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Career Profile

Animal Caretakers

What they do:

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. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Also Called:

Animal Care Giver (ACG), Aquarist, Dog Bather, Dog Groomer, Groomer, Kennel Attendant, Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech), Pet Groomer, Pet Stylist, Zookeeper, Animal Care Giver (ACG), Aquarist, Dog Bather, Dog Groomer, Groomer, Kennel Attendant, Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech), Pet Groomer, Pet Stylist, Zookeeper

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$28,600
Starting Salary (2025)
$31,230
Median Salary (2025)
12.1%
Projected Job Growth
5,820
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Social
Working with people
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Self-Control
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Coordination
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 64%
  • Associate's degree 14%
  • Bachelor's degree 13%
  • Less than high school 10%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Animal Trainers
Animal Breeders
Animal Control Workers
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.