Some pet photographers specialize in a specific type of animal. Shelter caretakers also assist with behavior assessments, socialization, and coordinating adoptions or fostering. Animal caretakers perform a range of tasks, including feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning and maintaining their living spaces, observing their behavior and health, administering medications as directed by veterinarians, and assisting with grooming and basic veterinary procedures. Animal caretakershave one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Animal workers can be found in several settings, including zoos, schools, research facilities, government agencies, and animal shelters. In some cases, these professionals may also operate the farming equipment that is related to the animals. In some cases, professionals in animal careers actually begin by volunteering for veterinary clinics, animal rescue organizations, animal shelters, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These include: Cleaning and maintaining animal living spaces This is a highly sought-after job due to the unique opportunities and experiences that the role provides. In addition, animal hospitals are able to keep and monitor pets that need inpatient care. Help with incoming pets as well as with the adoption of the pet by their forever home families. information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. Detail oriented. In May 2021, the median annual wages for animal caretakers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: In May 2021, the median annual wages for animal trainers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31, Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. How to Become an Animal Care and Service Worker, Employment projections data for animal care and service workers, 2021-31, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Top Picks, One Screen, Multi-Screen, and Maps, Industry Finder from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. These workers provide products to pet owners, which entails ordering items and maintaining inventory, assisting customers with purchases, and keeping sales records. Those in animal conservation are dedicated to preserving the habitats of animal species, as well as plants. Animal care and service workers need to care for animals on schedule and in a timely manner. In animal shelters, caretakers often work in kennels or cattery areas, where they provide care and attention to animals awaiting adoption. Before an interview, applicants should: If possible, job applicants should do mock interviews with someone they trust to get honest feedback regarding their weaknesses and how to sharpen their answers. You should have a realistic view of the job before making animal keeping your career objective. For research positions, at least a master's degree in these disciplines is required. This position works as part of our Animal Clinical Services team . Animal caretaker National average salary: $23,940 per year Primary duties: An animal caretaker helps the well-being of animals in zoos, animal shelters, clinics, etc. Also, educators may work on the college level, providing the training that professionals like veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and zoologists need to practice. The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certification for master status as a groomer. Their work may involve travel. Other medical jobs do not require as much formal education. Patience. in health care, doctors say, is to ease the heavy burden of documentation that takes them hours a day and contributes to burnout. Dog trainer, dolphin trainer, horse trainer, behaviorist, service animal trainer, search and rescue trainer. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. At some colleges, students may be able to earn a degree specifically in humane education. The Caretakers may work in designated areas equipped with enclosures, incubators, and medical facilities to provide the necessary care, treatments, and rehabilitation for the animals under their care. Public speaking coursework can also be helpful. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. For example, those who want to pursue careers as zoologists or veterinarians must earn a graduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university. These workers may provide animal care services in a number of different ways, including sitting, grooming, and walking. migration or mating). Caretakers in these settings also assist with training sessions and may interact with visitors to educate them about the animals. Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals. Much like networking events, local job fairs can be a valuable resource when looking for work. This includes removing waste, soiled bedding, and debris. For example, equine veterinarians specialize in horses, while food animal veterinarians treat farm animals. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Admission into these programs is extremely competitive, so in order for students to increase their chances of admission, they should successfully complete courses in biology, anatomy, zoology, chemistry, and physiology when they are undergraduates. Aquarium caretakers may also assist with training, habitat enrichment, and public education. Unlike clinics, these facilities provide advanced medical care, including ultrasounds, oxygen therapy, laser surgeries, and laboratory testing. All animal caretakers and animal trainers need to be patient when working with animals. These professionals do this by training animals to respond to commands, getting them accustomed to hearing human voices, and creating training programs to ensure that the animals learn specific behaviors. Marine mammal trainers should be certified in scuba diving. Animal caretakers work in a variety of industries, including pet care, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Then enter your location and click "Search". There are also some administrative duties associated with these positions, such as maintaining clients' records to ensure their pets are getting the services they need. A.I. May Someday Work Medical Miracles. For Now, It Helps Do Paperwork During the mentor/mentee relationship, novice animal workers can obtain guidance and feedback from their more experienced counterparts, as well as get an idea of what they can expect in the field. Jobs in animal protective services are focused on the health and safety of various animals, as well as humans who have been attacked by them. Best Careers Working With Animals: Job Resources For Animal Lovers Would you make a good animal caretaker? State or federal permit may also be required, Compassion, attention to detail, communication. Students often study animal-related subjects such as animal handling, feline management, disease prevention and management, animal cruelty, and nutrition. Some of them are also conventional, meaning theyre conscientious and conservative. Kennel workers/animal attendants are responsible for the day-to-day care of animals in facilities. Zoologists may specialize in a specific area to research. