Animal Caretaker

Animal caretakers provide daily hands-on care to animals in kennels, shelters, zoos, aquariums, and veterinary facilities — feeding, exercising, cleaning, and monitoring the health of animals that depend on them completely.

With a median salary of $31,200 and 14% projected job growth through 2032, this career offers strong demand but modest pay. It is one of the most accessible animal care careers, typically requiring only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, making it an excellent entry point for people who want to build a career working with animals.

What Does an Animal Caretaker Do?

Animal caretakers — classified by the BLS under SOC 39-2021 — feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, and otherwise care for animals in a wide range of facilities. This is a distinct role from pet grooming, which shares the same BLS classification but focuses specifically on bathing, clipping, and styling animals in salon settings. Animal caretakers work in operational environments where animal welfare is the primary concern: shelters, kennels, boarding facilities, zoos, aquariums, research labs, and animal rescues.

Core responsibilities include:

• Daily feeding and watering — Preparing species-appropriate diets, measuring portions, and ensuring fresh water is always available. In zoo settings, this may involve preparing enrichment feeders and specialty diets for exotic species.
• Enclosure maintenance — Cleaning cages, kennels, stalls, tanks, and habitats. This includes removing waste, sanitizing surfaces, replacing bedding, and maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels.
• Health monitoring — Observing animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes. Caretakers are often the first to notice symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, limping, or abnormal behavior, and they report findings to veterinarians or supervisors.
• Exercise and socialization — Walking dogs, providing play time, and engaging animals in enrichment activities that support physical and mental health. In shelter settings, socialization directly affects an animal’s adoptability.
• Medication administration — Giving oral medications, applying topical treatments, or assisting veterinary staff with basic treatments as directed.
• Record keeping — Documenting feeding schedules, health observations, medications administered, and behavioral notes in facility management systems.
• Client interaction — In boarding facilities and kennels, communicating with pet owners about their animals’ care needs, routines, and any health concerns that arise during their stay.
• Adoption support — In shelter settings, helping potential adopters meet animals, providing background information, and facilitating the adoption process.

The variety within this occupation is enormous. An animal caretaker at a small boarding kennel and one working in the primate house at a major zoo have very different daily responsibilities, skill requirements, and career trajectories — but both fall under this same occupational classification.

A Day in the Life

A day as an animal caretaker at a municipal animal shelter starts early. You arrive at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. and begin morning rounds — walking through the dog kennels and cat rooms to check on every animal. You look for anything concerning: a dog that did not eat last night’s food, a cat with runny eyes, a rabbit that seems unusually still.

Feeding comes first. You prepare dozens of meals, accounting for individual dietary needs — a senior dog on a prescription kidney diet, puppies getting softened food, cats on medication that needs to be mixed into wet food. While animals eat, you begin the labor-intensive work of cleaning: removing soiled bedding, scrubbing kennel floors with disinfectant, hosing down outdoor runs, and replacing water bowls.

By mid-morning, the shelter opens to the public. You help visitors looking to adopt, bringing dogs to meet-and-greet areas and providing information about each animal’s temperament and history. Between visits, you take dogs out for exercise — walks around the facility, play sessions in the yard, or basic leash training to improve their chances of adoption.

Afternoons may bring new intake animals — strays picked up by animal control officers, owner surrenders, or transfers from other facilities. You help process new arrivals: taking photos, recording descriptions, checking for microchips, and settling them into clean kennels. If an animal appears sick or injured, you alert the shelter veterinarian and assist with initial assessment.

The emotional reality of shelter work is significant. You form bonds with animals you care for daily, and not all of them find homes. Euthanasia decisions, while made by veterinarians and management, affect the entire team. The best shelter workers develop healthy coping mechanisms and lean on supportive coworkers to manage the emotional weight.

A day at a zoo or aquarium looks quite different — more focused on habitat maintenance, enrichment activities, and species-specific expertise — but the core of the work remains the same: meeting the physical and behavioral needs of animals that depend entirely on your care.

Animal Caretaker Salary and Job Outlook

National Salary Data

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 data.

Highest-Paying States

State wages reflect broader animal caretaker category (SOC 39-2021), which includes nonfarm animal caretakers across all settings.

Salary by Experience and Setting

• Entry-level kennel attendant (0-1 year): $23,500 - $28,000. Starting wages at boarding kennels, shelters, and pet stores are near minimum wage in many areas.
• Experienced caretaker (2-5 years): $28,000 - $35,000. Caretakers with reliable skills and good attendance move into lead roles.
• Zoo/aquarium keeper (3-10 years): $32,000 - $45,000. Zoos and aquariums tend to pay more but are extremely competitive positions, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
• Facility supervisor/manager (5+ years): $38,000 - $52,000. Managing a boarding facility, shelter, or kennel operation.

