SOC 2020 code 6129 · Caring, leisure and other service occupations

Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified

Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.

Skilled Worker rules for SOC 6129

Existing workers only

Since 22 July 2025, Animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified (SOC 6129) can only be sponsored for people who were granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules in place before that date and have held it continuously since.

Going rate: £33,400
New entrant rate: £33,400
Major group: 6

Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £33,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.

Job titles under SOC 6129

The ONS coding index files 103 job titles under this code. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with CASCOT or the employer.

Animal care assistant

Animal care laboratory technician

Animal clinic assistant

Animal collection officer

Animal health attendant

Animal nursing auxiliary

Animal welfare assistant

Animal welfare officer

Attendant (racing stables)

Breeder (bloodstock)

Daycare assistant (kennels)

Equine barefoot trimmer

Foreman (zoological gardens)

Head keeper (zoological gardens)

Head lad (racing stables)

Headman (racing stables)

Keeper (zoological gardens)

Livery stable keeper

Livestock assistant (retail trade)

Technical assistant (veterinary surgery)

Technician (laboratory, animal care)

Trek assistant (equestrian trekking centre)

Trek leader (equestrian trekking centre)

Veterinarian's technical assistant

Veterinary assistant

Veterinary care assistant

Veterinary nursing assistant

Veterinary surgeon's assistant

Whipper-in (hunting)

Work rider (stables)

Yard man (livery stable)

Yardman (livery stable)

Yardsman (livery stable)

Sponsors advertising animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified jobs

We have not read an advert we could place in this code since October 2025. We read visa sponsorship adverts from Reed and Adzuna every 4 hours.

From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.

Questions about SOC 6129

Can animal care services occupations not elsewhere classified be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?

What is the going rate for SOC 6129?

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £33,400 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Which job titles come under SOC code 6129?

The ONS coding index files 103 job titles under 6129, including animal attendant, animal care assistant, animal care laboratory technician, animal care worker, animal carer, animal careworker, animal clinic assistant, animal collection officer. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.