Animal Caretakers

Career summary

#4/10/19 lh

Animal caretakers feed, water, bathe, groom, and exercise animals. They play with animals and provide companionship to them. They watch animals, record their condition, and report any problems. They clean and repair pens, cages, and equipment. Animal groomers bathe cats and dogs. They trim their hair or nails, care for their skin, and clean their ears. They treat animals for fleas and other pests.

Many animal caretakers answer questions about animal behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or activities. They may answer questions for animal owners or the public.

Animal caretakers may work in:

• Animal hospitals
• Animal shelters
• Aquariums
• Livestock yards
• Pet stores
• Research labs
• Stables
• Zoos

Animal hospitals

Some animal caretakers work in animal hospitals with veterinary technicians. They follow directions of the veterinarian and veterinary technicians to give basic care to animals. They answer telephones and schedule appointments to treat or see animals. They may also clean surgical equipment.

Animal shelters

In animal shelters, caretakers take applications from people who want to adopt animals. They give shots to newly admitted animals. They may have to put to death seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. In wildlife shelters, they may help nurse injured wildlife back to health.

Aquariums

Aquarists take care of fish and other aquatic life in aquariums. They prepare food, feed fish, and clean tanks. They monitor water for temperature and cleanliness. They watch for disease or injury. They report problems and may treat animals.

Livestock yards

Some animal caretakers work in livestock yards. They feed farm animals, groom them, and show them for auction.

Pet stores

In pet stores, animal caretakers sell animals and pet food to customers. They advise customers on the care of pets and teach obedience classes. They also prepare animals for shipping and delivery.

Research labs

In research labs, animal caretakers feed and clean up after animals, give medicine, and perform surgery. Lab workers take care of a variety of animals, including mice, rats, birds, fish, monkeys, and cats.

Stables

In stables, caretakers saddle and unsaddle horses, give them rubdowns, and walk to cool them down after rides. They feed and groom horses and clean their stalls. They polish saddles, clean and organize tack rooms, and store supplies and feed.

Some animal caretakers are farriers. Farriers take care of horses' feet. They remove horse shoes and examine hooves for bruises and cracks. They trim and shape hooves and apply aluminum or steel shoes. Farriers fit, shape, and nail shoes to hooves. They also treat hooves that are badly shaped or injured. They may put on corrective shoes.

Zoos

In zoos, caretakers are called keepers or zookeepers. They prepare diets, clean enclosures, and monitor animals' behavior. They may help in research studies and answer questions from visitors. Keepers may work with a broad group of animals, such as mammals or birds.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Animal Breeders
• Animal Trainers
• Counter Attendants
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Food Preparation Workers
• Janitors
• Stock Clerks
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary Assistants
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to animal caretakers.

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and instructions.
• Mix food, formulas, and supplements, following instructions and using knowledge of animal diets.
• Order, unload, and store food and supplies.
• Wash, brush, clip, trim, and groom animals.
• Exercise animals, play with them, and train them.
• Observe animals for signs of injury or illness.
• Record information such as weight, size, physical condition, diet, and food intake.
• Clean and disinfect pens, stables, cages, yards, and equipment.
• Move animals between pens for breeding, birthing, shipping, or showing.
• Monitor and adjust controls to regulate temperature and humidity in animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibits.
• Repair fences, cages, or pens.
• Install equipment such as infrared lights and feeding devices.
• Answer questions about animal behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or activities at a facility.
• Watch and protect children who are petting and feeding animals at exhibits.
• Give anesthesia, shots, or other treatment as directed by supervisor or veterinarian.
• Saddle and shoe animals.
• May answer phones and schedule appointments.
• Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.

Common work activities

Animal caretakers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Think creatively
• Perform for or work with the public
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, animal caretakers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with owners and other workers.
• Communicate daily with others over the phone and in person. Occasionally send emails or written letters and memos.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers and animals.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which customers or animals are difficult to deal with.

Physical work conditions

• Work outdoors when exercising, training, or showing animals. Animal groomers may work outside to wash animals.
• Work indoors when feeding animals and cleaning their pens, stalls, cages, or other shelter. Animal groomers may work inside when drying, fluffing, or combing animals.
• Are sometimes exposed to toxic chemicals in cleansers and medications. Are often exposed to animal waste.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazards such as animal bites, cuts, or needle punctures.
• Are exposed on a weekly basis to uncomfortable sounds and noises, such as barking, howling, or crying animals.
• Work near other animals and workers.

Work performance

• Must take care to finish all details and tasks of their job. Leaving steps out may harm animals or people.
• Must be exact and accurate with animal diets, controlled temperatures and humidity, and other features of animal care. Errors can be harmful.
• Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding on care for an animal.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks throughout the day.

Hours/travel

• May work full time or part time and have a set schedule each week.
• May work nights or weekends in zoos and animal shelters. They may work all-night shifts in some shelters and animal hospitals.
• May travel to competitions when working with show or sport animals.

Physical demands

Animal caretakers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for animal caretakers to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for animal caretakers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Animal caretakers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Animal Grooming
• Animal Training
• Veterinary Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Agricultural Business and Management
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Equestrian Studies
• Veterinary Medicine

Training

To work as an animal caretaker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, courses in animal grooming, care, and handling are helpful. Some courses are available through animal shelters or home-study programs.

