Animal Caretaker

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Work Tasks

• Feed, water, and exercise animals
• Clean and repair animal cages and stables
• Play with animals and watch for signs of sickness
• May give first aid, vaccinate animals, bathe and groom animals, clean their teeth and ears, or sell pet supplies
• Work indoors and outdoors for animal hospitals, kennels, animal shelters, pet stores, stables, and zoos
• Work with dogs, cats, other animals in pet stores; lions, tigers, other animals in zoos; animal food, cages, and cleaning items

Salary, Size & Growth

• $27,000 average per year ($13.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (205,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training and experience with animals
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in biology, animal science, or a related field
• Skills/Courses: Courses in pet grooming and biology
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is required to put animals to sleep.