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.'
Kennel workers handle animals in kennels or catteries and provide care for pets. They feed the animals, clean their cages, look after ill or old animals, groom them and take them out for a walk.
Competences and skills
35 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
11 competencesassess 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.
bathe dogs
Prepare dog by removing excess hair, knots and tangles. Bathe and clean a dog’s coat and skin.
- Scope note
- The vast majority of animal groomers work as dog groomers exclusively.
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.
feed pets
Make sure that pets are given appropriate food and water on time.
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.
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.
protect health and safety when handling animals
Protect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.
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.'
work with veterinarians
Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.
Cross-sector
5 competencesfollow verbal instructions
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
follow written instructions
Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
maintain customer service
Keep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requirements.
- Scope note
- Might include keeping the customers informed about the current status of their orders or waiting times.
monitor 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
stay alert
Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
Optional knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesanatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
animal 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.
animal 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.
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
Cross-sector
2 competencesanimal nutrition
Aspects of how different animal species are fed and provided water. Different types of animal food, the quality criteria for animal food and methods to feed and give water to animals.
animal 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.
Optional skills and competences 13 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesadvise customers on appropriate pet care
Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.
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
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
implement exercise activities for animals
Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'
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.
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.'
Cross-sector
6 competencescommunicate 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.
maintain professional administration
File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
train employees
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
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.