Standard Occupational Classification (SOC): Animal Care and Service Workers

Animal care and service workers are individuals who care for animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. In the healthcare industry, animal care and service workers may work in facilities such as animal shelters, zoos, and wildlife rehabilitation centers, where they provide care and support to animals in need. They may also work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities, where they may be responsible for providing animal-assisted therapy to patients. Animal care and service workers in the healthcare industry may be responsible for tasks such as feeding and watering animals, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, providing basic medical care, and conducting behavioral observations and assessments. They may also be involved in training and socializing animals for therapy or other purposes. To become an animal care and service worker, individuals typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and they may be required to complete on-the-job training or a formal education program. Some states may also require animal care and service workers to be licensed or certified.