This career profile was created in collaboration with Cat Haven WA, Western Australia’s leading cat welfare organisation.
If you love cats and are passionate about their wellbeing, a career as a cat welfare officer (CWO) could be the purr-fect role for you.
This physically demanding but rewarding role is ideal for animal lovers who want to make a real difference to the lives of cats in shelters, rescue centres and rehoming facilities.
As a CWO, you’ll work closely with cats of all ages and personalities, including those recovering from neglect, illness, or injury. From supporting kittens in their early development to helping cats prepare for adoption, every shift is a chance to make a meaningful impact.
While the role requires strength, stamina, and resilience, it also offers immense personal reward. Many people begin in this position and go on to more senior animal care or veterinary nursing roles. It’s a fantastic way to gain experience and grow your career in the animal care industry.
Cat welfare officers play a critical role in feline shelters like Cat Haven WA, which supports over 8,000 cats and kittens annually. These staff members ensure cats are kept healthy, clean, and comfortable while awaiting adoption. In large shelters, CWOs also play an essential part in maintaining strict hygiene protocols and preventing disease transmission.
“Cat welfare officers are one of our most valuable resources. It is a tough but rewarding job, our CWOs play an integral role in ensuring that homeless, lost and abused cats are well cared for, safe and adopted out to loving homes.”
Ros, People and Culture Coordinator (Cat Haven)
Depending on the size and capacity of the facility, a cat welfare officer may be responsible for:
While enrichment may be provided when possible, the main focus in large shelters is on health, hygiene and efficient rehoming.
To be a successful cat welfare officer, you’ll need:
Cat welfare officers are typically employed by:
As of early 2025, the average national salary for a cat welfare officer (or similar animal attendant role) in Australia is approximately $46,300 to $58,500 (based on award rates from fairwork.gov.au). Salaries can vary depending on experience, responsibilities, location, and employer.
While the pay can be modest, the role offers deep personal reward, especially for those passionate about cat welfare. With experience and further study, cat welfare officers can progress into more senior, specialist, or leadership roles.
There is consistent demand for cat welfare officers, particularly during peak periods when shelters bring on additional casual staff to support their core team and volunteer pool.
In Western Australia, shelters like the Cat Haven experience a significant influx of kittens during breeding season, typically from October through to March. During this time, you will often find shelters at capacity as they manage a high number of cats needing support.
In addition to this, as pet adoption rates increase and animal welfare awareness grows, the demand for trained cat welfare officers is expected to remain strong.
While some roles are entry-level, many employers prefer applicants who have completed or are working towards formal animal care qualifications. Recommended courses include:
Many people working in cat welfare roles began their journey as volunteers, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building confidence before moving into paid positions.
Studying with AVT gives you access to experienced trainers, industry placements, and the practical skills you need to succeed in animal care. Our courses provide the perfect combination of structured learning and real-world experience, helping you stand out to employers and giving you the knowledge, skills, and industry connections to move from volunteer work into a fulfilling career caring for animals.
AVT is proud to launch a national internship opportunity for animal care students through a new partnership with Greencross Vets. Students enrolling in our Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Program) will gain real-world experience with guaranteed clinic placements throughout Australia.
If you dream of working with animals and are seeking a fulfilling, flexible career caring for them, why not consider a dog walking business.
Deciding between a Certificate II and a Certificate III in Animal Care? The Certificate II is ideal for beginners, providing foundational skills, while the Certificate III builds on existing experience with advanced training. Explore key differences and find the right course for you.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
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