The animal care industry is part of the environmental and land-based industries, represented by Lantra Sector Skills Council, which also includes the following industries: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal technology; aquaculture; equine; environmental conservation; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing. The sector as a whole currently employs 1,126,000 people (approximately 4% of the UK workforce) in around 230,000 businesses. In addition, there are an estimated 500,000 volunteers working in the sector on a regular basis. Approximately 42% of the workforce is self-employed.
The animal care industry offers opportunities to work in kennels or catteries, through to animal charities, zoos and wildlife parks. The work in this industry generally covers the health, welfare, handling supervision and husbandry of animals. Animal care encompasses: pet shops; animal boarding establishments, animal breeding; dog training (including animals in entertainment and education, as well as working dogs); pet styling and grooming; animal welfare charities; animal care services (for example animal hydrotherapy, dog walkers/sitters); zoos and wildlife parks (including wildlife rehabilitation); animal visitor attractions; and animal related public services (for example dog/animal wardens).
Key facts:
- There are approximately 78,000 people working in the industry, in around 12,650 businesses.
- Almost three quarters of the animal care industry accounts for pet shops and pet supplies, boarding establishments, and dog clipping and grooming businesses.
- 86% of businesses employ 5 or less staff.
- 87% of the workforce is employed full-time.
- Volunteers are a significant part of the workforce within the animal care industry.
Jobs in the industry include: animal trainer (audio visual), assistance dog trainer, head zoo keeper, dog trainer – racing greyhounds, inspector, dog trainer – uniformed forces, animal care assistant, animal clinic assistant, dog groomer, manager of zoos or wildlife establishments, safari park ranger, dog warden.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 6,750 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,100 businesses.
East of England – There are an estimated 9,300 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,450 businesses.
London – There are an estimated 8,750 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,000 businesses.
North East – There are an estimated 2,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 450 businesses.
North West – There are an estimated 6,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,300 businesses.
South East – There are an estimated 11,200 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,850 businesses.
South West – There are an estimated 9,400 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,450 businesses.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 7,300 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,050 businesses.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 5,700 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,050 businesses.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 1,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 250 businesses.
Scotland – There are an estimated 7,900 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,050 businesses.
Wales – There are an estimated 2,500 employees in the regional workforce, in around 650 businesses.
[N.B. Data derived from Experian National Surveys Database, 2008.]
