anatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
Animal shelter workers provide animal care routine services at the animal shelter. They receive animals brought to the shelter, respond to calls about lost or injured animals, nurse animals, clean cages, handle papers for adoption of animals, transport animals to the veterinarian and maintain database with the animals present in the shelter.
Competences and skills
39 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesanimal behaviour
The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
Cross-sector
1 competenceanimal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
Essential skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesmanage animal adoption
Find people who want to adopt animals from the shelter, help them in their choice and manage all the necessary paperwork.
train dogs
Train dogs to behave appropriately and obey their owners' commands. Use a variety of techniques like clicker training, relationship-based training or dominance-based training to obtain favourable behaviours in the dog.
Sector-specific
12 competencesadvise customers on appropriate pet care
Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.
assess animal behaviour
Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'
assess animal's condition
Inspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.
assist in transportation of animals
Assist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transport process.
control animal movement
Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.
- Scope note
- "Restrain" includes physical and mechanical means, and/or the use of chemical means under veterinary direction.
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
dispose of dead animals
Dispose of dead animals which are not considered a source of meat. Bury or cremate the animal based on the wishes of the owners or on other criteria.
instruct on animal care
Provide employees in animal care with information on how to treat the animal, the animals eating habits, nutrition and medical condition and needs.
interview people
Interview people in a range of different circumstances.
maintain animal accommodation hygienic
Make sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.
provide nutrition to animals
Provide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'
work with veterinarians
Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.
Cross-sector
1 competencemonitor the welfare of animals
Monitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water and environmental conditions.
green
Optional knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceanimal training
Animal responses to specific conditions or stimuli. Animal behaviour, ethology, learning theory, training methods, equipment, as well as communicating and working with animals and humans.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 19 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencepromote animals
Provide information to potential animal adopters about the animals in the shelter. Take pictures of the animals, describe their characteristics and put the profiles on a web site if applicable.
Sector-specific
9 competencesadvise on animal purchase
Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.
advise on animal welfare
Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.
green
assist customers
Provide support and advice to customers in making purchasing decisions by finding out their needs, selecting suitable service and products for them and politely answering questions about products and services.
groom animals
Prepare the environment for grooming, select the correct grooming equipment and grooming methods for the animal. Apply occupational health and safety principles, of basic animal anatomy and physiology, including the identification and reporting of any abnormalities.
implement exercise activities for animals
Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'
maintain welfare of animals during transportation
Keep the health and welfare of animals during transportation, including frequent monitoring for signs of stress and symptoms of ill health.
provide an enriching environment for animals
Provide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing manipulation, social, and training activities.'
provide dog walking services
Provide dog-walking services, including activities such as agreement of services with the customer, selection and use of handling equipment, interaction with the dog, and safe and responsible dog walking.'
provide first aid to animals
Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians prior to first-aid provided by a veterinarian. Non-veterinarians providing emergency treatment are expected to seek treatment by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scope note
- Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought.
Cross-sector
9 competencesadminister appointments
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
assess character
Assess how a certain person will react, verbally or physically, in a specific situation or to a specific happening.
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
handle veterinary emergencies
Handle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.
maintain equipment
Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
order supplies
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
unload supplies
Remove deliveries from a truck and move new supplies to workplace or storage area.
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
work in shifts
Work in rotating shifts, where the goal is to keep a service or production line running around the clock and each day of the week.