Animal caretakers feed, water, and care for animals in shelters, farms, zoos, and other facilities. The work is physical and direct. You can start with a high school diploma and learn on the job.
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Animal caretakers provide daily care for animals in various settings. You feed and water animals, clean their living spaces, and monitor their health and behavior. You handle and move animals safely, identify signs of illness or injury, and report concerns to supervisors. You may also help with basic training, exercise, and socialization. The work requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow protocols that keep animals safe and healthy.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Animal Caretakers earn a median of $35,360 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 74,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most animal caretaker positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You learn the specific skills on the job through hands-on training. Look for entry-level positions at animal shelters, farms, zoos, veterinary clinics, or boarding facilities. These roles teach you animal behavior, facility maintenance, and care procedures. Some employers prefer candidates with prior animal experience, which you can gain through volunteering or part-time work. Strong reading comprehension and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions are important.
Most people enter this field by applying directly to animal care facilities or starting as a volunteer. If you are exploring whether this fits your skills and interests, Pathly can map the animal caretaker path that fits you with your counselor to map out entry points and next steps.
You do not need a license to work as an animal caretaker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work with animals. You notice details, follow procedures carefully, and communicate clearly with others. You enjoy physical activity and problem-solving in real-world settings.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).