Animal caretakers give care to animals at shelters, zoos, kennels, pet shops, stables, aquariums, and research labs.
Animal caretakers feed, water, bathe, groom, and exercise animals. They play with animals and provide companionship to them. They watch animals, record their condition, and report any problems. They clean and repair pens, cages, and equipment. Animal groomers bathe cats and dogs. They trim their hair or nails, care for their skin, and clean their ears. They treat animals for fleas and other pests.
Many animal caretakers answer questions about animal behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or activities. They may answer questions for animal owners or the public.
Animal caretakers may work in:
- Animal hospitals
- Animal shelters
- Aquariums
- Livestock yards
- Pet stores
- Research labs
- Stables
- Zoos
Animal hospitals
Some animal caretakers work in animal hospitals with veterinary technicians. They follow directions of the veterinarian and veterinary technicians to give basic care to animals. They answer telephones and schedule appointments to treat or see animals. They may also clean surgical equipment.
Animal shelters
In animal shelters, caretakers take applications from people who want to adopt animals. They give shots to newly admitted animals. They may have to put to death seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. In wildlife shelters, they may help nurse injured wildlife back to health.
Aquariums
Aquarists take care of fish and other aquatic life in aquariums. They prepare food, feed fish, and clean tanks. They monitor water for temperature and cleanliness. They watch for disease or injury. They report problems and may treat animals.
Livestock yards
Some animal caretakers work in livestock yards. They feed farm animals, groom them, and show them for auction.
Pet stores
In pet stores, animal caretakers sell animals and pet food to customers. They advise customers on the care of pets and teach obedience classes. They also prepare animals for shipping and delivery.
Research labs
In research labs, animal caretakers feed and clean up after animals, give medicine, and perform surgery. Lab workers take care of a variety of animals, including mice, rats, birds, fish, monkeys, and cats.
Stables
In stables, caretakers saddle and unsaddle horses, give them rubdowns, and walk to cool them down after rides. They feed and groom horses and clean their stalls. They polish saddles, clean and organize tack rooms, and store supplies and feed.
Some animal caretakers are farriers. Farriers take care of horses' feet. They remove horse shoes and examine hooves for bruises and cracks. They trim and shape hooves and apply aluminum or steel shoes. Farriers fit, shape, and nail shoes to hooves. They also treat hooves that are badly shaped or injured. They may put on corrective shoes.
Zoos
In zoos, caretakers are called keepers or zookeepers. They prepare diets, clean enclosures, and monitor animals' behavior. They may help in research studies and answer questions from visitors. Keepers may work with a broad group of animals, such as mammals or birds.