Dog Handler or Trainer
An Animal Attendant/Veterinary Nurse provides hands-on care and nursing support for animals in Australian veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and veterinary hospitals.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Consistent demand; the Australian pet industry continues to grow.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List
Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 190Learn more →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Provide nursing care for sick and injured animals under veterinary supervision
- Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and surgical procedures
- Administer medications and monitor post-operative recovery
- Educate pet owners on animal care, preventive health, and post-treatment management
Skills required
- Animal nursing and clinical care techniques
- Animal handling and restraint across species
- Veterinary surgical and anaesthetic assistance
- Client communication and pet health education
Typical qualifications pathway
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing; VNCA membership. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.
Visa & occupation list information
Listed on CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 482, and 494 For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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