Pet Care Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of pet care, the role of Pet Care Attendants has never been more critical.

As our love for pets continues to grow, so does the need for dedicated individuals who can provide exceptional care and attention to our furry friends.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pet Care Attendant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of professional pet care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pet Care Attendant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pet Care Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Pet Care Attendants focus on the overall welfare of pets under their care, performing tasks related to feeding, grooming, exercising, and ensuring the pets’ health and wellbeing.

As a Pet Care Attendant, the daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Feeding pets according to owners’ instructions or pet’s dietary needs
• Providing fresh water for pets at all times
• Maintaining a clean and healthy environment, including cleaning and disinfecting cages, runs, and yards
• Administering medication and treatments as directed by a veterinarian or pet owner
• Monitoring pets for any unusual behavior or symptoms, and report them to the pet owner or veterinarian
• Exercising pets according to their physical ability and needs
• Grooming pets, including bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning
• Providing companionship and comfort to pets by playing with them and providing affection
• Documenting pets’ behavior, eating habits, and any other notable information for owners
• Assisting with training and behavior modification efforts as needed

 

Pet Care Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate Pet Care Attendant to join our team.

The role involves providing daily care for our guests, including feeding, walking, and grooming.

As a Pet Care Attendant, you will be responsible for maintaining clean facilities and ensuring the comfort and safety of our guests.

Previous experience in a similar role and a genuine love for animals is highly desirable.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide food and water to pets
• Take pets for walks and ensure they are safe and comfortable
• Perform grooming tasks such as bathing and combing
• Ensure pet enclosures are clean and meet hygiene standards
• Monitor the health and well-being of pets, report any unusual symptoms to the vet
• Engage and play with pets to help reduce their stress and anxiety
• Follow owner instructions regarding pets’ diets and exercise routines
• Administer medication as directed by the vet
• Maintain records of pets’ status and progress

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience working with animals
• Basic knowledge of pet care and pet health issues
• Strong physical stamina to handle pets of various sizes
• Excellent observational and communication skills
• Compassionate and nurturing nature
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently
• Ability to follow instructions and work unsupervised

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pet Care Attendant
• Work Environment: Animal Shelter/Boarding Facility. The role requires the handling of various breeds and sizes of pets.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pet Care Manager or Facility Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time or part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pet Care Attendant Do?

Pet Care Attendants are professionals who work in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet boarding facilities to ensure the proper care and well-being of animals.

They feed and exercise animals, clean their living spaces, and may also assist in grooming activities such as bathing and brushing.

Pet Care Attendants often administer prescribed medications, monitor the health conditions of pets, and report any unusual behavior or symptoms to veterinarians.

They are also responsible for providing socialization and affection to pets, especially those that may be under stress due to unfamiliar surroundings or medical conditions.

In addition to these duties, Pet Care Attendants may provide basic training to pets, assist in adoption processes at animal shelters, and educate pet owners on proper pet care.

Their role is crucial in maintaining the comfort and health of pets in their care, ensuring that each pet receives the attention and care it needs while away from home or when medical attention is required.

 

Pet Care Attendant Qualifications and Skills

Pet Care Attendants require a unique set of skills and qualifications to ensure they can provide the highest level of care for a wide variety of pets, including:

• Animal behavior knowledge to effectively understand and handle different types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and small animals.
• Patience and compassion for animals to provide nurturing care and manage animals that may be stressed, anxious or uncooperative.
• Physical strength and stamina to handle larger pets and for tasks that require standing, lifting or restraining animals for extended periods.
• Basic knowledge of pet health and hygiene to monitor for signs of illness or discomfort and to administer medications or perform routine grooming tasks as needed.
• Attention to detail to observe and report any changes in an animal’s behavior, diet or physical condition.
• Good communication skills to interact effectively with pet owners, providing them with updates and information about their pet’s care and well-being.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations like an aggressive pet or an emergency situation.
• Customer service skills to build trust with pet owners and ensure they feel comfortable leaving their pets in the attendant’s care.

 

Pet Care Attendant Experience Requirements

Pet Care Attendants usually start their career path with hands-on experience caring for pets, often their own.

Some gain experience through volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet care businesses.

An entry-level Pet Care Attendant may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through part-time roles or volunteering in pet shelters, pet care services, or veterinary clinics.

This helps them develop basic skills like feeding, grooming, and understanding animal behavior.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience are usually skilled in handling various types of pets, administering basic medication, and identifying signs of distress or illness in animals.

They may have experience in pet daycares, grooming salons, or as veterinary assistants.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have advanced skills and knowledge in animal care.

They may have experience dealing with a variety of health issues and emergency situations.

At this level, they might have experience in a supervisory role, managing a team of pet care attendants, or running a pet care business.

Certain pet care facilities may require their attendants to have specific certifications or degrees in animal care or veterinary technology, which offer theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field.

 

Pet Care Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Pet Care Attendants are generally required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent education.

However, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, animal science, or a related field is often preferred.

In addition to formal education, many employers also require prior experience working with animals.

This can often be gained through volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet shops.

There are also several certifications that are beneficial for Pet Care Attendants, such as the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) or Certified Professional Pet Care Provider (CPPP).

These certifications cover a wide range of topics including animal behavior, pet care, first aid, and pet nutrition.

This certification not only enhances the skills of the attendant but also assures potential employers and pet owners of their competence and commitment to the profession.

Moreover, Pet Care Attendants should have a love for animals, patience, and excellent communication skills as they are often required to interact with pet owners.

Ongoing education is also recommended for Pet Care Attendants to stay updated on the latest animal care techniques and practices.

 

Pet Care Attendant Salary Expectations

A Pet Care Attendant earns an average salary of $24,960 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, certifications, location, and the establishment they are employed by.

 

Pet Care Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pet Care Attendant need?

Pet Care Attendants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with pet owners and understand their needs.

They need to be comfortable handling various types of pets, have a basic understanding of pet behavior, and possess knowledge of pet care, including feeding, grooming, and first aid.

Also, physical stamina and patience are crucial as they may need to deal with pets that are unruly or distressed.

 

Do Pet Care Attendants need a specific qualification?

While a specific qualification is not always necessary, many employers prefer Pet Care Attendants with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training in animal care, such as a certificate in animal studies or veterinary assistance, would be advantageous.

Practical experience, either through volunteering or previous employment, is often more important.

 

What should you look for in a Pet Care Attendant resume?

In a Pet Care Attendant resume, look for experience in pet care, such as volunteer work at animal shelters, pet sitting, or previous work in pet care services.

References from previous employers or pet owners they’ve worked with can also provide insight into their reliability and pet handling skills.

Any formal education or training in animal care can also be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Pet Care Attendant?

A good Pet Care Attendant should have a genuine love for animals and a calm demeanor that helps pets feel comfortable around them.

They should be reliable, compassionate, and able to manage emergencies effectively.

Good physical stamina is crucial as the job often involves standing, walking, lifting, or bending for extended periods.

 

Is it challenging to hire Pet Care Attendants?

Hiring a Pet Care Attendant can be challenging as it requires finding someone who has a genuine love for animals, the physical ability to manage them, and the patience to deal with pets that may be anxious, sick, or uncooperative.

It’s crucial to find someone who can not only provide excellent care for the pets but also communicate effectively with their owners.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the life of a pet care attendant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about feeding and cleaning.

It’s about nurturing and providing love to our furry friends, one pet at a time.

With our reliable pet care attendant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your one-stop solution to creating accurate job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every pet cared for contributes to a greater cause.

Let’s make the world a better place for our pets. Together.