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Related Clusters:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Hospitality and Tourism
Job Description: Individuals who love animals may find working with and helping animals very satisfying. Animal caretakers feed and tend to the needs of animals including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. They may work for veterinarians, kennels, animal shelters, aquariums, retail stores, zoological parks or in educational or medical research centers. In the non-research area, caretakers perform many janitorial and housekeeping duties. Job titles and duties may vary according to the employment setting. Kennel attendants usually care for pets while their owners are working or traveling out of town. Animal caretakers who maintain the appearance of small animals are called groomers while those who work in stables are known as grooms. Caretakers who work in zoos are called keepers.
Duties: Animal caretakers may perform some or all of the following duties:
- Feed and water animals
- Observe behavior of animals to identify signs of illness or injury
- Keep records on nutrition and breeding
- Exercise animals
- Bathe animals and trim nails
- Move animals from one cage to another
- Clean food and water containers
- Clean animal living quarters and dog runs
- Assist in obedience training
- Repair and disinfect cages
- Answer telephones and schedule appointments
- Preparing animals for surgery
- Conducting experiments
- Monitoring eating patterns or changes in behavior
For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.
Working Conditions: Animal caretakers usually work 40 to 48 hours each week. The job may include working evenings, holidays, and weekends since animals must be fed and exercised every day. Some individuals consider this an excellent part-time job. Students may gain experience by working after school or on weekends. Caretakers may work indoors or outdoors. They may be exposed to bites, scratches, and diseases from ill, frightened, or nervous animals. In addition, they may have to lift heavy animals and/or supplies. Caretakers of show animals may be required to travel.
Educational Requirements: Most employers -- kennels, pet stores, veterinarians, animal shelters, and stables -- provide on-the-job training. There are few formal training programs, but the American Boarding Kennel Association offers a home study course for kennel technicians. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Agriculture Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online and refer to the Animal Science Sub-Cluster. Experience as a volunteer in a zoo or pet shop will provide valuable experience. After high school, courses in zoology, microbiology, and biology will assist students who wish to prepare for similar occupations within the field.
Outlook: The estimated number of (nonfarm) animal caretakers in Tennessee is 2,550. It is projected there will be an increase of 20 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 115 job openings annually. Employment opportunities are expected to remain good as the population expands and pet ownership grows. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.
| 10% | 25% | Median- 50% | 75% | 90% | |
| TN Annual | $12,590 | $14,890 | $17,440 | $23,040 | $30,390 |
| US Annual | $13,640 | $15,590 | $18,140 | $22,780 | $30,460 |
*Some salaries are listed at an hourly rate. Those that include a single dollar amount are considered hourly wage.
Wage and salary data provided by:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
- TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
- Bureau of Economic Analysis website
For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org
Last updated on: January 23, 2008