Veterinary Technician

This profession includes animal trainers and caretakers who take care of feeding, training, grooming and exercise of animals. Cleaning and repair of animal cages and pens also fall within their scope of work. They are employed by laboratories, zoological parks, aquariums, veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Those employed in kennels are known as kennel attendants. Kennels take care of pets while the owners are away.

Those involved in grooming are called groomers. They work in various settings such as clinics, kennels, shelters, pet supply and grooming salons.

In animal shelters caretakers handle the upkeep of records, receive phone calls, and carry out tests and treatment. Sometimes they are also involved in vaccination under the supervision of veterinarians.

Those who work in stables are called grooms. They saddle and unsaddle, give rubdowns and walks to horses. They also groom, feed, clean, organize the harness, bridles and the saddle.

In zoos they are known as keepers. They prepare food, help in raising the young and cleaning of enclosures. They keep a watch for illness and injury and also maintain records of animal diet and behavior.

Work Environment

Surroundings are dirty and smelly and working with animals can be very emotionally challenging. Work often keeps the caretakers outdoors in conditions of varying difficulty. Irregular working hours and working weekends are common in this profession.

Educational Requirements

Candidates are trained on the job but prior experience with animals is desired. Bachelor Degrees in biology, marine biology, psychology, zoology and certificates in Scuba diving, swimming etc. along with character traits such as sensitivity, patience and experience is required. Training and workshops are provided to interested candidates through various NGOs and government bodies.

Job Prospects and Salary

Opportunities are always there in this field for each year people drop out. This creates an overgrowing need for new recruits.

Besides this, overall growth in this sector is expected to grow far more than the others. Increase in Pet owners is constantly giving rise to the demand for animal professionals.

Salary ranges from $10.60 per hour to $20.62 per hour.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.