6129 — Animal care services occupations n.e.c

What this occupation covers

Job holders in this unit group care for animals held in kennels, stables, zoos and similar establishments, provide specialised training, grooming, clipping and trimming services for animals, and searches for and captures stray or nuisance dogs in public areas and perform a variety of animal care tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 612: Animal care and control services.

Typical duties

feeds, washes, grooms, trims and exercises animals

cleans animals’ quarters and renews bedding as necessary

houses, feeds, exercises, trains, grooms horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events

checks animals for illness, treats minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required

meets prospective owners and advises on animal selection and animal care

patrols public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transports captured animals to kennels

work alongside veterinary surgeons and nurses to provide vital nursing care to ensure the wellbeing of animal patients

Entry routes and qualifications

Entry is possible without formal academic qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs/S grades. There is a variety of vocational qualifications available, including NVQs/SVQs in Animal Care at levels 1 and 2, in Dog Grooming at levels 2 and 3, and BTEC qualifications and apprenticeships relating to Horse Care.

Sponsorship information

Medium Skilled. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

Immigration Salary List: 6129 Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified – only racing grooms, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands, stud handlers and work riders. Nations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. Removal: 31 December 2026.

DBS assessment

Commonly assessed for DBS eligibility. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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