How to become a pet shop assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- a course run by a specialist training provider
College
You could do a qualification to improve your career prospects and show employers that you're committed to learning more about working with animals. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
- Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You might be able to do an Animal Care and Welfare Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you already have some retail experience.
These apprenticeships can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get experience of working with animals and could lead to paid work. You could look for opportunities with organisations like:
Direct Application
You may not need any formal qualifications to apply to work in a pet shop. It'll help if you've got experience of working with animals or a background in retail customer service.
Other Routes
You may be able to study with specialist animal welfare college or the Pet Industry Federation for a qualification in animal care.
Course are offered online, in the workplace and at college.