Animal rescuers, also called animal care industry inspectors, snake/animal catchers and wildlife rescuers, attend to and handle animals and reptiles that are sick, injured or need to be relocated.

Wildlife rescuers typically engage in the following duties:

• respond to calls from the general public about injured wildlife
• handle wildlife, including attending to and relocating animals
• investigate reports of animal cruelty and provide care and protection

Industry award coverage

Animal and Veterinary Services Award

Animal rescuers are covered by the Animal and Veterinary Services Award if:

• they work for a community-based charity organisation who are working to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection (for example, RSPCA)
• there's a classification that matches their classifications, duties and responsibilities.

Example

John has just commenced his role as an animal care industry inspector who works for a charity organisation. Under supervision, he responds to complaints in relation to abandoned animals.

John may be covered by the Animal and Veterinary Services Award as an Inspector Level 1.

Local Government Award

Animal rescuers can be covered by the Local Government Award if:

• they are employed by a local government entity or corporation
• there's a classification that matches their qualifications, duties and responsibilities

Other

Pest Control Award

Animal rescuers aren't covered by the Pest Control Award because animals subject to rescues are generally considered wildlife and not a pest.

An employee may be covered by the Pest Control Industry award if:

• they are employed by an employer in the pest control industry
• where is a classification that matches their qualifications, duties and responsibilities

Example

Sandy is employed by a pest control business. She inspects client properties and installs termite management systems to exterminate them.

Sandy is covered by the Pest Control Industry Award.

Miscellaneous Award

A business employing animal catchers that isn't covered by an industry award, may be covered by the Miscellaneous award.

Animal catchers will be classified based on their job duties and qualifications.

Example

Steve is a snake catcher working for a reptile relocation business. He attends call outs for people who have found snakes in their garden at home and relocated the snakes.

Steve is covered by the Miscellaneous Award.