays.
Works in a veterinary practice, booking appointments, greeting clients, and assisting with the smooth running of the surgery.
Cares for dogs by washing, trimming, and styling their coats, as well as checking for signs of health issues.
Looks after animals in boarding kennels or rescue centres, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and providing basic care.
Finish your GCSEs, paying particular attention to subjects like English, Maths, and Science.
Most employers look for a good general education, and having GCSEs in English and Science can be especially helpful for this role. Biology is particularly relevant, as it gives you an understanding of animals and their needs.
Volunteer at local animal shelters, rescue centres, or veterinary practices to gain practical experience.
Hands-on experience with animals is highly valued by employers. Volunteering shows your commitment and passion, and helps you develop necessary skills like handling animals and cleaning their enclosures. Many animal charities and local shelters welcome volunteers, even for a few hours a week.
Study for a Level 1 or 2 Diploma or Certificate in Animal Care at a college or online.
Many colleges in the UK offer part-time or full-time courses in Animal Care, Animal Management, or Animal Welfare. These qualifications teach you about animal health, behaviour, and handling. Online courses can also boost your CV and show your commitment.
Practise safe animal handling techniques and learn about animal welfare standards.
You will need to show you can safely and confidently work with animals of different sizes and temperaments. Understanding animal welfare laws and the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare is also important. Look for workshops and training days offered by animal charities or colleges.
Look for entry-level positions as an Animal Care Assistant in veterinary practices, animal shelters, kennels, or zoos.
Use job websites, local newspapers, and the websites of animal charities to find vacancies. Tailor your CV to highlight your experience and passion for animal care. Be prepared to start with part-time or seasonal work, and work your way up.
Attend further training and consider advanced qualifications to progress in your career.
Many Animal Care Assistants go on to study for higher-level courses or apprenticeships in animal management or veterinary nursing. Continuing your education and gaining more experience can help you specialise or move into senior roles.
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 daily care and support to animals, ensuring their well-being and comfort. The roles share similar qualifications related to animal handling, health monitoring, and basic care procedures, making them closely aligned in terms of responsibilities and skills.
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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