Animal Caretakers
O*NET 39-2021.00 · SOC 39-2021
Animal Caretaker is a strong career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with +12.1% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 62,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Feed animals and provide fresh water on a schedule
- →Clean cages, kennels, tanks, and animal living areas daily
- →Observe animals for signs of illness or unusual behavior
- →Bathe, brush, and groom animals in shelter or kennel care
- →Administer medications to animals as directed by a veterinarian
Education & How to Get In
Animal Caretaker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Animal Caretaker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Animal Caretaker?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Animal Caretaker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Animal Caretakers is projected to grow 12.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Animal Caretaker make?
The median Animal Caretaker earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Animal Caretaker jobs?
Our model puts Animal Caretaker at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Animal Caretaker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 62,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Animal Caretaker?
Most Animal Caretaker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Animal Caretaker?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Animal Caretaker career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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