How much does a animal caretaker make?

In the US, pay can differ with experience, animal-care skills, and the type of employer, such as a kennel, shelter, or zoo. Location, specialized duties, and hours or shifts can also change what someone earns.

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. Excludes “Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers” (31-9096) and “Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals” (45-2093).

What's a typical day like?

They check animals, prepare food and water, and clean cages or habitats. They may groom or exercise the animals and record feedings and changes in their health.

In the US, many start after high school, around age 18, and learn on the job; employers often prefer animal-care experience. Volunteering helps, while zoo jobs may require a life-science degree and experience.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching.

Zoo caretakers may hide treats or use scents to spark animals’ senses and encourage natural behaviors. This is called enrichment.