Animal Caretaker

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Work Tasks

ANIMAL CARETAKERS take care of animals in such places as zoos, animal hospitals and clinics, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, laboratories, boarding kennels, and aquariums. They feed, water, bathe, groom, and exercise animals. They repair equipment and cages, and sweep, clean, and disinfect animal quarters. Animal caretakers play with the animals and watch for signs of illness. They may treat minor injuries or ailments. They sometimes assist in raising animals when they are very young.

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)

Entry Requirements

Most ANIMAL CARETAKERS are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer to hire people with some experience with animals. Some training programs are available for specific types of animal caretakers, but formal training is usually not necessary for entry-level positions. A few pet-grooming schools also have programs for people interested in grooming pets. Large zoos may want caretakers to have a bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, or a related field.