Animal Handlers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview People who work with animals in parks, zoos, rodeos, animal breeding facilities, museums and research laboratories are called animal handlers. The importance of animals have been known since early years which is the reason that animal handlers had been in demand even during those times. Animals are considered to be companions of humans and they are used for recreation, research and work.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Chemistry, Biology and other Science classes in high school will prepare an individual to work as an animal handler. Psychology and Sociology classes are beneficial .To know more on how to care of animals, classes about Animal Health, Nutrition,Biology and Behavior are recommended. Animal handlers will actively interact with the public such that they do the presentations of the animals in zoos and shows. They need to develop communication skills which will be enhanced by joining different clubs at school like Debate, Speech and Drama clubs. Some students are given an opportunity to work as a part-time worker in zoos which will help them know more about animals. In college, most of those who want to be an animal handlers take up degrees in Veterinary Sciences to be more competitive and gain better credentials. Certification is required for specialized situations like lab animal technician and patrol dog trainer.
Skills and Abilities
Animal handlers should have the passion and should enjoy working with animals. They need to care for and love the animals. They should be sensitive to the habits and needs of the animals. It is very important to know how to deal with and comfort the animals especially when they are transported from one place to the other. They should be ready for some bites, kicks and scratches from animals should accidents happen.
Duties
Animal handlers can be animal trainers as well.
Those who train animals like horses, cattle, iguanas, cougar and other animals for a movie production are called animal trainers. Animal handlers are also employed in zoos and marine animal parks to shelter, feed and protect exotic animals. They also train the animals for performance in shows. It is part of their responsibility to check the health of the animals. Knowing animals well will help an individual know if the animal is healthy or not. Vaccinations are also arranged by animal handlers. Their duty also involves cleaning not just the animal but the area or shelter of the animals. They need to make sure that there is good ventilation and proper bedding.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Some animal handlers earn by setting an hourly rate which could be around $16 to $20. Some of them, negotiate for large contracts especially when animals are used for performances. Exposure in television and places like amusement parks and zoos make people more aware about animals. This is the reason that different programs are implemented to improve the facilities and treatment to animals.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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