How to become a Domestic Animal Attendant
Also called: Kennel Hand
Provides routine care for domestic animals, including feeding, exercising, monitoring their health and cleaning the shelter areas.
Main tasks
- Feeds and waters animals according to their individual dietary requirements
- Exercises animals regularly to ensure their physical and mental well being
- Transfers animals between enclosures by leading or carrying them
- Cleans and maintains kennels, cages and enclosures to ensure a safe environment for animals
- Provides basic grooming for animals, such as brushing and bathing
- Monitors the health of animals, treats minor injuries, and reports any health concerns
- Administers medications or treatments to animals as directed by a Veterinarian
- Ensures adherence to infection control procedures
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122); Certificate III in Animal Technology (ACM30219); Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121); Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways (ACM10121)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $66,352 a year
- About 26,000 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+11%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Pet Groomer
- Dog Walker
- Driving Instructor
- Hair or Beauty Salon Assistant
- Natural Remedy Consultant
- Beauty Therapist
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Domestic Animal Attendant?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Animal Care Services; Certificate III in Animal Technology.
How much does a Domestic Animal Attendant earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $66,352 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Domestic Animal Attendant a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 26,000 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Domestic Animal Attendant?
Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Animal Care Services; Certificate III in Animal Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Domestic Animal Attendant?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04