Pet Care Jobs: Thriving in Economic Downturn

Animal care employment on the rise

Animal care is one of several industries in the land-based sector expected to achieve employment growth; this has been driven largely by an increased awareness of animal health and welfare issues.

Changes in consumer lifestyles have also impacted on pet ownership and how pets are looked after; this has been greatly influenced by the media through animal documentaries.
Claire Currie developed a passion for working with dogs at an early age, however, it was many years before she turned a dream into a reality by undertaking the necessary training and qualifications required to set up her own dog grooming business.

Equipped with an NVQ in Animal Care and a City & Guilds in Grooming, Claire has been running K9 Kutz in Castledawson, Co Londonderry in partnership with her sister-in-law, Karen Steele for almost six years now.  Established alongside her parents boarding kennels (Hollylane), K9 Kutz offering clients the convenience of having of both boarding kennels and grooming services on the one site, benefitting both sets of customers.

Claire’s enthusiasm for working with animals is very evident: “I love working with dogs; dog grooming is extremely rewarding and I get immense satisfaction from seeing a well groomed dog, however, it’s not a clean job and its very hard work!”

Claire did find it extremely difficult to find the right training for dog grooming.  She states: “Training is essential as it’s important to be competent when working with dogs, especially with regard to behaviour and techniques.  However, it’s also vital to get as much ‘hands on’ experience as possible before entering the industry.”

The animal care industry comprises many different types of businesses, the majority being small and micro enterprises, and includes pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries, dog training and grooming to name but a few.  The types of businesses vary considerably, however, the common theme is animal welfare, and the common skills requirements relate to animal health and welfare.  According to Lantra research, animal care businesses in Northern Ireland account for 7% of UK animal care businesses, with its employees accounting for 2% of the workforce*.

Due to the small size of businesses in the industry and the need for 24 hour cover at some establishments, the cost of and access to training and skills development can be barriers.  Furthermore, some businesses cannot afford to let staff take time out for training or cannot afford cover in order to release staff for off-site training.  Other barriers to training include a lack of access to local provision and, at times, the poor quality of provision available.

Lantra has developed a comprehensive search facility, Lantra CourseFinder which provides access to over 8,000 courses from over 600 training providers.  This facility is improving access to the many training opportunities available to those seeking to enter the land-based sector, and those already working in it: visit www.lantracoursefinder.co.uk or telephone 0845 707 8007.

David Seffen, Lantra’s NI Partnership Manager states: “Training and education can help businesses, organisations and individuals meet many of the challenges faced by industry.  It is important that people working within the animal care industry not only stay in line with legislation, but satisfy customer wants and needs, therefore enhancing businesses across the industry.”

Having staff with the right skills can really make a difference to businesses in this uncertain economic period.  Lantra champions the recognition of skills in the workplace, urging businesses to see the commercial case for investing in skills development and valuing existing knowledge and experience.  If you would like to find about more about the work of Lantra in Northern Ireland contact the office on 028 7963 1304 or email ni@lantra.co.uk.

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