Animal Caretaker

Explore This Path

Perfect for animal lovers who want to nurture and care for diverse species.
Ensure the health and happiness of animals in shelters, zoos, and aquariums.
Unique chance to work with exotic animals and contribute to their well-being.

💰 Earn $35K-$42K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 16.6% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

75,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$36,490 in California

$31,200 Nationally

$25K

$50K

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$125K

$150K

$175K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Animal Caretaker? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@ladymackenzie

@sanfranciscozoo

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Learning
Active Listening
Service Orientation
Speaking
Reading Comprehension

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Animal Caretaker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years