Work experience

Growing up on a farm provides good work experience. It is also helpful if you join clubs such as 4-H or National FFA Organization while in high school. Volunteer experience working in an animal hospital or clinic is helpful.

On-the-job training

Animal caretakers usually receive informal, on-the-job training from an experienced worker. You usually start by feeding and watering animals. As you gain experience you learn to read and understand animal behavior. Training generally lasts up to one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Animal Science
• Computer Fundamentals
• Food and Nutrition

Many animal caretakers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire people who have experience taking care of animals. Some require legible handwriting, clerical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers accept hobby knowledge and give some training on the job. Some employers require a driver's license and a good driving record. They want to hire people who can get along well with their coworkers and customers. Many jobs require that applicants read and write English, because food labels and instructions are usually written in English.

This work takes physical and emotional strength. While loving animals is important, taking care of animals is hard work. When animals are sick, injured, homeless, or suffering, animal caretakers need emotional strength.

For jobs with zoos, a four-year degree in zoology, biology, or an animal-related field may be required. Volunteer or paid experience is important. Employers look for people who are dependable and compassionate toward animals. Workers in Washington state who want to give massage to animals under their care must be certified by the State.

Tips

Some colleges and universities have internships available for experience working in zoos. If you want to work in zoos, get experience by working in small zoos first. Even if you volunteer without pay, you will be showing your interest in the field to potential employers. Out-of-state zoos are good places to gain experience, since jobs with Washington zoos are very competitive. Take biology and other science classes. Research prospective employers before applying for jobs to see if the work environment suits you.

Animal caretakers who work with dogs at kennels or pet day care centers must be strong and have quick reflexes and the ability to keep dogs under control. They need to be able to handle many dogs at once during play and exercise times.

Caretakers who run their own business must be good at working with animals and people. Those who have the skills to care for a variety of animals may increase the demand for their services. Self-employed animal caretakers must also be trustworthy since some care for pets at the homes of their clients while they are away.

#Info from Seattle Times article, March 27, 2004.CJ

Costs to workers

Some workers may join a professional association, which often has membership fees and annual dues. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has a national certification program for laboratory animal technicians. Workers who choose to be certified by the State of Washington to offer animal massage must pay related fees.

#Added animal massage cert comment 3/14/17 cj.

Licensing/certification

Some animal caretakers may wish to use massage on the animals with which they work. In Washington, individuals must be certified as animal massage practitioners to offer such services. Certification requirements include:

• completion of 300 hours of approved training in either large or small animal massage; or
• completion of 600 hours total in small and large animal massage;
• passing the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage national equine massage examination for large animal massage and/or canine massage examination for small animal massage;
• completion of a state jurisprudence examination; and
• four-clock hours of HIV/AIDS education.

The initial state certification fee is $250 for either small or large animal massage or $500 for both. The annual renewal fee is $190 for either small or large animal massage or $380 for both.

For more information on certification, contact:

Washington State Department of Health 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#Added info for certification as animal massage practitioner 3/14/17 cj. No change to licensing informaiton 2/6/18 cj. modified 4/10/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Nonfarm Animal Caretakers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary with the type of employer and the cost of living in the area. Pay is often higher in local government agencies, where workers enforce leash laws and operate animal shelters.

Animal caretakers who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 27% of animal caretakers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Animal shelters and humane societies
• Pet supply stores
• Stables and boarding kennels

National outlook

The job outlook is very good however, jobs at aquariums and zoos will be difficult to get. This is because competition is strong and there is a low turnover rate at zoos and aquariums. In contrast, many jobs will be created at kennels and animal groomers.

This is because many people are willing to pay more for pet care than in the past and more pet owners will use kennel and grooming servies. Additionally, demand in animal shelters will grow because of social concerns for animal care and homelessness. Shelters, kennels, and pet stores have a high turnover due to low pay and hard physical labor.

Other resources

American Animal Hospital Association 
12575 West Bayaud Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80228
800.252.2242
303.986.2800

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 
9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive
Memphis, TN 38125
901.754.8620

American Association of Zoo Keepers 
8476 East Speedway Boulevard, Suite 204
Tucson, AZ 85710
520.298.9688

American Farrier's Association 
4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1
Lexington, KY 40511
877.268.4505
859.233.7411

American Veterinary Medical Association 
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800.248.2862

Association of Zoos and Aquariums 
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.562.0777

Certified Horsemanship Association 
1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 7102
Lexington, KY 40509
859.259.3399

Guide Dogs for the Blind 
P.O. Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915

International Boarding & Pet Services Association 
2521 N Main St, Unit 1-310
Las Cruces, NM 88001
877.318.8172

National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. 
PO Box 101
Clark, PA 16113
724.962.2711

North American Veterinary Community 
352.375.5672

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International 
PO Box 33150
Denver, CO 80233
800.369.7433

So You Want to be a Zookeeper? 
(Information from the Saint Louis Zoo)

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Nonfarm Animal Caretakers (39-2021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Animal Caretaker (410.674-010) 
• Animal Keeper (412.674-010) 
• Animal-nursery Worker (412.674-014) 
• Stable Attendant (410.674-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Social

COPSystem

• Outdoor