Pet shop assistants sell animals, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as fish, birds, rabbits, reptiles and insects. They also sell pet food, accessories and bedding.
The Work
You could be:
feeding the animals and exercising them when necessary
cleaning out cages and tanks
making sure the temperature and conditions are correct for the animal
catching a particular fish or other animal for a customer
serving the customers and taking payment
advising customers how to look after the animals they buy
selling pet care products
ordering, receiving and unpacking stock and filling shelves
cleaning and tidying the shop.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).
As of 1 April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £8.00 an hour for workers under 18, £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour.
Supervisors or assistant managers may earn around £22,000 a year. Managers may earn around £25,000 to £30,000 a year.
Conditions
You would work around 40 hours a week, perhaps working five days out of seven.
You would work mainly indoors at a retail outlet, store or larger pet store supplier.
You would deal with animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits, as well as reptiles, insects and fish.
You have to handle animals carefully as they may bite if scared or anxious.
You will clean out dirty, smelly cages.
You have to carry heavy items such as cages and sacks of food.
You may be provided with a uniform to wear, and may sometimes need an apron or gloves.
You do not need formal qualifications, but a good general education is useful.
Experience with animals is useful and may be essential.
You should be fit enough to carry heavy loads.
Apply to small independent shops, or to pet superstores.
You could get experience through a weekend job.
What Does it Take?
You need to be:
interested in animals
gentle and confident in handling animals
practical
able to learn more about working with animals
not squeamish
aware of health and safety
good at communicating for serving customers and giving advice.
Training
Your employer might arrange part time training for you.
You could do an NC (SCQF Levels 4-5) in Animal Care at college. To get in you would need some subjects at National 4 or 5, preferably including English and Maths.
You can do a City and Guilds Level 3 Award or Certificate in Pet Store Management by distance learning.
