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Use these free animal care resume samples to help land a job in this career field. Check out our suggested career tips, job outlook advice and industry-specific skills to help you impress hiring managers.

Want a stronger resume? Try our resume templates. Simply edit and download. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click using our Resume Builder.

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Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeing some positive growth in the animal care industry. They project a 16% increase in job openings between 2022 and 2032, with openings predicted in kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics and aquariums.

To help personalize our free animal care resume samples, try using the following resume writing tips and top-requested skills to appeal to hiring managers.

3 Tips for Writing Animal Care Resumes

Pick the best format for your experience level

Just like there are specialty skills that work best with one animal species over another, you need to pick the correct resume format to make the most of your work history, training and skills.

  1. Chronological resume: Use this work history resume format if you have over ten years of experience, especially if you want to highlight leadership or management skills and experience. This is best if you’re angling for a promotion.
  2. Combination resume: Use this hybrid format if you have three to nine years of experience and steady, traceable animal care jobs with similar but growing job responsibilities. This resume is best if you apply for a promotion to lead animal trainer or kennel manager.
  3. Functional resume: The skills-based functional resume is best for recent graduates or changing careers. For example, you can use this resume to switch from an animal shelter volunteer gig to a dog walker and trainer job. This format highlights transferable skills like animal care, time management and training techniques.

Use animal-care-specific skills

The skills and training you highlight are as essential as how you format your animal care resume. Consider adding some of these industry-specific hard and soft skills to your resume, if applicable.

  • Observation skills
  • Interpret animal vocalizations and body language
  • Patience
  • Basic first-aid knowledge
  • Basic veterinary skills
  • Pet grooming
  • Pet Nutrition
  • Medical administration
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Problem-solving

Use a professional template

All your research and resume preparation might fail if you don’t use a suitable resume template. Visit our free professional resume templates to find a few free downloads with a fill-in-the-blank resume guide.

You can also make the most of your time with a professional Resume Builder. This online resume-writing tool uses recruiter-ready resume templates, industry-specific keywords and content suggestions to help you maximize your education and experience

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Animal Care Resume FAQ

How much does a job in animal care pay?

According to the BLS, animal care workers earn between $28,600 to $44,280 annually.

What should I put on my resume for animal care?

Your animal care resume should include these three details.

  1. Add essential skills like observation, communication and animal care.
  2. Highlight relevant certifications or training in animal care like training techniques, veterinary classes or grooming.
  3. Focus on animal-specific experiences like handling multiple animals, running a kennel or shelter, fostering pets, and studying pet nutrition or medical administration.

What kind of work experience should I put on an animal care resume?

Mention your previous work or volunteer experience in the following areas:

  • Animal shelter or rescue work
  • Veterinary clinic or hospital
  • Pet setting
  • Dog walking
  • Farm or ranch work
  • Zoo or wildlife sanctuary
  • Pet grooming salons

Should I include a cover letter with my animal care resume?

Yes, a well-crafted cover letter helps you express your passion for animal care, elaborate on specific experiences mentioned in your resume, and explain why you are an excellent fit for the position.

Visit our animal care cover letter samples to see how to elaborate, not repeat, your resume. Try our award-winning Cover Letter Builder to write a personalized document quickly.

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Animal Care Resume Examples

Last Updated: October 28, 2024

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Gabriela Barcenas

Gabriela Barcenas Rojas | CPRW

CONTENT STRATEGIST

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.

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