Animal caretakers
SOC Code: 39-2021Also known as:
Animal Care Attendant, Animal Care Giver (ACG), Animal Care Service Worker, Animal Care Specialist, Animal Care Taker
Median Annual Salary
$33,470
+12.1% growth (2024-2034)
75K
Openings/Year
392K
Current Jobs
What Animal caretakers 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.
💰 Salary
$33,470
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+12.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
75K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
392,100
Projected Employment (2034)
439,600
Related Careers
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980 •
+9.1% growth
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320 •
+8.7% growth
Animal control workers
$45,830 •
+3.9% growth
Animal trainers
$38,750 •
+5.1% growth
Animal breeders
$52,000 •
+2.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Coordination
Service Orientation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
- Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
- Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
- Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
- Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Animal caretakers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a animal caretakers:
Dog/Pet/Animal Grooming
519 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Anthrozoology
55 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Animal caretakers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become animal caretakers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 23 | A |
| 2 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | 13 | B |
| 3 | Beacon College | Leesburg, FL | 19 | C+ |
| 4 | Merryfield Academy | Oakland Park, FL | 78 | C |
| 5 | Pets Playground Grooming School | Pompano Beach, FL | 13 | C |
| 6 | North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | 10 | C |
| 7 | Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin, TN | 8 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do animal caretakers make?
The median annual salary for animal caretakers is $33,470.
What education do animal caretakers need?
Most animal caretakers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Dog/Pet/Animal Grooming, Anthrozoology.
Is becoming animal caretakers a good career choice?
Animal caretakers is projected to see +12.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 74,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for animal caretakers?
Top colleges for aspiring animal caretakers include
University of Pennsylvania, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Beacon College, Merryfield Academy, Pets Playground Grooming School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to animal caretakers?
Animal caretakers may also be known as: Animal Care Attendant, Animal Care Giver (ACG), Animal Care Service Worker, Animal Care Specialist, Animal Care Taker, Animal Care Technician, Animal Caregiver, Animal Caretaker, Animal Daycare Provider, Animal Feeder, Animal Groomer, Animal Handler, Animal Health Technician, Animal Keeper, Animal Nursery Worker, Animal Rehabilitator, Animal Shelter Worker, Animal Sitter, Aquarist, Aquarium Tank Attendant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.