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work mainly in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories. Humane law enforcement officers must complete police certification training. Career as an Animal Caretaker- Job Role, Skills, and Salary Students are expected to complete general education courses outside of their animal education, so they often study topics such as English composition or communication to augment their regular classwork. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. Here is a list of tasks that Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers do every day. Experienced grooms sometimes help train horses. They may work in grooming salons, pet daycare centers, kennels, veterinary clinics, pet stores, or animal shelters. The median annual wage for animal trainers was $31,280 in May 2021. This site includes information on animal jobs, as well as internships, scholarships, and training opportunities. PETA's work includes public education, investigation, research, animal rescue, lobbying services, and protest/awareness campaigns. Veterinarians are also required to obtain a license in the state where they practice, which entails passing both a national and state-specific examination. Veterinary technicians may also help to keep patient records up to date. Provides information about the types of zoo careers available, the animals that these professionals work with, and research related to the field. Those who want to contribute to animals by positively affecting policies, legislation, and regulations may work for government agencies. Animal Caregiver. Getting college financial aid shouldnt be one of them. Animal care and service workers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Veterinary technicians may specialize in a specific type of animal. The smaller the relative standard error, the more precise the estimate. Overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 29 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. These jobs do not require a specific formal education and workers can learn through on-the-job training. A Day In The Life of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make sure you're on a federal government site. Time management, decision-making, math, writing, speaking, coordination, negotiation, customer service. They provide basic care to animals, including feeding, cleaning, and ensuring their comfort. Pet and animal photographers capturing images for commercial, artistic, or personal purposes. at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm (visited June 13, 2023). This may include walking dogs, providing toys or puzzles, or creating environmental enrichment for animals in captivity. The Mid-Missouri Fisher House features 16 fully furnished suites and serves as a "home away from home" for the families of Veterans or military service members receiving treatment at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Medical Center. Record-Keeping: Animal caretakers maintain accurate records of animal care and observations. Adding information about education, volunteer experiences, extracurricular activities, and internships related to animals will help demonstrate an applicant's strengths and knowledge. Nearly all of these workers deal directly with animals. Career profile for Animal Caretaker | TraitLab Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of animal care and service workers with similar occupations. Some animal trainers are self-employed. They may work in colleges and universities, government agencies, or research facilities. Salary of an Animal Caretaker. Animal shelter attendants typically work with cats and dogs in animal shelters or rescue leagues. 40% of animal caretakers work in full-time roles while 60% work part-time. The They provide the necessary care, attention, and support to ensure that animals are healthy, comfortable, and safe. Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. HEPA Air Purifiers: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can collect 99.97 percent of particles in the air, including pollen, dust, bacteria, and mold. 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. Many states require self-employed animal care and service workers to have a business license. The average Wild Animal Caretaker salary in the United States is $27,846 per year or $13 per hour. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. Those who are interested in animal careers have expansive options available to themfrom the type of animals they want to work with to the settings that they feel are most rewarding. Animal Handling: Animal caretakers are skilled in safely handling animals, considering factors such as species-specific behaviors, temperament, and size. As an animal caretaker, your daily responsibilities might vary depending on where you work. Caretakers may also assist with basic health checks, such as checking for signs of parasites, administering medications, or providing first aid. This is another great way to meet fellow animal lovers and employees, find out about unadvertised career opportunities, and build a strong network. (3) The relative standard error (RSE) is a measure of the reliability of a survey statistic. The continuing popularity of pets Animal caretakers who work at zoos are responsible for feeding and cleaning the animals, cleaning the animals' cages, and examining the animals to make sure they are healthy. Some of the duties and responsibilities of animal caretakers include: Types of Animal Caretakers There are several job titles for those in the veterinary medicine field, including: The responsibilities of animal rescue workers are diverse, and sometimes heartbreaking. Associate degree program for veterinary technicians. Other times, they actually are the veterinarian: Wildlife rehabilitators often have other primary jobssuch as zoologist, biologist, or veterinarian positionsand they practice wildlife rehabilitation as part of their primary occupation. Here is how you know. