Animal Caretakers
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.
80 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Animal Caretakers: $33,470 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Care for animals. | General |
| Schedule appointments. | General |
| Perform administrative or clerical tasks. | General |
| Respond to customer inquiries. | General |
| Administer basic health care or medical treatments. | General |
| Document client health or progress. | General |
| Order materials, supplies, or equipment. | General |
| Prepare foods or meals. | General |
| Clean tools or equipment. | General |
| Explain regulations, policies, or procedures. | General |
| Train animals. | General |
| Sell products or services. | General |
| Clean facilities or work areas. | General |
| Perform housekeeping duties. | General |
| Provide care for animals. | General |
| Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers. | General |
| Monitor health or behavior of people or animals. | Maintenance |
| Maintain supply or equipment inventories. | Maintenance |
| Monitor patron activities to identify problems or potential problems. | Maintenance |
| Maintain facilities. | Maintenance |
| Discuss service options or needs with clients. | Communication |
| Confer with clients to discuss treatment plans or progress. | Communication |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary | Data base user interface and query software |
| DaySmart Software 123Pet | Data base user interface and query software |
| Envision Pet Grooming | Data base user interface and query software |
| Groomsoft | Data base user interface and query software |
| K9 Bytes K9 Koordinator | Data base user interface and query software |
| Kennel Link | Data base user interface and query software |
| The Groomer's Write Hand | Data base user interface and query software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus | Calendar and scheduling software |
| Groom Pro | Calendar and scheduling software |
| Mobile Dog Grooming Software mGroomer | Calendar and scheduling software |
| Petschedule | Calendar and scheduling software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Board Certified in Animal Food Science | American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists | Not Available |
| Certified Farrier | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Certified Journeyman Farrier | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Certified Journeyman Farrier - Educators Endorsement | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Certified Journeyman Farriers - Forging Endorsement | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Certified Journeyman Farriers - Therapeutic Endorsement | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Certified Manager of Animal Resources | American Association for Laboratory Animal Science | Not Available |
| Certified Professional IACUC Administrator | Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research | Not Available |
| Certified Professional Pet Sitter | Pet Sitters International | Not Available |
| Certified Tradesman Farrier | American Farrier's Association | Not Available |
| Equine Facility Manager Level 1 - Stable Worker | Certified Horsemanship Association | Not Available |
| NACA ACO I | National Animal Care and Control Association | Not Available |
| NACA ACO II | National Animal Care and Control Association | Not Available |
| National Certified Master Groomer | National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. | Not Available |