Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Animal Caretaker
What animal caretakers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an animal caretaker?
Feed shelter dogs and clean kennels. From there, the day usually includes feed and water animals, clean enclosures and kennels, and exercise and socialize animals. Shifts include weekends and holidays, since animals need daily care.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an animal caretaker working full time.
- Feed shelter dogs and clean kennels.
- Give medications as directed.
- Lead a playgroup in the daycare yard.
- Bathe and groom a doodle.
- Trim nails and clean ears.
- Introduce a family to an adoptable dog.
- Clean and close the facility.
Where animal caretakers work
Caretakers work in kennels, shelters, daycares, grooming salons and pet stores, indoors and outdoors.
Hours and schedule
Shifts include weekends and holidays, since animals need daily care.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Grooming clippers and shears
- Grooming tables and tubs
- Dryers
- Leashes and harnesses
- Cleaning supplies
- Feeding equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work with animals all day
- Quick entry
- Fast-growing field
- Option to start a business
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Physical, messy work
- Bites and scratches
- Emotional shelter cases
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love animals
- I don’t mind messy work
- I’m patient
- I want to start quickly
- I like being active
- I might start my own pet business
Not sure? Take the free Animal Caretaker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Read animal body language
- Use muzzles and safe handling when needed
- Wash hands to prevent zoonotic disease
- Lift animals properly