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What does an Animal Care Technician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An Animal Care Technician is responsible for the daily care of animals in a shelter or rescue organization. This may include feeding, cleaning cages, and providing enrichment activities. The Animal Care Technician may also be responsible for transporting animals to and from veterinary appointments.

Animal Care Technician job duties include:

  • Providing food and water to animals
  • Cleaning animal cages and living areas
  • Monitoring animal health and well-being
  • Recording animal observations
  • Administering medication and vaccinations
  • Assisting with animal births
  • Caring for sick or injured animals
  • Transporting animals to and from veterinary appointments
  • Euthanizing animals

Animal Care Technician Job Requirements

Animal care technicians typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete on-the-job training. Many organizations also require certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Animal care technicians typically have 1-2 years of experience working with animals in a veterinary setting.

Animal Care Technician Skills

  • Patience
  • Gentle
  • Feeding
  • Cleaning
  • Exercising
  • Observing
  • Reporting
  • Restraining
  • Medicating
  • Surgical Preparation
  • Anesthesia Monitoring

Related: Top Animal Care Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Animal Care Technician

Animal care technicians work in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, kennels, zoos, and veterinary clinics. They are responsible for the daily care of animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exercising. They may also administer medication and provide basic medical care.

To become an animal care technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require you to complete a training program or have previous experience working with animals. You will also need to be able to lift 50 pounds and have basic math skills.

When working with animals, it is important to be able to handle them safely and calmly. Animal care technicians must be able to follow instructions and work well as part of a team. They must also be able to keep accurate records.

Related: Animal Care Technician Resume Example

Related: Animal Care Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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