Nonfarm animal caretakers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Nonfarm animal caretakers typically work with cats and dogs in animal shelters or rescue leagues. All caretakers attend to the basic needs of animals, but experienced caretakers may have more responsibilities, such as helping to vaccinate or euthanize animals under the direction of a veterinarian. Caretakers also may have administrative duties, such as keeping records, answering questions from the public, educating visitors about pet health, and screening people who want to adopt an animal.
- Education Required
- Most animal care and service worker positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Required
- Most animal care and service workers learn through on-the-job training.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 20% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills. For example, several professional associations and hundreds of private vocational and state-approved trade schools offer certification for dog trainers.
- Median pay: How much do Animal Care and Service Workers make?
- $22,230 Annual Salary
- $10.69 per hour
Careers for Animal Care and Service Workers
- Animal care technicians
- Animal caregivers
- Animal caretakers
- Animal daycare providers
- Animal groomers
- Animal shelter workers
- Animal sitters
- Animal trainers
- Aquarists
- Aquarium tank attendants
- Cat and dog bathers
- Dog bathers
- Dog beauticians
- Dog groomers
- Dog handlers
- Dog sitters
- Dog trainers
- Dolphin trainers
- Groomers
- Grooms
- Guide dog instructors
- Guide dog mobility instructors
- Guide dog trainers
- Horse breakers
- Horse exercisers
- Horse trainers
- Keepers
- Kennel aides
- Kennel attendants
- Kennel helpers
- Kennel workers
- Licensed guide dog instructors
- Lion trainers
- Marine mammal trainers
- Pet feeders
- Pet groomers
- Pet sitters
- Pet stylists
- Seeing eye dog trainers
- Zookeepers