How to become an Animal Attendant - Animal Shelter
Animal attendants in animal shelters feed and care for animals, rescue animals and apply basic first aid, and run tours of the shelter or sanctuary.
Personal requirements for an Animal Attendant - Animal Shelter
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- good communication skills and enjoy working with people
- mature and responsible
- free from allergies aggravated by animal hair, fur, feathers and dust
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job, undertaking manual and sometimes heavy work
- able to handle animals with confidence and patience
- observant and methodical.
Duties & Tasks of an Animal Attendant - Animal Shelter
Animal attendants in animal shelters:
- Rescue injured and neglected animals
- Prepare food and deliver food and water to animals
- Clean and prepare comfortable sleeping quarters for animals
- Clear away animal waste; clean, disinfect and maintain animal enclosures and cages; and check locks
- Bathe and groom animals, and treat them with insecticide to control insect pests
- Treat minor injuries and report serious health problems to veterinarians
- Run tours of the shelter or sanctuary
Working conditions for an Animal Attendant - Animal Shelter
Working conditions vary depending on the place of work. Many attendants have to work on weekends and public holidays. Several attendants that deal with larger animals may work outdoors. Considerable contact with the public is involved when accepting donations and lost or unwanted animals, and when selling or adopting animals.
