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Aquarist, Dog Kennel Attendant, Groom, Kennel Attendant, Pet Shop Attendant, Stable Worker, Wildlife Park Attendant, Zookeeper
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing information to monitor and document animal behaviour, and to prepare food and feed animals, fish and birds at scheduled intervals
Interest in assisting scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals; and in using equipment for grooming animals
Interest in handling and nurturing animals when grooming and when assisting breeders; and in training dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Duties depend on the type of animal and place of work. In general, animal care attendants:
Animal care attendants at shelters, dog pounds, and wildlife rehabilitation centres care for stray dogs, cats, other pets, and wildlife as well as pets given up by owners. Along with giving general care, they may:
Aquarists work at aquariums. They:
Grooms and stable workers care for horses at stables, farms, and racetracks. In addition to general care, they:
Kennel attendants care for dogs, cats and other pets that are boarded or bred and sold. In addition to general care, they:
Pet shop attendants work in retail stores. They:
Zookeepers and wildlife park attendants work in zoos and wildlife parks. They are usually assigned to a section of the zoo or park. They:
Animal care attendants may work indoors in labs, shelters, or pet shops. Or they may work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions at kennels, stables, racetracks, aquariums, zoos, or wildlife parks. No matter where they work, attendants must be able to tolerate foul odours. They should not mind getting dirty. They may need to restrain animals and lift or carry animals and cages. There is a risk of being bitten, scratched or catching a disease. Zoo work is physically demanding, requiring lots of lifting and shovelling. Injuries are common, including back strains, joint problems, cuts, and scrapes.
Animals need daily care. Most attendants work shifts that include weekend and holiday hours.
Animal care attendants need:
They should enjoy:
Animal care attendants should have no animal allergies.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 75 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 16, 2021 and Sep 13, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Nail clipping | 47 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Ear cleaning | 45 |
| Attention to detail | 43 |
| Tasks: Bathing/shampooing | 43 |
| Tasks: Teeth cleaning | 41 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 39 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 36 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 36 |
| Tasks: Pet clipping and styling | 36 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 34 |
Most employers hire attendants who have previous paid or volunteer experience with farm animals or pets. Some employers require related training or post-secondary education.
Aquariums, zoos, and wildlife parks may require post-secondary education with courses in biology, animal husbandry or a related field.
Dog kennel staff should know about the behaviours and problems with specific breeds. Dog pounds prefer attendants with post-secondary education related to bylaw enforcement. (For more information, see the Bylaw Enforcement Officer occupational profile.)
Aquariums may require candidates to know how to safely handle hazardous chemicals like chlorine. They may also require some knowledge of plumbing or pool filtration systems. Some may ask for certified scuba skills.
Whether they require experience, training or both, employers of animal care attendants usually provide some on-the-job training. Training programs also may be available through related associations.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Jobs for some types of animal care attendants are limited in Alberta. There are few employers of aquarists, zookeepers, wildlife park attendants, shelter attendants, or dog pound attendants. There are more opportunities for grooms, kennel attendants, and pet shop attendants.
One way to gain experience is to do volunteer work or short-term work, such as during the spring and summer or on holidays. Employers may need more staff at these times.
Chances to advance are limited. Shelter and dog pound attendants, aquarists, zookeepers and wildlife park attendants may move up to supervisory positions. With experience and training, grooms may become trainers, drivers, barn , race secretaries, or judges. Kennel attendants who learn grooming on the job may become pet groomers. (For more information, see the Pet Groomer occupational profile.) With experience, kennel and pet shop attendants may become managers or start their own businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers occupational group, 82.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6563: Pet groomers and animal care workers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 96 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary widely depending on the type of animal and the employer.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.00 | $16.45 | $15.32 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $26.25 | $17.83 | $16.20 |
| Top | $15.00 | $31.25 | $20.17 | $18.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $24,871 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $30,174 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $23,602 |
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
