How to Be Animal Keeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions
The effect of an animal keeper on the lives of animals is undeniable. Not only do they provide a safe and secure environment for animals to live, but they also ensure their health and wellbeing by providing proper nutrition, social interaction, exercise, and medical care. This in turn allows animals to lead healthier, happier lives and increases their chances for long-term survival.
animal keepers also help to educate the public about animal welfare and conservation by providing educational programs, workshops, and tours. These activities help to foster respect for animals and inspire people to become more involved in conservation efforts. the positive impact of an animal keeper on the animal population is immeasurable.
Steps How to Become
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Animal keepers are typically required to have at least a bachelors degree in a related field such as zoology, biology, animal science, or another relevant degree.
- Gain Experience. Animal keepers often obtain experience working with animals in volunteer or internship capacities. This may include working at a local animal shelter, a zoo, or a wildlife refuge.
- Get Certified. Many employers prefer to hire animal keepers who are certified by an organization such as the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
- Find a Job. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start searching for job openings. You can look for positions at animal shelters, zoos, wildlife refuges, or research facilities.
- Develop Specialized Skills. Animal keepers often specialize in a certain type of animal, such as birds, mammals, or reptiles. You can take courses or workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills in this area.
Becoming an animal keeper requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and dedication. Those interested must first gain a thorough understanding of animal behavior, biology, and nutrition. They must also have a passion for animals and a commitment to their care.
With this knowledge and experience, animal keepers can create an ideal environment for the animals they care for. This includes creating a safe and comfortable space, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring the animals receive the appropriate exercise and enrichment activities. With the right qualifications and dedication, animal keepers can ensure the health and well-being of the animals they care for while providing a nurturing and stimulating environment.
You may want to check Animal Technician, Animal Adoption Counselor, and Animal Welfare Officer for alternative.
Job Description
- Animal Caretaker: Responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the animals in their care, including providing food, water, exercise, and medical attention as needed.
- Animal Nutritionist: Responsible for creating proper nutrition plans for animals in their care to ensure they remain healthy.
- Animal Trainer: Responsible for training animals to perform specific behaviors or tasks, as well as teaching proper care and handling techniques.
- Animal Behaviorist: Responsible for identifying and addressing animal behavioral issues, as well as developing behavior modification plans.
- Animal Handler: Responsible for handling animals safely and correctly in all types of situations.
- Animal Enrichment Specialist: Responsible for providing stimulating activities, environments, and objects to promote mental and physical health in animals.
- Animal Husbandry Technician: Responsible for breeding, housing, and managing animals in accordance with established standards and protocols.
- Veterinary Technician: Responsible for providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Skills and Competencies to Have
- Knowledge of basic animal biology, behavior, and health
- Ability to recognize and respond to signs of animal stress or illness
- Ability to interpret animal behaviors and respond appropriately
- Ability to recognize and follow safety protocols
- Knowledge of animal husbandry and nutrition
- Ability to lift and handle heavy objects
- Ability to effectively manage and care for a variety of animals
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Ability to work in a team environment
Being an animal keeper is a rewarding job, but it also comes with a great responsibility. It requires organization, dedication, and strong interpersonal skills. One of the most important skills to have as an animal keeper is the ability to observe and interpret animal behavior.
This involves developing an understanding of how different species communicate, as well as being able to recognize signs of stress or signs of illness. Not only does this help keepers ensure their animals health and safety, but it also helps them create an environment that is conducive to their well-being. good problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations are essential for animal keepers.
Animal keepers must also be knowledgeable about animal nutrition, as well as the natural history of their species. Finally, excellent record keeping is key to success in this job, as it ensures that all necessary medical and diet information is tracked. All of these skills combined provide a strong foundation for animal keepers to ensure their animals health and happiness.
Animal Welfare Inspector, Animal Caregiver, and Animal Shelter Manager are related jobs you may like.
Frequent Interview Questions
- What experience do you have caring for animals?
- How do you handle difficult situations involving animals?
- What do you think are the most important qualities of an animal keeper?
- How do you ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors in your care?
- How do you keep up with new developments in animal husbandry?
- What techniques do you use to ensure animal enrichment and stimulation?
- How have you handled difficult interactions with colleagues in the past?
- What would you do in a situation where an animal was not responding to your commands?
- How would you handle a situation where an animal became ill or injured?
- Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision involving an animal in your care.
Common Tools in Industry
- Animal Restraint Equipment. Used to safely restrain animals for examination or transport (eg: muzzles, leashes, crates).
- Animal Feeders. Used to provide food to animals (eg: hay racks, water bottles, feed buckets).
- Veterinary Instruments. Used to assess the health of animals (eg: thermometers, stethoscopes, otoscopes).
- Cleaning Supplies. Used to keep animal enclosures and equipment clean and sanitary (eg: scrub brushes, mops, disinfectants).
- Training Equipment. Used to train animals in habits and behaviors (eg: clickers, treats, toys).
- Protective Clothing. Used to protect workers from bites and scratches (eg: gloves, aprons, boots).
- Computer Systems. Used to monitor animal health and behavior (eg: software programs, tablets).
Professional Organizations to Know
- American Association of Zoo Keepers
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums
- International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators
- International Marine Animal Trainers' Association
- American Federation of Aviculture
- American Humane Association
- International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- National Animal Control Association
- Animal Behavior Society
We also have Animal Nutritionist, Animal Breeder, and Animal Control Officer Supervisor jobs reports.
Common Important Terms
- Animal Husbandry. This is the practice of caring for animals in captivity, such as breeding and raising them for food, fiber, or other purposes.
- Animal Training. This is the practice of teaching animals specific behaviors or skills, such as obedience and circus tricks.
- Veterinary Medicine. This is the practice of diagnosing and treating diseases in animals.
- Nutrition. This is the study of the nutrients that animals need to stay healthy, such as vitamins and minerals.
- Husbandry Equipment. This refers to the various tools and supplies used to care for animals, including cages, feeders, and bedding.
- Animal Welfare. This is a set of standards and practices designed to ensure the health and safety of animals, both in captivity and in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Animal Keeper?
Animal Keeper is a digital platform that helps pet owners track their pet's health, schedule vet visits, find pet-friendly locations, and access other resources for pet care.
What types of pets does Animal Keeper support?
Animal Keeper supports cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, small animals, and fish.
How do I create an account on Animal Keeper?
You can create an account on Animal Keeper by visiting their website and signing up with your email address or using your existing social media profile.
Does Animal Keeper offer any discounts?
Yes, Animal Keeper offers discounts on select services and products when you sign up for their subscription plan.
What type of support does Animal Keeper provide?
Animal Keeper provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone. They also offer an online knowledge base with helpful articles and FAQs.
What are jobs related with Animal Keeper?
Web Resources
- Animal Keeper Position | Warnell School of Forestry and Natural warnell.uga.edu
- Primate Animal Keeper Internship | Smithsonian's National Zoo nationalzoo.si.edu
- Job: Animal Keeper, Zoological and Environmental Education sites.evergreen.edu