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. The median annual wage for animal trainers was $31,280 in May 2021. They might also Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the . More about percentile wages. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code. The following are some of the most common careers with animals. Bachelor's degree in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or a related field. And behind the scenes, workers may feed and provide medical care at the zoo, as well as perform administrative tasks that keep the facility running. Injuries may also happen while the caretaker is holding, cleaning, or restraining an animal. In some cases, wildlife rehabilitators work closely with veterinarians in order to determine how to provide the best, most effective care. Although animal care and service workers may consider their work enjoyable and rewarding, they face unpleasant and emotionally distressing situations at times. Zookeepers tend animals in zoos either one species, or . Farm Animal Caretakers: Farm animal caretakers work on farms or ranches, caring for livestock such as cows, pigs, sheep, and poultry. Learn more about wild animal caretaker career paths, Aditional wild animal caretaker education information, What Does a Laboratory Animal Caretaker Do. They clean enclosures, prepare and distribute specialized diets, provide enrichment activities, and monitor the animals' behavior and health. Some caretakers may have to help veterinarians euthanize injured or unwanted animals. Animal trainers may learn their skills from an experienced trainer. Teachers and researchers advance the knowledge of animal health and issues, either in the classroom or the laboratory. This helps in tracking the health, behavior, and progress of animals over time. How to become an animal caretaker - CareerExplorer Research, learning, attention to detail, math. For information about workers who care for animals in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories, see the veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakersprofile. These workers are responsible for managing the operations of a shelter or rescue sanctuary, from working with incoming animals to overseeing the work of staff members. There are also many internship opportunities available to aspiring animal professionals where they can gain experience in areas such as animal behavior, nutrition, medicine, or rehabilitation. Provides information for those interested in poultry science careers. Groomers specialize in maintaining a pets appearance. They may feed, bathe, groom and exercise animals to maintain their health status and provide an adequate level of companionship to them. Animal care and service workers must be able to kneel, crawl, and lift heavy supplies, such as bags of food. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers - CollegeGrad.com Groomers also schedule appointments, sell products to pet owners, and identify problems that may require veterinary attention. Those who adopt before July 9 . They typically groom dogs and cats, which may include cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling fur; clipping nails; and cleaning ears. They may interact with visitors, provide information, and participate in educational events or demonstrations. While some people are able to enter an animal career with on-the-job training alone, in some cases, workers are expected to have a formal education, which may include an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree, depending on the specific career. Oftentimes, veterans in the field are willing to give back to the profession by acting as a mentor to someone who is just starting out. Animal caretakers encompass various specialized roles depending on the specific setting and the type of animals they work with. In order to get these abilities, it takes practice. Animal trainers must be able to assess whether animals are responding to teaching methods and to identify which methods are successful. Is being a Wild Animal Caretaker right for you? An animal caretaker is responsible for the well-being and daily care of animals. How To Hire A Nonfarm Animal Caretaker - Zippia The largest employers of animal trainers were as follows: Animal care and service workers are employed in a variety of settings. The top employment and wage figures are provided above. On a daily basis, Nonfarm Animal Caretakers collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake. Research animal caretakers also maintain accurate records and assist with research procedures as directed by scientists. Veterinary Assistants & Laboratory Animal Caretakers - My Next Move Excludes Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (31-9096) and Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals (45-2093). whales or gorillas) or a certain behavior (e.g. People who are interested in animal careers have a wealth of options available to them. Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, National Animal Care and Control Association, National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Carefully research the organization you want to work for in order to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge in the position and company, Create a list of potential interview questions and practice your answers with a friend, Know how to sell yourself and your skills, while still being humble, Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers, 2023 LearnHowToBecome.org, a Red Ventures Company. