United States
Job Family:
Animal Care and Service Workers are typically animal trainers or caretakers. They train, groom, feed, exercise and provide care to pets and non-farm animals such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquatic habitats, laboratories etc. Keeping records of feeding, treatment, and arrival/discharge is also part of their responsibilities. These workers provide companionship to such animals and observe behavioral changes in them which may indicate injury, bad health or illness. The training duties may involve conditioning the animals to respond to commands and human contacts, and preparing them for riding, competitive performances or assisting persons with disabilities.