Occupation
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.
O*NET 31.0 · 39-2021.00
A typical week, in the words of people in the job
- 01Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
- 02Transfer animals between enclosures to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.
- 03Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
- 04Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
- 05Train animals to perform certain tasks.
- 06Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.
- 07Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment, such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.
- 08Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
- 09Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
- 10Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
- 11Perform animal grooming duties, such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.
- 12Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
Task statements ranked by how many workers report them · O*NET 31.0
What the posting will be called
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Knowledge the job leans on
Skills that carry over from service