Animal Welfare and Behavior | University of Pennsylvania

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 39-2021.00

Skills

MonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCoordinationService OrientationJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish Language

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingStatic StrengthNear VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningTrunk StrengthSpeech Recognition

Tasks

Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
Scuba dive in aquariums to perform exhibit maintenance.
Train volunteers and facility staff.

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software

Tools

Air purifying respiratorsAlgae scrapersAmmonia test kitsAnimal cagesAnimal clippersAnimal cratesAnimal handling glovesAnimal handling sleevesAnimal harnessesAnimal muzzlesAnimal nail clippersAnimal nail filesAnimal nail grindersAquarium filtersAquarium heaters

Work Values

RelationshipsSupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium39-2021.00	Animal Caretakers	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complex or non-routine health concerns in animals — evaluate using observational and deductive reasoning, and initiate appropriate veterinary contact or interim treatment protocols.
Multi-species feeding and medication programs — manage autonomously across a full facility caseload, adjusting plans in response to changing animal conditions.
Comprehensive animal health records — maintain with high accuracy using database and office suite software, ensuring data integrity across multiple record types.
Behavioral enrichment and physical exercise plans — develop and implement for individual animals based on species requirements, health history, and facility resources.
Facility sanitation standards and equipment maintenance schedules — oversee and execute across all animal areas to meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
Detailed patron education interactions — deliver informed responses about animal behavior, ecology, and care practices, adapting communication style to diverse audiences.
Unusual or urgent animal care situations — apply judgment and problem-sensitivity to triage needs, prioritize actions, and escalate appropriately within a facility environment.
Intake and assessment of newly arrived or transferred animals — conduct thorough physical observation and documentation to establish baseline health profiles.
Cross-functional coordination with veterinary, administrative, and visitor-services staff — facilitate information flow to support consistent, high-quality animal care.
Facility compliance with animal welfare regulations and standard care protocols — ensure adherence through diligent monitoring and documentation practices.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.