Animal Caretakers

General Information

Description

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.

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Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit59.12%
  2. Self-employed28.70%
  3. Private, not for profit8.36%
  4. State and local government2.93%
  5. Federal government0.17%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Job Outlook

Overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 80,900 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$28,600

Military salary*

$79,452

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$37,450
$18,900
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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 63%
  • Bachelor's degree 13%
  • Associate's degree 13%
  • Less than high school 9%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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