The practical training to become a Federal VET Diploma animal keeper takes place either in an animal shelter or a zoo, in a zoo, a breeding farm, a dog salon or a research facility.

Animal keepers must have a high level of reliability and a sense of responsibility, patience and a balanced nature for their work with a wide variety of animals. An animal keeper should of course love animals, but also understand the need to end an animal's life at some point, for example if it is in too much pain. Good observation skills are also part of working with animals, as well as not being afraid of dirty and physically demanding work. It is also important to be able to interact with other people, such as zoo visitors, kindergarten groups, animal owners or other interested parties, with whom you should be able to communicate in a friendly and competent manner. Interested parties should also not have any allergies that would affect their ability to carry out the job.

An animal keeper with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training is responsible for the welfare of the animals in their care. They are responsible for the care, breeding and keeping of the animals, cleaning the enclosure, preparing and distributing food, disease prevention and contact with visitors, customers and employees. In addition to grooming, they are also responsible for medical care, such as treating wounds, taking temperatures and checking teeth, as well as looking after young animals.

After completing basic training as an animal keeper Federal VET Diploma, it is advisable to gain a few years of professional experience in one or more jobs before becoming self-employed. A business management course could also be very helpful for this step. Afterwards, there is a good chance of successfully establishing your own business, for example with a dog school, boarding kennel, dog salon, weekend care, animal shelter or similar services.

The chances of getting a job as an animal keeper after completing an apprenticeship are quite good. However, the chances of obtaining an apprenticeship in your desired field are rather modest, as only 50 to 100 positions are advertised each year in German-speaking Switzerland. Therefore, if you get an apprenticeship and perform well, you are very likely to get a job in animal care after your apprenticeship.