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Working at an Animal Shelter: Career Opportunities

Exploring the Animal Caretaker Profession

Animal caretakers are responsible for providing care and support for animals in a shelter setting. Their duties may include:

• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
• Feeding and watering animals
• Providing medical care and assistance
• Grooming and exercising animals
• Socializing animals with potential adopters

To become an animal caretaker, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with animals. Some shelters may require additional training or certification.

Animal Caretaker Shelter Associate

Animal Caretaker Shelter Associates assist with the day-to-day care of animals at a shelter. Their responsibilities may include:

• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
• Feeding and watering animals
• Grooming and exercising animals
• Socializing animals with potential adopters
• Assisting with medical procedures

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistants provide support to veterinarians in a veterinary clinic or hospital. Their responsibilities may include:

• Preparing animals for surgery
• Assisting with surgical procedures
• Monitoring animals recovering from surgery
• Performing laboratory tests
• Assisting with client communication

To become a Veterinary Assistant, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with animals. Some states require Veterinary Assistants to be licensed or certified.

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