BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasAnimal Caretakers

O*NET · 39-2021.00

Animal Caretakers

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 ACG · Animal Care Attendant · Animal Care Giver (ACG) · Animal Care Service Worker · Animal Care Specialist · Animal Care Taker · Animal Care Technician · Animal Caregiver
74 more

Animal Caretaker · Animal Daycare Provider · Animal Feeder · Animal Groomer · Animal Handler · Animal Health Technician · Animal Keeper · Animal Nursery Worker · Animal Rehabilitator · Animal Shelter Worker · Animal Sitter · Aquarist · Aquarium Tank Attendant · Aviculturist · Bather · Bird Raiser · Bird Tender · Canary Raiser · Care Assistant · Care Taker · Caretaker · Cat Bather · Cat Groomer · Cat Sitter · Dog Barber · Dog Bather · Dog Beautician · Dog Boarder · Dog Daycare Attendant · Dog Groomer · Dog Hair Clipper · Dog Pound Attendant · Dog Raiser · Dog Sitter · Dog Walker · Farrier · Groomer · Horseshoer · Hot Walker · Keeper · Kennel Aide · Kennel Assistant · Kennel Attendant · Kennel Helper · Kennel Keeper · Kennel Operator · Kennel Tech · Kennel Technician (Kennel Tech) · Kennel Worker · Mice Raiser · Monkey Keeper · Parakeet Raiser · Pet Care Associate · Pet Care Specialist · Pet Care Worker · Pet Caretaker · Pet Feeder · Pet Groomer · Pet Sitter · Pet Specialist · Pet Stylist · Pony Rider · Pound Attendant · Pound Keeper · Poundmaster · Reptile Keeper · Ringman · Stock Feeder · Walker · Wild Animal Caretaker · Wildlife Rehabilitator · Zoo Caretaker · Zoo Keeper · Zookeeper

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RSC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Stockers and Order Fillers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RSCRealistic · Social · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.17
  • S Social3.75
  • C Conventional3.25
  • I Investigative2.75
  • A Artistic1.63
  • E Enterprising1.52

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma10%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
  • Bachelor's Degree13%
Related work experience
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (33%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (57%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Monitoringbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Service Orientation3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Coordination3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Writingbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23

Tasks

11 core · 11 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.4.8
  2. Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.4.7
  3. Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.4.6
  4. Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.4.5
  5. Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.4.5
  6. Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.4.4
  7. Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.4.4
  8. Answer telephones and schedule appointments.4.2
  9. Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.4.2
  10. Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.4.0
  11. Perform animal grooming duties, such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.3.9
Show the other 11
  1. Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.4.3
  2. Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.4.2
  3. Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.4.2
  4. Discuss with clients their pets' grooming needs.3.9
  5. Transfer animals between enclosures to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.3.9
  6. Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.3.8
  7. Anesthetize and inoculate animals, according to instructions.3.8
  8. Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment, such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.3.8
  9. Train animals to perform certain tasks.3.7
  10. Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.3.4
  11. Sell pet food and supplies.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administrative3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • English Language3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training2.62.8
  • Administration and Management2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Mathematics2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Psychology2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
Show all 33
  • Chemistry2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Computers and Electronics2.32.6
  • Communications and Media2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Mechanical2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Production and Processing2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Food Production1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Telecommunications1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Engineering and Technology1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Geography1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Law and Government1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Design1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Fine Arts1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Foreign Language1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Physics1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and Construction1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • History and Archeology1.4—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Information Ordering3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Expression3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Static Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.02.9
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Extent Flexibility2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Written Comprehension2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Manual Dexterity2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Stamina2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Category Flexibility2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective Attention2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written Expression2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Auditory Attention2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Multilimb Coordination2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Perceptual Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Visualization2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Response Orientation1.60.8
  • Explosive Strength1.50.6
  • Reaction Time1.50.6
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.43.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.23.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.8
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.62.7
Show all 41
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.62.7
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Thinking Creatively3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.22.6
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.02.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.02.8
  • Training and Teaching Others3.02.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Working with Computers2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Developing and Building Teams2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.41.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Spend Time Standing4.3
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.0
  • Exposed to Contaminants3.9

Technology

17 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (11)
  • CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
  • DaySmart Software 123Pet
  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Envision Pet Grooming
  • Groom Pro
  • Groomsoft
  • K9 Bytes K9 Koordinator
  • Kennel Link
  • Mobile Dog Grooming Software mGroomer
  • Petschedule
  • The Groomer's Write Hand

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
  2. Animal Trainers
  3. Animal Breeders
  4. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
  5. Animal Control Workers
  6. Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals
  7. Personal Care Aides
  8. Childcare Workers
  9. Home Health Aides
  10. Nursing Assistants

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.