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Animal Caretakers care for animals bred for scientific and non-research purposes on farms and in kennels, hospitals, and laboratories, and other facilities.

JOB DUTIES 

Animal Caretakers may:

Water and feed animals

Clean living areas

Wash and groom animals

Inspect animals for disease or injury

Exercise animals when necessary

In research laboratories Animal Caretakers may:

Clean and sterilize surgical equipment and operating rooms

Keep records and accounts

Lead animals between living areas and laboratories

Make sure temperature controls are set properly

Bandage wounds

Assist in medical treatment

Remove dead animals for disposal

Separate animals by breed/color/size/age for breeding purposes

Pack animals for shipment

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Animal Caretakers may specialize in these areas:

410.674-010 ANIMAL CARETAKERS care for non-research animals, as well as animals bred for scientific purposes.

412.674-010 ANIMAL KEEPERS attend to the needs of animals and birds in zoos or circuses and are named according to the animal cared for, such as bear keeper, bird keeper, or reptile keeper. They may answer visitors' questions or train animals for performances.

410.674-010 KENNEL ATTENDANTS may help trainers teach dogs to be obedient, hunt, track, guide the blind, or work as police dogs. They also chart the pet's health and activities.

410.674-010 PET SHOP ATTENDANTS show pets to customers, order and sell supplies, keep sales records, and answer customer questions regarding the care of animals.

410.674-022 STABLE ATTENDANTS exercise animals regularly, polish saddles and bridles, and assist with horseshoeing. They may harness, saddle, and unsaddle horses, as well as rub them down after exercise periods.

449.674-010 AQUARISTS attend fish and other aquatic life in aquariums.

They also take water samples for laboratory analysis and keep records of numbers and kinds of fishes.

418.674-010 DOG GROOMERS comb, clip, trim, and shape dogs' coats, using their knowledge of grooming techniques and styles.

412.674-014 ANIMAL NURSERY WORKERS care for newborn and young animals in a zoo nursery. They may also work in exhibit areas, explaining to visitors the procedures for the care and feeding of young animals, and answering questions about their native habitats and breeding habits.

Some Animal Caretakers work in research labs and for veterinarians as assistants (also called technicians).

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Animal Caretakers may work independently or under the supervision of professionals such as veterinarians, zoo curators, and scientists. Animal Caretakers who work in zoos or humane shelters generally work outdoors. Most Aquarists and Pet Shop Attendants work indoors, but kennel and stable attendants may work indoors and outdoors. They may be exposed to a certain amount of noise and odor from the animals. Their work can be strenuous, repetitious, dirty, and sometimes dangerous. They may experience such risks as being bitten, scratched, exposed to disease, and possible injuries while restraining animals.

Most Animal Caretakers work 40 hours per week, but because animals need care 7 days a week, Caretakers may be required to work additional hours at night and on weekends or holidays. Kennel Attendants work overtime during busy summer months. Travel may be required. Caretakers who work for circuses must travel extensively. Some Aquarists may accompany expeditions to collect fishes and other marine life.

Caretakers may be asked to wear uniforms or lab coats which are often furnished by the employer. Stable attendants at race tracks must pay licensing and fingerprinting fees. Groomers buy their own equipment at wholesale prices which range from $500 to $1000 for good quality.

Recently, enterprising small animal Groomers have begun working at customers' homes. Generally, these Groomers own a van which contains all the equipment, materials, and solutions used in cutting, shampooing, and eliminating fleas and ticks. Electricity to run the equipment is usually provided by the customer. Schedules depend on the number of customers and the most convenient time for the customer. Evening and weekend work is common. The workers' equipment may cost about $20,000, including the van.

Some establishments are unionized are unionized and may offer or even require membership. Caretakers who are union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Doing work that is routine and organized

• Caring for animals

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Show concern for the well-being of animals

• Notice any unusual changes in an animal's condition or behavior

• Follow instructions

• Get used to the noises and odors of animals

• Work without constant supervision

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A normal dog is supposed to be fed 1/4 of an ounce of food for every pound he or she weighs, how much food do you feed a dog that weighs 50 pounds?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Dietary fibers are the parts of plant food that cannot be digested by humans. In the past, fiber was called roughage.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able the write a report to your supervisor, explaining any health problems that might have occurred to the animals.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best measures to take in caring for an ill animal.

