Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1.3

ANIMAL ATTENDANTS AND TRAINERS, AND SHEARERS care for, groom, train and shear animals, and assist Veterinarians.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3); or
AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:
NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3); or
NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

training animals to obey commands and perform in competitions;
bathing, cutting, combing, blow-drying and styling pets' coats, clipping their nails and cleaning their ears;
inspecting, preparing, cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining comfortable animal cages and enclosures;
filling water troughs and feeding animals according to their individual needs;
shearing wool and hair from animals;
assisting Veterinarians to perform procedures and operations;
maintaining animal health records and monitoring animal health conditions and recovery after operations.

Occupations in this minor group are classified into the following unit groups:

3611 Animal Attendants and Trainers
3612 Shearers
3613 Veterinary Nurses