Animal Caretakers is in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Ability to coordinate the movement of eyes and hands, as when bathing a dog Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to move fingers accurately, as when giving a shot Ability to move hands easily and skillfully, as when saddling a horse Ability to notice details in objects, such as changes in an animals fur Ability to look at a drawing, such as the anatomy of a cat, and mentally imagine what the real object looks like Willingness to perform a variety of tasks Physical Demands Frequently need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle objects, such as brushes Frequently use fingers to make fine movements, such pick up small items Occasionally use fingers to examine the shape, size, temperature, or texture of an animal Occasionally climb, stoop, kneel, and crouch when working with animals Occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds Occasionally need to see the difference between colors Occasionally need to see distant objects clearly Occasionally judge the distance between objects Occasionally speak and listen to others, such as pet owners Work Setting People who love animals may find working with and helping animals satisfying. Animal caretakers work both indoors and outdoors and may be exposed to the weather. They are occasionally exposed to dampness and humidity. Zookeepers or animal control workers work mostly outdoors.
Hours are often irregular.
Animals have to be fed every day, so caretakers rotate weekend shifts. In some animal hospitals and shelters an attendant is on duty 24 hours a day, which means night shifts. Most full-time caretakers work about 40 hours a week. Some work 50 hours a week or more. About one of every three caretakers works part time.