CFChooseField
Personal Care and Service

Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, 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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Animal Caretakers
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Median pay

$33,470
Median annual pay for Animal Caretakers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

12.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

74,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

392,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Animal Caretakers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+47,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Administrative
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Information Ordering
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Static Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Social
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Sincerity
  5. 5Optimism
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Performing General Physical Activities
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Handling and Moving Objects
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Spend Time Standing

Representative tasks

  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
  • Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
  • Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
  • Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
  • Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
  • Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.

Software and tools

Microsoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMobile Dog Grooming Software mGroomerPetscheduleCEEJS The Pet Groomer's SecretaryK9 Bytes K9 KoordinatorGroomsoftGroom Pro

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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