Animal Caretaker
An animal caretaker is a professional responsible for the care and management of various animals, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. They work in diverse environments such as zoos, shelters, pet stores, veterinary offices, and private residences, performing tasks that range from feeding and grooming to exercising and cleaning living spaces. The role requires a deep respect for animals, as well as patience, good communication skills, and the ability to follow schedules and directions. Most positions require a high school diploma, and while no formal experience is necessary, on-the-job training is typically provided.
The job outlook for animal caretakers is promising, with employment growth projected at 16%, indicating a demand for these professionals. Caretakers may engage in various activities, including administering medications, observing animal behavior, and assisting with training or rehabilitation efforts. The work can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to challenging conditions, but it also offers the rewarding experience of directly contributing to the well-being of animals. Overall, animal caretaking is suited for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and solving problems in a hands-on manner.
Animal Caretaker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Hospitality & Tourism
Interests: Training and grooming animals, spending time outdoors, solving problems, communicating with people
Earnings (Yearly Median): $31,830 per year $15.31 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 16% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Yes, primary method of skill acquisition
Overview
Sphere of Work. Animal caretakers tend to the needs of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles for various nonprofit organizations, research facilities, and private businesses, as well as individuals. Animal caretaking encompasses many job titles and occupational specialties, including trainers, groomers, pet sitters, aquarists, zookeepers or animal keepers, veterinary assistants, and attendants in animal shelters, pet shops, and kennels.
Work Environment. Animal caretakers work in kennels, zoos, pet stores, shelters, animal hospitals, wildlife sanctuaries, horse stables, grooming salons, and animal laboratories. Pet sitters usually attend to animals in private residences. Some caretakers travel between client homes or with their animals to special shows. Although some caretakers are limited to working either outside or inside, most divide their time between indoor and outdoor locations. Flexible schedules are common and hours might include nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holiday shifts.
Occupation Interest. Animal caretaker positions attract people who respect animals and understand their particular needs and abilities. In exchange for performing hard physical labor and sometimes unpleasant tasks, animal caretakers gain insight into the unique behavior of animals. They need to be patient and kind yet firm in their treatment of animals. Prospective animal caretakers should be good at following schedules and directions, reading animal behavior, solving problems, and communicating with people.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The two most common responsibilities of animal caregivers are feeding animals and cleaning their living environments. They feed animals according to guidelines set by veterinarians or other professionals, or the animals’ owners. Most animals are given pre-packaged, formulated food, although some may be fed live prey such as rodents, insects, or other small animals. Some baby mammals must be fed by a bottle or dropper. Before cleaning a cage, stall, or other enclosure, the animal caretaker typically removes the animal and places it in another safe location. The habitat is then emptied of debris and sprayed, wiped, mopped, or scrubbed with a strong disinfectant and/or detergent. After rinsing and drying, the caretaker applies a fresh layer of bedding and/or replaces heat lamps, lights, toys, water bottles, and other equipment. Aquariums require particular care to avoid introducing disinfectants or other solutions that endanger aquatic creatures. In addition to cages, animal caretakers may clean carriers, dog runs, quarantine areas, medical treatment areas, and other supplies and rooms that may become contaminated. They must take care to avoid spreading diseases between animals or living areas.
Bathing, grooming, exercising, and socializing are also typical components of animal care. Caretakers may walk dogs, ride horses, or observe mice scurrying through special mazes, which are often among the greatest rewards of the work.
Some animal caretakers assist professional trainers or train animals themselves for educational, entertainment, security, and medical purposes. They also transport animals to shows, animal hospitals, and other locations. Depending on training and work setting, animal caretakers may perform health care tasks, such as dressing wounds and administering medications. They are also sometimes involved with the death of animals or assist with euthanasia.
When not working directly with animals, animal caretakers often keep records, maintain inventories of food and supplies, and greet customers or give educational presentations.
Animal-Nursery Workers (412.674-014). Animal-Nursery Workers care for newborn and young animals in a zoo nursery and exhibit area. They prepare the liquid formula and other foods for the animals and standard diets for mothers and newborns according to the requirements of the species.
Kennel Attendants (410.674-010). Kennel Attendants assist trainers in teaching dogs to be obedient, guide the blind, hunt, track or work as police dogs.
Pet Shop Attendants (410.674-010). Pet Shop Attendants show pets to customers, order and sell supplies and keep sales records.
Stable Attendants (410.674-022). Stable Attendants exercise animals regularly, polish saddles and bridles and assist with horseshoeing. They may also harness, saddle and unsaddle horses as well as rub them down after exercise periods.
Aquarists (449.674-010). Aquarists attend fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits. They also take water samples for laboratory analysis and maintain records of numbers and kinds of fish.
Animal Trainers (159.224-010). Animal Trainers train animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or assisting people with disabilities.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Animals and their environments often come with strong odors or noises. Animal caretakers are at some risk for diseases, bites, scratches, or kicks from animals. In some cases, they may be at risk of contracting illnesses, for example avian flu. They can be exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals, germicides, and insecticides. The work may be physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting, standing for long periods, and regular bending and kneeling. Some caretakers might also find the work emotionally difficult at times.
Human Environment. Many animal caretakers spend as much time working with humans as they do animals. Most report to a supervisor, director, or manager, and interact with volunteers and various staff members, such as veterinarians, research scientists, and professional groomers or trainers. Self-employed pet sitters interact with their clients and, occasionally, household staff. Caretakers who work in animal shelters and commercial settings also interact with the public.
Technological Environment. The level of technological sophistication varies with the type of facility. Some caretakers work in fully equipped offices with computerized feeding schedules and high-tech security systems. Many caretakers also use hand and power tools to maintain cages or other animal environments. Some animal caretakers drive wagons, trucks, vans, or cars to transport animals.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for most jobs. A vocational course in animal science, usually offered through agricultural education programs, will provide a suitable foundation for some animal caretaker jobs; however, students interested in becoming a zookeeper, aquarist, or veterinary technician must follow a college-preparatory program. Important courses include biology, health, math, English, and speech communication. Volunteer or part-time work in an animal shelter, veterinary office, pet store, kennel, or farm, or pet sitting for friends and neighbors will provide the experience desired by many employers. Students should also consider 4-H and similar extracurricular opportunities that build familiarity with animals and their care.
Postsecondary. Most animal caretakers are trained on the job. Continuing education courses in animal care, offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and various animal and veterinary organizations, provide additional skills and knowledge and might be necessary to attain certification for more advanced positions. Business courses will help those who intend to open a kennel or operate a professional pet-sitting business. A bachelor’s degree in zoology or biology is usually the minimum requirement for zookeepers and aquarium attendants, while an associate’s degree is sometimes the minimum requirement for animal laboratory caretakers and veterinary technicians.
Related Occupations
− Veterinary Assistant/Technician
Bibliography
"Animal Care and Service Workers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 39-2021 Animal Caretakers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes392021.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.