Animal caretakers work with a variety of animals.
Animal caretakers work in wildlife environments, veterinary hospitals, shelters, nonprofit organizations and zoos. Their work involves animal preservation, educating the general public, rehabilitation, care and research.
Zoo and animal training occupations involve ardent competition, but starting as a volunteer may better chances for employment.
Education
Educational requirements can range extensively for these occupations. Animal preservation, education and biological research careers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology or animal sciences. Careers involving animal grooming, feeding and cleaning require a high school diploma or GED.
Skills
All of these occupations require patience, sensitivity, and problem-solving skills. Due to the nature of the work and the need for communication with pet owners, tact and customer service skills are also required.
Responsibilities
Animal caretakers in research facilities care for research animals by cleaning cages and replenishing food and water on a daily basis.
Kennel attendants care for pets and clean cages, replenish food and water, and exercise animals. They may also provide basic animal health care including bathing, trimming nails, and other grooming needs. Working with clients to schedule animal housing is also typically required.
Groomers are animal caretakers who specialize in maintaining a pet's appearance, including bathing, shaving, clipping and combing pets to the pet owner's approval. An informal apprenticeship is typically required for these occupations, and attending a licensed grooming school may better chances for employment.
Grooms care for horses in stables, which includes feeding, grooming, cleaning stalls and replenishing bedding. These occupations typically require progressive experience or informal training to walk, ride and exercise horses, as well as organize and clean all horse riding and training equipment. Grooms may also attend an accredited private school for horse training and care to advance in their career.
Animal trainers train animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or assisting people with disabilities. Their work involves developing and maintaining established training tactics to train aquatic and land animals. Many of these occupations require a bachelor's degree in biology, animal sciences or a related discipline.
Job Outlook
These occupations are expected to increase 19 percent between 2006 and 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is expected because of the growing companion pet population and the ongoing recognition of the connection between animal abuse and abuse toward humans. This drives private and public funding for opportunities to better the lives of domestic animals, which opens additional job opportunities.
Average Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008-2009 occupational outlook reports average salaries for animal caretakers between $8.22 and $9.38 per hour. For animal trainers, average salaries range from $28,400 and $40,160 per year, depending on the type of employer they work for.
Animal lovers find these occupations attractive, but low wages as well as emotional and physical demands of the work should be considered.
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