Pet Care Specialist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Pet Care Specialist

Best Schools to become a Pet Care Specialist in U.S. 2024

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:37%
Graduation Rate:86%
Total Enrollment:39,679

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX

In-State Tuition:$8,815
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,239
Admission Rate:63%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:74,014

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

In-State Tuition:$9,489
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,560
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:19,722

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

In-State Tuition:$8,678
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,162
Admission Rate:90%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:29,969

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

In-State Tuition:$6,535
Out-of-State Tuition:$28,276
Admission Rate:47%
Graduation Rate:85%
Total Enrollment:36,700
Pet Care Specialist Job Description:
  • Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice.
  • Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums.
  • May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged.
  • May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Pet Care Specialist

Job Duties for Pet Care Specialists

  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.

  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.

  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.

Technologies and Skills Used by Pet Care Specialists

Calendar and scheduling software

  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Petschedule

Data base user interface and query software

  • CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Pet Care Specialist

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Pet Care Specialist

FAQs About Becoming a Pet Care Specialist