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Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers
What they do?
Workers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Prepare food and feed animals, fish or birds at scheduled intervals
B. Clean and disinfect cages, pens and surrounding areas
C. Shampoo, clip and groom animals
D. Assist veterinarians and animal health technologists and technicians to inoculate and treat animals
E. Assist animal breeders to handle and nurture animals
F. Assist scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals
G. Monitor and document animal behaviour
Where they find work?
1. Other services (except public administration) - 56.0%
2. Other professional scientific and technical services - 11.0%
3. Arts entertainment and recreation - 10.0%
4. Retail trade - 8.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Depending on the type of work performed, training courses in animal handling, grooming or dog training are usually required. Animal health or veterinary assistant college courses may be required for animal care workers.
3. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 3 in 10 have an undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Business
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers is $10.16/HR, which is below average for occupations in the sale and service sector and are below average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
5% of Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($10.16) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (13%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Dealing with people
2. Customer service
3. Promoting
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
40% of Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 13,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 10% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively high percentage of younger workers suggests more entry-level positions and jobs that may serve as stepping stones in a career. Despite an expected older-than-average worker (35), the retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average because they also tend to retire at a later age (58).
