Description
Care for animals in shelters, kennels, research facilities, or clinics by feeding and watering, cleaning and disinfecting enclosures and equipment, observing and reporting health or behavior changes, administering basic oral or topical medications under supervision, maintaining records, and assisting with safe handling, transport, enrichment, and routine procedures.
- • Feed and water animals according to diet lists and schedules.
- • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, litter boxes, and work areas.
- • Observe animals daily and report signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral changes.
- • Monitor animals recovering from procedures and notify supervisors or veterinarians of concerns.
- • Administer oral or topical medications as directed by veterinarians or supervisors.
- • Provide basic first aid and seek veterinary assistance in emergencies.
- • Hold and restrain animals safely during exams, treatments, or nail trims.
- • Collect fecal or urine samples for testing; assist with other specimen collection as directed.
- • Weigh animals and record temperatures and other basic health metrics.
- • Prepare animals and areas for exams or minor procedures by setting up supplies and linens.
- • Clean and sanitize bowls, litter pans, carriers, and equipment; launder bedding and towels.
- • Perform basic grooming and hygiene, including bathing, brushing, and nail trimming.
- • Bathe or treat animals to control external parasites as instructed.
- • Provide exercise, enrichment, and socialization to promote welfare.
- • Maintain accurate records of feeding, elimination, weights, behavior, treatments, and medications.
- • Communicate care instructions to adopters, owners, or researchers as directed.
- • Assist staff during examinations by comforting and positioning animals.
- • Stock examination and treatment areas with appropriate supplies.
- • Maintain biosecurity and safety protocols, including PPE use and waste disposal.
- • Transport animals within the facility using appropriate carriers and handling techniques.
- • Assist with humane end-of-life handling and aftercare under supervision when required.
- • Perform reception or customer service tasks, such as scheduling and check-in or check-out.
- • Maintain inventories and place orders to restock food, bedding, cleaning agents, and supplies.
- • Write reports and complete logs, forms, and clerical paperwork.
- • Support facility sanitation schedules, pest control, and environmental monitoring.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
