65220
Pet groomers and animal care workers
- Express Entry skill level
- No
- Regulated in Québec
- No
- In demand in Manitoba
- No
Classification
Sales & service
6 › 65 › 652 › 6522
Definition
Animal care workers feed, handle, train and groom animals and assist veterinarians, animal health technologists and technicians and animal breeders. Pet groomers clip coats, bathe and otherwise groom pets. They are employed by animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, breeding and boarding kennels, zoos, laboratories, retail pet shops, dog training schools, pet grooming establishments, or may be self-employed.
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare food and feed animals, fish or birds at scheduled intervals
- Clean and disinfect cages, pens and surrounding areas
- Shampoo, clip and groom animals
- Assist veterinarians and animal health technologists and technicians to inoculate and treat animals
- Assist animal breeders to handle and nurture animals
- Assist scientists and researchers in conducting laboratory tests with animals
- Monitor and document animal behaviour
- Train dogs to obey commands and perform specific duties in response to signals.
Example job titles
- •animal care worker (except farm)
- •dog groomer
- •dog trainer
- •kennel attendant
- •laboratory animal attendant
- •pet groomer
- •pound attendant
- •veterinary attendant
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 65220 encompasses pet groomers and animal care workers. This TEER 5 occupation involves feeding, handling, and grooming animals, as well as assisting veterinarians, animal health technologists, or laboratory animal technicians. Common work settings include animal hospitals, clinics, veterinary kennels, pet grooming salons, animal shelters, and laboratories. Typical job titles under this code include pet groomer, kennel attendant, dog groomer, and laboratory animal helper.
Employment requirements for NOC 65220 generally include the completion of secondary school, along with on-the-job training. Some specialized roles, such as pet groomers, may require the completion of dedicated animal grooming courses. While TEER 5 occupations are not typically eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry directly, individuals in this category may find Canadian immigration pathways through specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), or localized pilot initiatives.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidance, please consult a regulated Canadian immigration professional or refer directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.