Find all you need to know about dog-keeping jobs available in Australia. Observe the types of jobs available, the types of visas, and the required skills.
Australia is considered one of the most pet-friendly countries, where pet care workers, including dog keepers, are in continuous demand. Increased pet ownership, especially in urban areas, promotes the demand for qualified people who can look after pets in one capacity or another. If you love dogs and are thinking of working in Australia, this guide takes you through the available opportunities, visa sponsorship options, and the required skills for dog keeping as a career.
What Are Dog Keeping Jobs?
Jobs associated with dog-keeping include many activities, not only in taking care but also in training, grooming, and managing the animals in Australia. The main job groups are:
a) Dog Walker
They are tasked with walking dogs to give them the exercise they need. In most urban areas, owners may be busy and hire professionals to do the job. As a dog walker, you will be required to take different dogs on walks daily, handle their safety issues, and sometimes control their behavior.
b) Dog Trainer
Dog trainers work with dogs to alter behavior and teach obedience, commands, and even tricks. This might include dealing with problem behaviors, training puppies, or even working with rescue dogs. Major cities need dog trainers as owners seek professional help managing their pets.
c) Dog Groomer
Dog Groomers offer general grooming services such as haircuts, nail trimming, bathing, and dog hygiene. Many groomers focus on specific breeds or grooming styles. Technical skills and a great deal of patience are needed for this position because grooming could be one of the stressful activities that may occur with some dogs.
d) Kennel Assistant / Dog Daycare Attendant
The Kennel Assistants work in boarding facilities or daycares, taking proper care of the dogs while their owners are away. The activities involved include:
- Feeding.
- Cleaning the area where they are accommodated.
- Taking them out on walks.
- Observing their behavior.
Such jobs are in high demand in cities; a dog owner may want some daycare for their dogs while they are away to work. e) Dog Breeder Assistant
Dog Breeder Assistant Assistance with rearing dogs: The dog breeder assistant can help in the care and management of breeding dogs. The duties that the assistant is supposed to perform include assisting in the daily care, cleaning, feeding, and the birthing process. In some cases, breeders require personnel to help them handle the paperwork and communicate with prospective pet owners.
f) Animal Shelter Worker
The dog carers in animal shelters look after dogs until they find an adoptive or rescue owner. This can be done by feeding, cleaning exercise, and emotional problems that may arise from previous neglect or abuse. Although it is a gratifying job, it can be mentally tasking for anyone who loves animals.
Employment Opportunities as Dog Keeper in Australia
Dogs are the most popular pets and makeup about 40% of household pets in Australia, with over 29 million pets. In the years to come, more people will be adopting dogs, increasing the demand for pet care services. Increased working hours and higher disposable incomes from urbanization have driven the pet industry.
Dog care-related jobs have increased from the simple tasks of feeding and taking dogs for a walk to providing luxury services such as spa treatments, behavior training, and even doggy daycare.
The rise in demand has opened up many employment opportunities for people wanting to work with dogs, with some employers willing to sponsor qualified workers from abroad.
Available Visa Sponsorships for Dog Keeping Jobs
a) Temporary Skill Shortage-TSS Visa Subclass 482
TSS Visa: It enables the Australian employer to sponsor a skilled worker from overseas. Though jobs related to dog keeping, such as kennel attendants, dog trainers, and groomers, may not be considered traditional “skilled” jobs, some employers can sponsor the candidates if they prove that their skill set is critical for their business operation.
b) Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa-Subclass 494
The Skilled Nominated visa is for workers who have the required skills to work in regional Australia. Since regional areas are usually short of pet-related services, especially those not consisting of major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, the need for pet care professionals might be felt more in such regional areas. Therefore, employers there could also sponsor international workers.
c) Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa Subclass 186
ENS visa: This is the permanent visa option for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. You will only meet this sponsorship if you have extensive experience in specialized dog-related work, such as dog training or grooming.
d) Working Holiday Visa-Subclass 417 or 462
It is ideal for younger workers—those aged 18 to 30, or 18 to 35 in some countries—who want to travel and work in Australia. Though this is not exactly meant for skilled workers, it allows temporary work in dog-keeping jobs, including dog walking, kennel assistance, or pet sitting.
e) Regional Migration Schemes
Many regional areas and smaller towns are more willing to sponsor employees in the skills shortage areas. Dog keeping might not be on the skilled occupation list, but a person with appropriate experience could find a position through one of the regional migration programs.
How to Find a Job That Offers Sponsorship
a) Search for Employers
Identify businesses operating dog care services, such as grooming salons, training centers, kennels, and dog daycare. Then, contact these places directly to ask if they have job openings for foreign employees and if they can sponsor a visa. Some companies may not advertise sponsorship but may be willing to do so for a deserving candidate.
b) Develop a stellar portfolio
Formal training and certification in dog training, grooming, or services related to veterinary medicine will help you get sponsored more easily. Having a recognized qualification, such as from TAFE institutions or schools that teach animal care and related courses in Australia, will be highly valued.
c) Areas of Shortage
As earlier indicated, jobs in dog care might be more available in regional or rural areas. Many such jobs in rural or countryside locations usually present more chances of having your visa sponsored through regional visas, among other things.
d) Utilise Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies have placed several hundred international workers in animal care jobs. Dealing with such an agency could enhance your chances of placement since they are conversant with sponsoring a visa.
The successful carrying out of a dog-keeping job will involve several essential skills and attributes, including the following:
Patience: A dog keeper should be patient with dogs, especially those with behavioral problems.
Physical Fitness: Most duties entail hard work, such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or handling heavy animals.
Communication Skills: There are occasions when you have to communicate with the dogs, but you also need to do this with dog owners. Being able to give advice and suggestions would be necessary in this area.
Animal Behaviour Knowledge: Basic knowledge of animal behavior is valuable; this is significant in some roles, like training and shelter work.
Problem-Solving Skills: Since dogs can be unpredictable at times, quick thinking may be vital to ensure safety and that the potentially stressful situation remains calm.
Salary and Work Conditions
The wages for dog-keeping jobs throughout Australia are different; each has different ranges, which again depend on experience and location. Example:
Dog Walkers: AUD 20–30 per hour, depending on the region and the number of dogs walked.
Dog Trainers: From AUD 40,000 to 60,000 annually, depending on experience level and types of services offered.
Dog Groomer: The average rates range from AUD 25–35 per hour. Experienced groomers command better wages.
Work Conditions
Most canine caretaker jobs are flexible hour-wise but require early morning, evening, and weekend work. Physical demands differ, while the more energetic jobs that deal with walking or training require the person to be healthy.
Conclusion
Dog-keeping jobs in Australia can be advantageous for animal lovers. While there are a few sponsorship opportunities, particularly in regional areas, one must make a strong case for their skills and experience. Understanding the job market, visa options, and required skills will help you find a suitable job, making your career rewarding while caring for a man’s best friend in Australia.
References:
1. Indeed
2. SEEK