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How do I become a wildlife carer?
Certificate II in Animal Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
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Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
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Related occupations
Pet Groomer
A pet groomer enhances the appearance of pets through bathing, grooming, and health checks while needing patience, flexibility, and good people skills.
Animal Attendant
An Animal Attendant cares for animals by providing food, monitoring health, cleaning, and grooming. Patience and observation skills are essential.
Kennel Hand
A Kennel Hand manages daily tasks at a boarding kennel, including cleaning, feeding, exercising dogs, and handling grooming while ensuring their welfare.
Cattery Attendant
A Cattery Attendant cares for cats, ensuring their needs are met, maintaining enclosures, and managing check-ins and check-outs.
Kennel Attendant
A Kennel Attendant cares for dogs in a boarding kennel, ensuring they are fed, exercised, and their environment is clean while liaising with owners.
Zoo Keeper
A Zoo Keeper cares for animals, maintains enclosures, provides enrichment, conducts presentations, and ensures welfare in zoos or sanctuaries.
Animal Technician
An Animal Technician monitors animal health, provides care, follows procedures, and ensures welfare in research or agricultural settings.
Zoologist
A Zoologist researches animal behaviours, habitats, and genetics, conducts fieldwork, collects samples, and helps manage conservation programs.
Ecologist
An Ecologist studies ecosystems and biodiversity, conducts field surveys, analyses data, develops conservation plans, and advises on sustainability.
Wildlife Conservator
A Wildlife Conservator protects wildlife and their habitats by conducting surveys, assessing species health, and collaborating on conservation efforts.
Wildlife Rehabilitator
A Wildlife Rehabilitator cares for injured or orphaned wildlife, providing medical treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for release into their habitats.
Animal Welfare Officer
An Animal Welfare Officer ensures humane treatment of animals by investigating abuse, enforcing laws, and promoting proper care and welfare practices.
Livestock Manager
A Livestock Manager oversees the care and management of livestock, ensuring animal health and productivity while complying with welfare regulations.
Wildlife Biologist
A Wildlife Biologist studies animal species and habitats, conducting research to support conservation efforts and manage ecosystems effectively.
Common questions
How much does a Wildlife Carer earn?
In Australia, a full time Wildlife Carer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Wildlife Carer?
The number of people working in this industry has remained stable in recent years. There are currently 16,500 people employed as an animal attendant in Australia and many of them work as Wildlife Carers. Wildlife Carers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Wildlife Carer?
If you’re interested in becoming a Wildlife Carer, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Captive Animals. This course covers a range of topics including rescuing animals, applying first aid, rehabilitating native wildlife and caring for very young animals.
Further reading
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How to start a career in Veterinary Nursing
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