A valid driver's license may be required if the Animal Caretaker must transport animals and supplies or drive an ambulance. Caretakers working for the government must pass a civil service examination. Stable Attendants at race tracks in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Racing Commission. In order to obtain a license, you must be at least 16 years old, have a working permit if not yet 18, and be fingerprinted. You must be fingerprinted every 5 years. A licensing fee of $2.00 must be paid yearly.

Groomers should have a diploma from an accredited school. Animal Caretakers must love and have a compassion for animals.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-the-Job Training provided by the employer, a High School Diploma or equivalent, a high school diploma with specific Vocational Education classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

002 PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE

Approved vocational education programs in Production Agriculture

prepare students for occupations that involve planning for and using facilities, land, water, machinery, chemicals, and labor in the production of plant and animal products.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

197 ANIMAL GROOMING

Animal Grooming programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to groom pets such as dogs and cats.

Training may include instruction in the following:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer or part-time work may be available at animal shelters, pet shops, kennels, veterinary hospitals, and research centers. Organizations such as 4-H Clubs and scouting groups have projects to train members in animal care. Secondary vocational education programs in production agriculture and postsecondary programs in animal grooming may have co-op or work experience segments.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Animal Caretaker employer

internships

volunteer work with a Animal Caretaker employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of finding a job as an Animal Caretaker include applying directly to employers. Assistance may be obtained by consulting newspaper want ads or by contacting Michigan Works!. Those who wish to work for government agencies must contact a local civil service office and pass a civil service examination. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank    

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal    

Classifieds Employment    

Yahoo! Careers   

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Animal Caretakers' earnings vary greatly according to the individual's education and experience, the employer, geographic location, and job specialty. Starting pay for beginning Caretakers may be the federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour.

Nationally, according to limited data, Animal Caretakers generally earned between minimum wage and $15.00 per hour in 1998. Their median hourly earnings were $10.00.

Animal Caretakers employed by the State of Michigan are classified as Laboratory Assistants. In 1999, their earnings ranged from $10.37 to $17.89 per hour.

Hourly earnings of zookeepers employed by the City of Detroit (1998) were $10.88 to $15.48, depending on their level and responsibilities. Stable Attendants employed by the City of Detroit earned from $9.35 to $11.49 per hour in 1998.

Hourly earnings for full-time animal control officers employed by various county governments in Michigan ranged from $7.74 to $16.41 in 1998. Animal Control Managers earned from $11.24 to $36.35 per hour.

Depending on the employer, some Caretakers receive periodic cost-of- living allowances.

Permanent full-time Animal Caretakers usually receive paid vacations. Other benefits, such as health and life insurance, retirement plans, and sick leave, vary with the kind of business and length of employment. Some receive dental insurance.

Animal Caretakers advancement varies with their specialty and type of employer. A career ladder may be: helper, Animal Caretaker, veterinary technician, supervisor or pet owner. Animal Caretakers who acquire additional education and skills may advance to managerial or supervisory positions. The best opportunities for advancement occur in public service agencies and in government research centers. Staffs of most private firms are too small to provide many promotional opportunities.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, about 130,100 Animal Caretakers were employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Some additional openings will occur to replace those workers who retire, die, or change occupations. About 26.1% of them were self-employed.  The industry distribution for Animal Caretakers looked like this:

About 3,100 Animal Caretakers work in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas.

Employment of Animal Caretakers in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 160 annual openings should occur with 90 due to growth and 70 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. Although the projected number of job openings exceeds the supply of trained individuals, competition for untrained workers will be keen. Opportunities will be best for graduates of approved technical programs and those qualified for laboratory positions. Cutbacks in government funds may reduce the demand for Animal Caretakers. However, steady economic growth should result in an increase in the number of animals boarded at private stables and kennels.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Animal Caretaker can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development