You can get into this job through: You could do a qualification to improve your career prospects and show employers that you're committed to learning more about working with animals. Relevant courses include: You'll usually need:How to become a pet shop assistant
College
Entry requirements
More Information
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an animal care and welfare assistant intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get experience of working with animals and could lead to paid work. You could look for opportunities with organisations like:
- RSPCA
- Dogs Trust
- Cats Protection
Direct Application
You may not need any formal qualifications to apply to work in a pet shop. It'll help if you've got experience of working with animals or a background in retail customer service.
Other Routes
You may be able to study with specialist animal welfare college or the Pet Industry Federation for a qualification in animal care.
Course are offered online, in the workplace and at college.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You will:
- give food and water to the animals
- clean out cages
- groom and exercise animals
- advise customers
- sell pet care products
- maintain stock levels
- deal with deliveries
- keep the store clean and tidy
- check the water temperature and chemical balance in fish tanks
- check all animals regularly for signs of disease
Working environment
You could work at a store.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become pet store supervisor or manager.
You might also use your skills to move into other animal care careers like dog grooming, animal care work in a kennels or rescue centre, or train to be a veterinary nurse.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Courses In England
Animal Care
- Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
- Start date: 04 September 2023
- Location: Waterlooville
Jobs In the United Kingdom
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