Veterinary Assistant
Help veterinarians and vet techs care for animals.
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Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career
Animal Caretaker
Also called: Pet Groomer · Kennel Attendant · Animal Shelter Worker · Doggy Daycare Attendant
What animal caretakers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an animal caretaker do?
Animal caretakers feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise pets and other animals in kennels, shelters, grooming salons, pet stores and daycares. The median pay is $35,360 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks (longer for grooming), and employment is projected to grow +12.1% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$35,360$17.00/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+12.1%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year62,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–4 weeks (longer for grooming)Typical program length
- U.S. jobs365,300Employment, 2025
What animal caretakers do
Animal caretakers keep animals healthy and happy. They feed and water animals, clean enclosures, walk and play with them, groom and bathe pets, monitor health and help adoptable shelter animals find homes. Groomers style pets’ coats and trim nails; daycare attendants supervise playgroups.
Most caretakers learn on the job, and groomers often apprentice or attend grooming school. Pet care is a fast-growing field, and many caretakers start their own grooming, walking or sitting businesses.
Typical duties
- Feed and water animals
- Clean enclosures and kennels
- Exercise and socialize animals
- Bathe and groom pets
- Monitor animal health and behavior
- Supervise playgroups
- Help with adoptions and customers
Work environment and schedule
Caretakers work in kennels, shelters, daycares, grooming salons and pet stores, indoors and outdoors.
Schedule: Shifts include weekends and holidays, since animals need daily care.
A day in the life
- Feed shelter dogs and clean kennels.
- Give medications as directed.
- Lead a playgroup in the daycare yard.
- Bathe and groom a doodle.
See a full day in the life of an animal caretaker →
Animal Caretaker salary
Half of animal caretakers earned more than $35,360 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,250 for the lowest 10% to $50,060 for the top 10%.
Full animal caretaker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an animal caretaker
- Gain animal experience
- Get hired
- Learn handling and safety
- Train as a groomer
- Grow
A high school diploma is typical. Caretakers learn on the job; groomers often attend grooming programs or apprentice.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an animal caretaker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Animal handling
- Grooming
- Kennel sanitation
- Dog body language
- Playgroup management
People skills
- Patience
- Compassion
- Reliability
- Customer service
All animal caretaker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Work with animals all day
- Quick entry
- Fast-growing field
- Option to start a business
Cons
- Modest pay
- Physical, messy work
- Bites and scratches
- Emotional shelter cases
Certifications and licenses
- National Dog Groomers Association certification: Grooming credential.
- Fear Free certification: Low-stress handling.
- Pet CPR and first aid: Emergency care.
- Dog daycare staff certification: Playgroup safety training.
Career path
- Kennel Attendant: Care for animals.
- Groomer or Daycare Lead: Specialize.
- Facility Manager: Run operations.
- Business Owner: Own a pet business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Animal Caretaker training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as bathe and dry a dog and trim a dog’s nails, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Animal Trainer
Teach animals behaviors for companionship, service, work and shows.
- $39,990
- 6 months–2 years
Animal Control Officer
Protect people and animals by enforcing animal laws and rescuing animals in need.
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Veterinary Technician
Care for animals as the nurses of veterinary medicine.
- $47,380
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Compare: Animal Caretaker vs. Vet Assistant · Animal Caretaker vs. Animal Trainer · Animal Caretaker vs. Animal Control Officer · Animal Caretaker vs. Vet Tech
Animal Caretaker FAQ
Do animal caretakers need training?
Most learn on the job; groomers often train formally.
Is pet care growing?
Yes, it’s one of the faster-growing fields.
Can I start my own business?
Yes, many groomers and walkers do.
How much does an animal caretaker make?
The median annual wage for animal caretakers was $35,360 ($17.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,250 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,060.
How long does it take to become an animal caretaker?
Most people need about 1–4 weeks (longer for grooming) of training. A high school diploma is typical. Caretakers learn on the job; groomers often attend grooming programs or apprentice.
Do you need a degree to be an animal caretaker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More animal caretaker questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-2021 (Animal caretakers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Animal caretakers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.