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Social Services

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$35,360

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$27k – $50k

Job outlook

+12% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Animal Caretakers

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

1.5 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    State license — supervised hours + exam

    License

    Most counseling and social-work roles (LCSW/LPC pattern) require supervised experience hours and a state exam.

    $200–$1,000 · 12 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Animal Caretakers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Animal Caretakers

    Entry / Junior

    $27,250

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Animal Caretakers

    Established

    $35,360

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Animal Caretakers

    Senior

    $42,710

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
  • •Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
  • •Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
  • •Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
  • •Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.