How to become an Animal Care Assistant

Starting from scratch

Entry-level courses that feed this route.

• Employability Skills Certificate (Entry Level 3) L31 course

Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)

Any of these strengthens your application.

• Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care L22 courses
• Level 3 Certificate in Animal Management L31 course

Where this can take you

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager at an animal centre or in a pet store. You could be self-employed and run your own business, like dog walking, animal day care or pet sitting services. You may be able to open your own kennels or cattery, or set up an animal rescue charity. You could also use your experience to move into related careers, like veterinary nursing, or find work in a conservation or wildlife park. There may also be opportunities to go into animal training as an assistance dog instructor.