Animal Caretakers
What is an Animal Caretaker?
Animal caretakers, also known as animal caretakers or animal care technicians, are professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of animals in various settings, such as zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and private homes. Their primary responsibility involves ensuring that animals receive proper care, nutrition, and attention to their physical and emotional needs. Animal caretakers may be involved in feeding, exercising, grooming, and cleaning living spaces for animals, as well as monitoring their health and behavior.
The role of an animal caretaker is multifaceted and varies depending on the environment in which they work. In a zoo, for instance, animal caretakers may focus on specific species, learning their behaviors and habitats to provide tailored care. In animal shelters, they may assist in rehabilitation efforts for stray or abused animals, preparing them for adoption. Additionally, caretakers often collaborate with veterinarians to administer medications, perform routine health checks, and assist in emergency situations, contributing to the overall veterinary care of the animals under their supervision.
Passion for animals and a commitment to their welfare are essential traits for animal caretakers. They often engage with the public, providing educational information about the animals they care for and promoting responsible pet ownership. A strong understanding of animal behavior is crucial in this profession, as it helps caretakers respond appropriately to the animals' needs and prevent potential issues. Overall, animal caretakers play a vital role in ensuring animals lead healthy, enriched lives while enhancing public appreciation for wildlife and domestic animals alike.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
- DaySmart Software 123Pet
- Microsoft Access
- The Groomer's Write Hand
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Calendar and scheduling software
- DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
- Groom Pro
- Mobile Dog Grooming Software mGroomer
- Petschedule
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Pet grooming products
- Water testing and sampling kits
- Veterinary nail trimmers or cutters
- Electric hair clipper
- Laboratory ultraviolet UV sterilizers
Knowledge
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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.
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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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.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Care for animals.
- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
- Prepare foods or meals.
- Maintain facilities.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$23180.0 - $45080.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.