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as an animal caretaker: Gain relevant education: While a formal education is not always required, obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent is essential. For example, ornithology is the study of birds and herpetology focuses on amphibians and reptiles. Postsecondary education can be pursued at a vocational school, community college, or a four-year university. Also, some marine biologists focus their research on protists, which are single-celled organisms that have been around for billions of years. New findings add to existing knowledge and help humans to better co-exist with animals as well as preserve their natural habitats. Animal caretakers can be found in various environments, including animal shelters, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, farms, research facilities, and even private households. Zookeepers may help raise young animals, and they often spend time answering questions from the public. One of the advantages of being an animal caretaker is that workers can find employment in a variety of settings, including veterinary medical clinics, zoos, wild animal parks, rehabilitation and conservation centers, animal shelters, pet stores, pet training and boarding facilities, and pet grooming salons. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have experience working with animals. Has information for those who want to work with pigs, including different types of jobs. Other OEWS estimates and related information: May 2022 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2022 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2022 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Division of Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Top Picks, One Screen, Multi-Screen, and Maps, Industry Finder from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation), Computer Systems Design and Related Services, State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OEWS Designation), Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD, Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area, Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area, North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous), Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area, Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area. Wild Animal Caretaker salaries range between $20,000 and $37,000 per year. In addition, horse groomers also provide care for injuries that horses may suffer from, keep racetracks clean, and warm up racehorses before jockeys ride them. Employment opportunities can be found at circuses, zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, movie and television production companies, and research facilities. Here is how you know. From show dogs to house pets, groomers maintain an animal's appearance, which includes shampooing, combing, and styling. Most zoos require zookeepers to have a bachelors degree in biology, animal science, or a related field. Most animal care and service workers have a high school diploma and learn the occupation on the job. Job duties may vary based on where the professional works and how much experience they have. The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. Animal Caretakers Career Video | CareerOneStop Here are some types of animal caretakers and their responsibilities: Animal caretakers have distinct personalities. They may run independent pet stores or franchises. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. They clean cages and dog runs and feed, exercise, and play with animals. However, there are some basic tasks that are common to animal caretakers that you may need to fulfill. SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The workplace of an animal caretaker can vary depending on the specific role and setting in which they work. During their studies, students learn advanced concepts designed to train them on how to provide treatment for animals, understand animal behavior, conduct research, and handle crisis situations. Indeed.com reported that animal caretakers employed in the United States in June 2019 earned an average of $25,355 . They investigate accusations of animal abuse and have arrest powers. It is not necessary for these professionals to have a degree in order to get licensed, however, people interested in these jobs are advised to earn at least a bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife management, animal science, or ecology in order to gain a deeper understanding of animal care and wildlife science than hands-on job training can provide. Use the questions below to assess your skills, interests, and preferences, then read on to see which animal occupations might be a match. For information about those who attend to farm animals, see the agricultural workers profile. For example, those who work in shelters may observe abused, injured, or sick animals. Learn more about the top three fields by clicking on one for more details. Besides their typical day, Vet Assistants also provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses. Students with disabilities face many challenges. Those who want to conduct research are required to earn a doctorate. Where Do Animal Caretakers Work | ChemixtryPro These workers use photographic techniques to get the best images, enhance photographs with software, and maintain equipment. A location quotient greater than one indicates the occupation has a higher share of employment than average, and a location quotient less than one indicates the occupation is less prevalent in the area than average. Take our free career test to find out if animal caretaker is one of your top career matches. Students don't have to wait until they've gotten their dream job to get work experience and in many cases, employers want applicants who already have some knowledge in the field. The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare . Animal Caretaker Job Description, Career as an Animal Caretaker, Salary Professionals who work in these facilities treat sick and injured animals, and then look for good owners to place them with. National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. For more information about pet sitters, including information on certification, visit, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, For more information about animal trainers, visit, The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, International Marine Animal Trainers Association, For more information about keepers, visit, For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see, For a career video on animal trainers, visit.