Animal care workers feed, handle, train and groom animals and assist veterinarians, animal health technologists and technicians and animal breeders. Pet groomers clip coats, bathe and otherwise groom pets.
People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,510
Pet groomers and animal care workers:
Pet groomers and animal care workers usually work indoors. These workers may get wet and dirty while bathing animals. They are also sometimes required to lift heavy animals.
Many work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Some groomers may travel to customers' homes and some animal care workers may travel to pick up stray animals.
Animal care workers in veterinary clinics or labs typically work as part of a team. Dog trainers work mostly with dog owners, relying on their people skills as much as their animal behaviour modification skills.
Self-employed groomers are required to provide their own equipment.
Handling animals can pose some hazards so proper care is needed to avoid bites and scratches. A strong understanding of animal behaviour helps workers recognize when animals are upset so they can avoid such injuries. Other hazards include slipping on wet floors, back strain or electrical shocks or burns from dryers.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of secondary school is generally required to work in this occupational group. Other requirements may include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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More job openings will become available in the next few years as a result of worker turnover than from new job creation.
The average age of those working in this occupational group in B.C. is younger than the provincial average. Therefore, there will be a limited number of positions available to replace existing workers who retire.
Industry sources expect growth in demand for these workers will be strongest in the Mainland/Southwest. Workers with veterinary assistant or grooming certification are expected to have an advantage in finding work in this field. In addition, the recent popularity of dog obedience classes and dog sports has resulted in a higher demand for dog trainers, particularly in urban centres.
Career paths
Workers with experience and further education may progress to other occupations, such as animal health technologist, supervisor or manager of animal care facilities, certified master groomer or grooming instructor.
Some veterinary clinics may allow veterinary attendants to perform some of the duties of an animal health technician if there is a registered animal health technician in the clinic to provide supervision.
Workers in this occupational group may also decide to open their own grooming businesses or kennels.
Additional resources