Many people prefer not to leave their pet in their home while their owners go on extended vacations, so they leave them at a kennel. Kennels are where animal care workers are able to play, feed, and perform basic grooming duties until the owners return. While their pets may be house broken, kennels can assure their pets will be taken care of. Animal shelters take care of animals that were neglected or abused and aid them back to health.
Animal trainers train animals for a variety of reasons such as security, obedience, and performance. Some dogs perform in dog shows based on their looks and others are trained on their athletic skills such as running through obstacle courses. Certain dogs are trained to assist the disabled such as the blind. Also, herding dogs are necessary to herd different animals such as sheep and horses into formation. These dogs keep animals in a tight line or group which keeps them from running off.
At one point most of us have seen a dog show where the best of the best dogs are presented and compete. Groomers are in charge of ensuring these dogs look their best at all times by combing, clipping, bathing, and overall maintenance. Those dogs who do not compete in dogs shows still can acquire the services of a groomer because many operate in salons and own their own grooming businesses. Think of a salon for people where they cut and wash their hair, now think of the same thing but for dogs.
Dolphins and horses are some of the most trained animals in the world also besides dogs. Horses also perform in shows and race and need to be in top physical condition. Dolphins are one of the smartest animals in the world and can be taught to do many tricks and have even been known to rescue humans when drowning.
Zoo keepers in zoos perform the same duties as those who work in small kennel, but zoo keepers work with much larger animals. Zoo keepers may work with a variety of animals from reptiles to sharks to polar bears. Zoo keepers may also answer the public's questions regarding the animals such as what their diet habits are, mating, and other questions. Zoo keepers may take care of endangered species which may trouble surviving in the wild.
Education and training for animal care and trainers can vary depending in what type of care one enters. For example, those who care for horses in stables must know grooming techniques, diet, and proper physical activities for horses. Horses can easily succumb to injuries to their legs and ankles.
Many animal trainers need some type of bachelor's degree and formal training to work in the animal care and trainer field, typically in biology. Those interested in grooming can enroll in grooming schools and train under a more experienced groomer as an apprentice.
There are a variety of certifications available to show that one is competent and professional when it comes to animal care and training. The National Dog Groomers Association of America, the Humane Society of the United States, the National Animal Control Association, the American Humane Association, and the American Boarding Kennels Association offer the Certified Kennel Operator certification.
Animal care and trainers are expected to increase over the next decade because of the increase of the population and more families are looking to become pet owners. The increasing demand for grooming is also a major component in the increase of groomers, because many pet owners want the best possible care for the pet, not only internally but externally. It is said a well groomed pet is a happy pet.
Salaries for animal care workers and trainers will vary depending on experience, education, type of animals cared for, and location. Animal care trainers typically don't enter this profession because of the wages they receive, because earnings on average are around $8.00-$17.00 per hour.
Those who do work in the animal care and training field may advance to become veterinarians, veterinarian technologists, or marine biologists.
