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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.
CAREER NAME
About this Career Path
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.
Environment
Animal care and service workers are employed in a variety of settings, including kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and aquariums. Some of the work may be physically or emotionally demanding, and the rate of work-related injuries and illnesses is higher than the national average.
Animal Caretakers
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Supporting Programs
Animal Caretakers
Top Expected Tasks
Animal Caretakers
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.
Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Animal Caretakers
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Administrative
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Coordination
SKILL
Judgment and Decision Making
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Information Ordering
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
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Animal Caretakers
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