The Pay Reality

Animal caretaker pay is among the lowest in the economy. At $31,200 median, this career pays roughly $15 per hour — barely above minimum wage in many states. The work is physically demanding, emotionally taxing (especially in shelters), and the schedule often includes weekends and holidays because animals need care every day of the year. People enter this field because they love animals, but financial sustainability requires a realistic plan: either using it as a stepping stone to higher-paying animal care roles like veterinary technician or leveraging experience into management or specialized positions at zoos, aquariums, or research institutions.

How to Become an Animal Caretaker

Education Requirements

Minimum: High school diploma or GED for most kennel, shelter, and boarding positions.

Most animal caretaker positions require no formal post-secondary education. Employers provide short-term on-the-job training covering facility protocols, animal handling, and safety procedures.

However, certain settings have higher education expectations:

• Zoos and aquariums — Typically prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field. Competition for zoo keeper positions is intense.
• Research facilities — May require an associate or bachelor’s degree depending on the role and the type of research conducted.
• Veterinary clinics — No degree required for kennel/caretaker roles, but experience here can lead to veterinary assistant or veterinary technician career tracks.

Training Programs and Certificates

While not required for most entry-level positions, several training options can strengthen your resume and expand your skills:

• Animal care and management certificates — Community colleges and vocational schools offer programs covering animal health, nutrition, behavior, and facility management. Programs range from a few months to one year and cost $2,000 - $8,000.
• Animal shelter management programs — Organizations like the ASPCA and Humane Society offer specialized training in shelter operations.
• Zookeeper preparation programs — A handful of colleges offer AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) recognized programs specifically designed for zoo careers.

Volunteer and Entry-Level Experience

The single most important thing you can do to build a career in animal care is gain hands-on experience:

• Volunteer at a local shelter — Most shelters welcome volunteers for dog walking, cat socialization, and general care. This experience demonstrates commitment to employers.
• Intern at a zoo or aquarium — Competitive but invaluable for breaking into zoo keeping.
• Work part-time at a boarding facility or pet store — Entry-level positions provide practical animal handling experience.

Timeline from start to working: Immediate for basic kennel and shelter positions. 4+ years for zoo keeper positions requiring a bachelor’s degree.

Licensing and Certification

No License Required (For Most Roles)

Animal caretakers are not required to hold a state license in any state. This is one of the most accessible career paths in animal care.

Voluntary Certifications

Several professional certifications can distinguish you from other candidates and demonstrate competency:

• Certified Professional Animal Care Operator (CPACO) — Offered by the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) for kennel and boarding facility operators
• Animal Care Specialist certification — Available through the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) for shelter workers
• Certified Aquarist — For aquarium professionals, through the Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) group
• Fear Free Certification — Training in low-stress animal handling, increasingly valued by employers in all animal care settings
• Pet First Aid and CPR — Offered by the American Red Cross and other organizations, this basic certification is inexpensive and practical

Zoo and Aquarium Credentials

Working at AZA-accredited facilities often requires or prefers:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science
• Significant volunteer or internship experience (often 1-2 years unpaid)
• AZA Professional Development courses

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills

• Animal handling and restraint — Safely managing animals of various species, sizes, and temperaments. This is the foundational skill for every setting.
• Species-specific knowledge — Understanding the dietary, behavioral, and environmental needs of the species you work with
• Health observation — Recognizing signs of illness, injury, parasites, and behavioral distress
• Sanitation and biosecurity — Properly disinfecting enclosures and preventing disease transmission between animals
• Basic medical care — Administering oral medications, applying topical treatments, and performing basic wound care as directed

Equipment and Tools

• Leashes, leads, muzzles, and catch poles for animal handling
• Pressure washers and industrial cleaning equipment for facility sanitation
• Animal transport crates and carriers
• Scales for weighing animals
• Microchip scanners
• Shelter management software (PetPoint, Shelter Buddy, Chameleon)
• Enrichment supplies (puzzle feeders, toys, training equipment)

Soft Skills

• Patience — Animals can be frightened, aggressive, or unpredictable. Calm, patient handling is essential for safety and animal welfare.
• Physical stamina — This is manual labor. You are on your feet all day, lifting bags of food, restraining animals, and cleaning.
• Emotional resilience — Particularly important in shelter settings where euthanasia and abuse cases are part of the reality
• Reliability — Animals need care every single day, including weekends and holidays. Attendance matters more in this field than in most.
• Teamwork — Coordinating with veterinarians, volunteers, management, and fellow caretakers

Work Environment

Settings

• Animal shelters and rescues — Municipal and nonprofit organizations housing stray, surrendered, and rescued animals
• Boarding kennels and pet hotels — Commercial facilities caring for pets while owners travel
• Veterinary clinics and hospitals — Kennel and ward care supporting the veterinary team
• Zoos and aquariums — Caring for exotic and wild species in managed environments
• Pet stores — Caring for animals available for sale and maintaining habitats
• Research laboratories — Providing husbandry care for animals in biomedical and academic research

Schedule

Animals require care 365 days a year. Expect weekend, holiday, and sometimes overnight shifts. Most caretakers work full-time (40 hours per week), but part-time positions are also common in boarding and pet store settings. Zoo keepers often work early morning shifts (starting at 6:00-7:00 a.m.) before the facility opens to the public.

