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How to Become An Animal Carer

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Career outcome icon – Animal Carer
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What is a Animal Carer

An Animal Carer looks after animals every day. They work at shelters, vet clinics, wildlife spots, farms, and private homes. The role blends a love for animals with real, hands-on skills.

Each day, Animal Carers feed and groom animals, check their health, and give them exercise. They spot early signs of illness and alert the vet team. They give medications as required and keep clear care records for each animal.

Animal Carers also connect with the community. They give pet owners advice on proper care and help rehome animals through adoption. In wildlife centres, they may work with native species in care programs.

About 27,200 people work in this field, with 1,300 new jobs added each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Entry roles are a great way to build skills before moving into vet nursing, animal training, or wildlife care. There is a clear path forward for people who love animals.

Explore study options in Animal Care

Career Outlook for Animal Carer

Animal Carers are in steady demand across Australia. About 27,200 people work in this field (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The field is growing, with about 1,300 new workers added each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age of workers is 36. Nearly half (48%) work part-time, which suits those who are studying or have other commitments.

The field is mostly female, with 74% of workers being women (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most full-time Animal Carers work about 46 hours per week. The median full-time weekly income is $1,276. That is roughly $66,300 per year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025).

With more people caring about animal welfare, demand for skilled carers will stay strong. Jobs in wildlife care and specialist vet clinics are growing fast. This career has a clear path up for those who build their skills over time.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Animal Carer

Step 1: Gain Hands-On Experience Through Volunteering

Start by volunteering at a local shelter, wildlife centre, or vet clinic. This gives you direct experience with animal handling before you study. It shows future employers your drive and helps you confirm the career is right for you. Most shelters in Australia welcome regular volunteers from age 16 or 18.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) at a TAFE or RTO. This course covers animal handling, health checks, basic vet help, and enclosure care. It takes around 12 to 18 months full-time, with face-to-face and online options available. This is the standard entry course for paid Animal Carer roles in Australia.

Step 3: Apply for Entry-Level Roles and Build Your Experience

Use your certificate to apply for roles at shelters, vet clinics, kennels, or grooming businesses. Aim to work across different species and settings in your first two to three years. Each new role builds your skills and makes you more valuable to specialist employers.

Step 4: Advance with the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Complete the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at a TAFE or RTO to move into senior or clinical roles. Confirm the current national code on training.gov.au before enrolling. This course takes 12 to 18 months and covers clinical nursing, sedation support, and surgical help. It is the base requirement for most vet nursing roles in Australian clinics.

Step 5: Join a Professional Body and Keep Learning

Connect with bodies such as the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) or the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA). Both offer training updates, news, and a network of fellow carers. Make a habit of reviewing your state or territory’s animal welfare laws each year. Rules change, and staying current protects both you and the animals in your care.

What does an Animal Carer do?

An Animal Carer’s day is busy, hands-on, and never boring. It starts with feeding animals and checking they have fresh water. Each animal is then checked for any signs of illness or distress. Enclosures are cleaned and disinfected to keep the space safe. Animals get exercise, play, and enrichment to stay fit and content. Carers give medications as directed and help the vet team with checks and minor procedures. They also speak with pet owners and help with adoption matching. Every task is focused on one goal: the wellbeing of the animals in their care.

Tasks

Animal Carers do real, hands-on work every day across shelters, vet clinics, and wildlife centres. They are the people on the ground making sure animals are fed, safe, and thriving.

  • Feeding and Watering – Giving the right food and fresh water each day based on each animal’s needs.
  • Grooming – Bathing, brushing, and trimming animals to keep them clean and healthy.
  • Health Monitoring – Watching for signs of illness or stress and reporting concerns to the vet team.
  • Exercise and Enrichment – Running walks, play sessions, and activities to keep animals fit and alert.
  • Cleaning and Maintenance – Scrubbing and disinfecting cages, kennels, and enclosures every day.
  • Administering Medications – Giving medications or treatments as told by a vet.
  • Assisting Vets – Helping vet staff during checks, vaccinations, and minor procedures.
  • Record Keeping – Writing up daily care notes, health checks, and treatment logs.
  • Client Interaction – Talking with pet owners about care advice, behaviour, and feeding.

Skills for Success

Animal Carers need a mix of heart and practical skill. You need to be hands-on, patient, and good at reading animals. Clear talk with vets and pet owners is just as key as the care you give.

Key skills include safe animal handling, basic first aid, and close attention to detail. You will spot small changes in health or behaviour before they grow into bigger problems. Good records keep the whole team informed and protect the animals in your care.

Being fit helps, since the work involves lifting, walking, cleaning, and outdoor tasks. Staying calm under pressure, with anxious or sick animals, is what sets great carers apart.

Skills & Attributes

  • Compassion for animals
  • Strong observation skills
  • Safe animal handling across multiple species
  • Basic first aid for animals
  • Knowledge of animal health and behaviour
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Time management
  • Customer service skills
  • Record-keeping and reporting

Average Salaries

Animal Carers in Australia earn around $66,300 per year at the median (source: ABS, May 2025). Entry-level pay starts at about $48,000 per year. With more skills and experience, pay can reach $85,000 per year.

min $48 K

max $85 K

av $66 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.