Animal Shelter Attendant

An Animal Shelter Attendant helps care for animals that are lost, have been neglected or have been surrendered by their owners. You’ll care for them in a shelter until their owners can be found or until the shelter finds a new family for them. Your duties will include feeding, watering and exercising the animals each day. Animal Shelter Attendants will have to wash and groom animals and keep a close eye on their health. You’ll also have to clean their bedding and enclosures and dispose of any animal waste.

Animal Shelter Attendants need to be very confident with animals and comfortable with a range of animal temperaments. You might have to show potential new animal owners through the shelter so you’ll also need people skills. The role requires some manual labour and you’ll have to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Animal Shelter Attendants work as part of a team so communication skills are also essential.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $70,460
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a animal shelter attendant?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care
On Campus
12 months
$1,711 - $5,224
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand
Animal Shelter Attendant Wildlife Carer Zoo Keeper
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Attendant Kennel Attendant Kennel Hand Animal Shelter Attendant Wildlife Carer Zoo Keeper + 3 more
ACMSS00030

Animal Shelter Worker Skill Set
On Campus
6 weeks
$1,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Animal Attendant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Animal Shelter Attendant Animal Attendant
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Animal Control Officer

An Animal Control Officer enforces animal welfare laws, capturing strays, investigating mistreatment, and working in shelters while ensuring effective communication.

Avg yearly income $78,520
Skill level Unknown

Animal Shelter Manager

An Animal Shelter Manager oversees shelter operations, leads staff, organises training, and ensures animal care while maintaining good communication.

Avg yearly income $90,116
Skill level Unknown

Animal Management Officer

An Animal Management Officer rescues mistreated animals, enforces laws, investigates breaches, and prepares reports while ensuring clear communication.

Avg yearly income $78,780
Skill level Unknown

Wildlife Management Officer

A Wildlife Management Officer conserves wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing health, and promoting sustainable practices.

Avg yearly income $73,580
Skill level Unknown

Animal Welfare Officer

An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.

Avg yearly income $79,300
Skill level Unknown

Wildlife Officer

A Wildlife Officer manages and protects wildlife and habitats, monitoring populations, enforcing laws, and educating the public on conservation efforts.

Avg yearly income $81,432
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much does an Animal Shelter Attendant earn?

In Australia, a full time Animal Shelter Attendant generally earns $1,355 per week ($70,460 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for an Animal Shelter Attendant?

The number of animal attendants in Australia is expected to increase in the future. There are currently 16,500 animal attendants and many of them are hired in animal shelters. This number is expected to increase to 18,200 over the next five years.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become an Animal Shelter Attendant?

If you’d like to work as an Animal Shelter Attendant you could start by completing a Certificate III in Animal Studies. This course covers the topics you need to look after animals in your care like health, nutrition and hygiene.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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