How to become an animal handler in Australia: careers in animal care
Animal handlers, sometimes known as animal technicians, are responsible for the care, safety and comfort of animals in zoos and scientific research and breeding programs. They may work in zoos, veterinary clinics, laboratories, wildlife parks, stables or assisting researchers in the field. Working under the supervision of veterinarians, medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural or general scientists, animal technicians prepare food, groom animals, clean enclosures and monitor animal health.
Animal handlers work with animals in both indoor and outdoor settings and oversee their safety, dietary needs and exercise regimens. The daily duties will vary depending on the animals in their care and the setting they work in. They can be employed on television and film sets, in game reserves or in law enforcement, for example, and have different duties to an animal handler working in a zoo. However food preparation, basic medical care, exercise plans and mating and fertility programs are often a key part of an animal handler’s role.
- Feeding and grooming
- Basic health checks
- Maintaining animal enclosures
- Assisting animals to return to the wild
- Observing reactions to tests
Animal handlers do a lot of manual labour so need a good deal of physical fitness. They also need to be able to cope with animals that are distressed or ill. A genuine love of animals and desire to help them is also necessary. To work as an animal handler you can’t have allergies to animal hair, fur, feathers or dust. Patience, compassion and confidence wrangling different species and sizes of animals are also necessary.
- Affinity with animals
- Confidence with animals
- Willingness to perform messy tasks
- Team player
- Good physical fitness
Animal handlers can progress their careers in a variety of specialisations and can find work in a range of different contexts.
Dog trainers can be involved in training assistance dogs, like guide dogs or therapy dogs. Or they can work in roles training dogs for law enforcement like police and customs dogs.
Pet groomers maintain the appearance, hygiene and basic health of domestic animals like cats and dogs. Typically working in grooming salons, vet clinics, hotels and resorts or animal hospitals, some may also own their own businesses. They bathe animals, trim fur and claws, and look for problems like fleas, ear infections, tooth decay and skin issues.
Working in veterinary clinics, zoos, hospitals or for animal welfare organisations, veterinary nurses assist veterinarians to treat and cared for injured and sick animals. They administer medication and injections, perform X-rays, send pathology samples to be tested, sterilise equipment and maintain a hygienic working environment.
A traineeship or qualification are needed to become an animal handler so you can demonstrate your knowledge. There are often minimum qualifications employers look for before employing someone.
Start your career
Find entry-level animal handling courses to turn your passion for animals into a career.
Strengthen your skills
Match your skills and commitment with a wide range of qualification options.
Build your resume
Find options for professional development in the animal care industry that will challenge and excite you.
In Australia, animal handlers are required to gain industry accreditation. Find out more in the Resources section..