Pet Shop Assistant
What is the work like?
As a pet shop assistant you would be responsible for serving customers and looking after the animals in a pet shop. Your would sell domestic animals like rabbits, kittens and fish, and also pet food, cages, accessories and equipment.
Your duties would include:
- giving food and water to the animals
- cleaning out cages
- grooming animals
- exercising animals where necessary
- advising customers on the best way to care for their pets
- selling pet care products
- maintaining stock levels
- dealing with deliveries.
Some shops specialise in a particular type of animal, for example aquatic centres sell mainly fish. If you were based in a specialist shop, you would be expected to provide more in-depth advice and information to customers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will not usually need any particular qualifications to work in a pet shop. However, a good way to prepare for this work could be to take a course such as:
- ABC Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Care
- BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care – includes units in retail and customer service
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Animal Management.
You are also likely to have an advantage if you have experience of working in animal care or in a retail or customer service role.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You will receive on-the-job training in areas such as health and safety, customer service and pet cleaning and feeding procedures. You may also be encouraged to take the The Pet Care Trust, Pet Foundation Course.
You could go on to work towards qualifications such as NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Animal Care (levels 2 and 3 have an option in pet care and retail).
If you want to progress to a supervisor or shop management post, it could be useful to do the NPTC (with City & Guilds) Advanced Certificate in Pet Store Management. For some employers, this qualification will be essential.
Where can I go for more information?
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
170 Mile Road
Bedford
MK42 9TW
Tel: 0870 062 4400
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- The starting salary for a pet shop worker can be between £10,000 and £12,500 a year.
- At supervisor level salaries rise to around £16,500.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 40 hours a week, which will usually include weekends. Part-time hours are also often available.
Your work would include unpleasant smells and duties. Because of contact with animals and cleaning agents, you may not find this work suitable if you have certain allergic conditions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good customer service skills
- a keen interest in animals
- the confidence to handle a wide range of domestic animals
- the ability to learn more about working with animals
- a willingness to clean out dirty cages and deal with routine tasks
- the ability to follow health and safety guidelines
- maths skills for handling cash and weighing out pet food.
What opportunities are there?
There are about 3,500 pet shops and 600 aquatic centres in the UK, employing around 15,000 people.
In larger stores, you may be able to progress to supervisor and manager once you have experience.
You can find vacancies advertised on the The Pet Care Trust website, as well as in the local press, Jobcentre Plus offices, and on employer's websites.
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