Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care training

Animal Caretaker Training

Learn what animal caretakers do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Animal Caretaker training

A practical, general introduction to the animal caretaker job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as bathe and dry a dog and trim a dog’s nails, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 8 hours, $74.99.

  • Tuition
    $74.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    8 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what an animal caretaker does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential animal caretaker terms correctly
  • Walk through bathe and dry a dog, trim a dog’s nails, and supervise a dog playgroup step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as National Dog Groomers Association certification

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 8 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Animal Caretaker Role40 min
  • What animal caretakers do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job30 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Animal Caretaker Vocabulary50 min
  • Key term: Body language
  • Key term: Playgroup
  • Key term: Kennel cough
  • Key term: Deshedding
  • Key term: Matting
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities50 min
  • Feed and water animals
  • Clean enclosures and kennels
  • Exercise and socialize animals
  • Bathe and groom pets
  • Monitor animal health and behavior
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step1 hr 45 min
  • How to bathe and dry a dog
  • How to trim a dog’s nails
  • How to supervise a dog playgroup
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology40 min
  • Grooming clippers and shears
  • Grooming tables and tubs
  • Dryers
  • Leashes and harnesses
  • Cleaning supplies
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr
  • Read animal body language
  • Use muzzles and safe handling when needed
  • Wash hands to prevent zoonotic disease
  • Lift animals properly
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For40 min
  • Animal handling
  • Grooming
  • Kennel sanitation
  • Patience
  • Compassion
MODULE 09Launching Your Animal Caretaker Career40 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: National Dog Groomers Association certification
  • Credential overview: Fear Free certification
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check40 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the animal caretaker job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new animal caretaker.

Pricing

$74.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Animal caretakers feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise pets and other animals in kennels, shelters, grooming salons, pet stores and daycares. BLS reports a median wage of $35,360 (May 2025) and about 62,800 openings per year. Read the full animal caretaker career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Animal Caretaker Training

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Course Animal Caretaker Training · 8 hours · $74.99 per learner

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Animal Caretaker training FAQ
How long is the Animal Caretaker training?
About 8 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Animal Caretaker training cost?
$74.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified animal caretaker?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding animal caretakers.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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