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What does a Stable Hand do?
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
What are the Main Tasks of a Stable Hand?
- Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
- Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
- Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
- Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
- Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
- Perform animal grooming duties such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.
- Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
- Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
- Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.
- Collect and record animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
- Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
- Discuss with clients their pets' grooming needs.
- Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
- Anesthetize and inoculate animals, according to instructions.
- Transfer animals between enclosures to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.
- Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
- Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
- Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.
- Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
- Train animals to perform certain tasks.
- Sell pet food and supplies.