Physical Demands and Hazards

• Standing, walking, bending, and lifting for the majority of every shift
• Lifting feed bags (up to 50 lbs), animals, and equipment
• Exposure to animal waste, noise, odors, and allergens
• Risk of bites, scratches, and kicks
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals and disinfectants
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions (shelter and zoo settings)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deeply rewarding work for people who love animals
• No formal education required for most entry-level positions
• Strong job growth (14%) and high number of annual openings (55,200)
• Variety of work settings from shelters to zoos
• Can serve as a launching pad for higher-level animal care careers

Cons:

• Low pay ($31,200 median) with limited salary growth potential
• Physically demanding work with risk of injury from animal handling
• Emotional toll, especially in shelter environments
• Weekend and holiday work is standard, not exceptional
• Cleaning animal waste and maintaining sanitation is a major part of every day

Career Advancement

Advancement Path

Growth Options

• Veterinary technician — Earn an associate degree and VTNE credential for a significant step up in responsibility and pay. See our veterinary technician guide.
• Shelter management — Move into operations, fundraising, and program management at nonprofit animal organizations
• Zoo keeping specialization — With a biology degree and experience, specialize in primates, marine mammals, big cats, or other taxa
• Animal control officer — Work for municipal animal control agencies, which often offer better pay and government benefits
• Animal behavior and training — Transition into dog training or animal behavior consulting

Related Careers

• Veterinary Technician — $41,240 median, requires associate degree
• Veterinary Assistant — ~$30,000 median, clinical setting
• Pet Groomer — $31,200 median (BLS category), salon or mobile business
• Dog Trainer — Variable income, behavior-focused
• Wildlife Conservationist — $69,260 median, requires bachelor’s degree

Browse all Animal & Environmental Careers.

Professional Associations

• National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) — Training and certification for animal control and shelter professionals
• Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) — Resources for boarding, grooming, daycare, and pet-sitting businesses
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) — Accreditation and professional development for zoo and aquarium professionals
• National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) — Advocacy and education promoting responsible animal care practices
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) — Resources, training, and grants for animal welfare organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to become an animal caretaker?

No. Most kennel, shelter, and boarding facility positions require only a high school diploma or GED. Employers provide on-the-job training. However, zoo and aquarium keeper positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or animal science.

How much do animal caretakers make?

The national median salary is $31,200 per year, or approximately $15 per hour. Entry-level workers earn around $23,500, while experienced caretakers and those in higher-cost-of-living states can earn up to $43,730. Zoo keepers and facility managers typically earn more than basic kennel attendants.

Is animal caretaker a good career?

It is a deeply rewarding career for people who are passionate about animal welfare, but the financial reality is challenging. The pay is low, the work is physically demanding, and the emotional toll — especially in shelter work — is significant. Many people use animal caretaker positions as stepping stones to higher-paying careers like veterinary technician, shelter management, or zoo keeping.

What is the difference between an animal caretaker and a pet groomer?

Both fall under the same BLS category (SOC 39-2021), but the roles are quite different. Animal caretakers focus on daily welfare — feeding, cleaning, exercising, and health monitoring — in facilities like shelters, kennels, and zoos. Pet groomers specialize in bathing, clipping, and styling animals in salon or mobile grooming settings. Grooming is a specific skill set focused on appearance and coat health.

How do I get a job at a zoo?

Zoo keeper positions are highly competitive. The typical path involves earning a bachelor’s degree in biology or zoology, completing 1-2 years of volunteer or internship experience at an AZA-accredited zoo, and applying for entry-level keeper positions. Networking through AZA conferences and building relationships during internships is essential.

What animals do caretakers work with?

It depends on the setting. Shelter and kennel caretakers primarily work with dogs and cats. Pet store caretakers may handle small mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish. Zoo keepers work with species ranging from invertebrates to large mammals. Research facility caretakers may work with rodents, primates, or other model organisms depending on the institution.

Is animal caretaker work dangerous?

There is a real risk of bites, scratches, and kicks, especially when handling frightened or aggressive animals. Caretakers also face exposure to zoonotic diseases, allergens, and cleaning chemicals. Proper training in animal handling and use of personal protective equipment significantly reduces these risks.

Can I work as an animal caretaker part-time?

Yes. Many boarding facilities, pet stores, and shelters offer part-time positions. This makes the field accessible for students, people transitioning careers, or those building experience while pursuing further education in veterinary technology or animal science.

Compare animal care programs near you. Program availability, tuition, schedules, and requirements vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details.

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