What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Animal Caretakers in the U.S. earn more than $35,360 a year — the middle 80% land between $27,250 and $50,060. About 266,910 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Animal Caretakers”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Service and sales workers earn about ₹15,575 a month on average — around ₹1.9 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$35,360typical pay / year
266,910people in this work
$50,060+top 10% earn
₹1.9 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Care2
Feed and water animals
+Feed every animal on the noon roster with the prescribed diet, refill fresh water bowls, note any refusals or…
Feed and water animals
+Feed every animal on the noon roster with the prescribed diet, refill fresh water bowls, note any refusals or changes in appetite on the feeding log, and tell Carla in medical if a juvenile eats less than half their portion today.
The tools that do the workDaySmart Software 123PetESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Clean animal areas and enclosures
+Clean all animal enclosures on my shift list: remove bedding, disinfect surfaces, sweep and mop floors,…
Clean animal areas and enclosures
+Clean all animal enclosures on my shift list: remove bedding, disinfect surfaces, sweep and mop floors, replace clean bedding, and flag any damaged fencing or persistent odors to Jordan before end of shift.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Move2
Socialize and groom animals
+Spend 30 minutes per nervous or under-socialized animal on the afternoon roster for gentle handling, leash…
Socialize and groom animals
+Spend 30 minutes per nervous or under-socialized animal on the afternoon roster for gentle handling, leash walks, brushing fur, checking paws and ears, and record progress and any skin or coat issues in the behavior notes.
The tools that do the workGroom Projob descriptionsO*NET
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Assist with animal transportation
+Prepare the transport manifest for the 3pm transfer, secure crates, load animals following weight and…
Assist with animal transportation
+Prepare the transport manifest for the 3pm transfer, secure crates, load animals following weight and compatibility rules, double-check sedation or paperwork with the driver, and confirm arrival ETA with Reception once loaded.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptionsO*NET
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Fixing1
Perform animal husbandry duties (feeding, watering, medicating, vaccinating)
+Administer morning meds and vaccinations noted on today's health sheet, update each animal's medical record…
Perform animal husbandry duties (feeding, watering, medicating, vaccinating)
+Administer morning meds and vaccinations noted on today's health sheet, update each animal's medical record with dose and time, and tell Dr. Patel immediately about any adverse reactions or missed doses.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Accessjob descriptionsO*NET
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Protecting1
Educate visitors about animals
+Give the 11am visitor talk at the small mammal area: explain species diets and welfare needs, demonstrate…
Educate visitors about animals
+Give the 11am visitor talk at the small mammal area: explain species diets and welfare needs, demonstrate handwashing and safe viewing distance, answer questions, and hand a feedback card to Visitor Services when finished.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft PowerPointESCOjob descriptions
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The daily work17
Monitor animal health and behavior
+Walk every animal on the morning rounds, note appetite, stool, mobility and social interactions, record any…
Monitor animal health and behavior
+Walk every animal on the morning rounds, note appetite, stool, mobility and social interactions, record any changes on each animal's health sheet, flag anything off-pattern for the supervisor before noon and schedule a vet check if needed.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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Handle animals with care and safety protocols
+Handle each animal using the appropriate restraint and two-person lift when listed, follow glove and barrier…
Handle animals with care and safety protocols
+Handle each animal using the appropriate restraint and two-person lift when listed, follow glove and barrier precautions, calm the animal with low voice and slow movements, and log any incidents or escapes in the incident register at shift end.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Medicate animals as directed
+Prepare and administer prescribed meds on the noon schedule, double-check dose against the medication chart,…
Medicate animals as directed
+Prepare and administer prescribed meds on the noon schedule, double-check dose against the medication chart, have a witness sign after administration, note route and any reactions on the medical log immediately.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NET
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Clean the exhibits
+Deep clean each exhibit after the afternoon feeding, remove bedding, scrub surfaces with approved…
Clean the exhibits
+Deep clean each exhibit after the afternoon feeding, remove bedding, scrub surfaces with approved disinfectant, rinse thoroughly, replace fresh bedding and enrichment, and mark the cleaning checklist as completed for each enclosure.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordESCOjob descriptions
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Report possible health problems
+If an animal shows unusual lethargy, wounds, discharge or loss of appetite, photograph the issue, complete a…
Report possible health problems
+If an animal shows unusual lethargy, wounds, discharge or loss of appetite, photograph the issue, complete a health incident form, notify the supervisor and the on-call vet with the animal ID and recent feed record within one hour.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OutlookESCOjob descriptions
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Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
+Answer patron questions at the front desk or on the tour route with concise facts about species behavior,…
Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
+Answer patron questions at the front desk or on the tour route with concise facts about species behavior, habitat needs, breeding seasons and any facility activities, hand out the brochure and note any follow-up requests for the education team.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Answer questions
+Answer the dozen questions from pet owners on today’s intake list about feeding schedules, vaccination…
Answer questions
+Answer the dozen questions from pet owners on today’s intake list about feeding schedules, vaccination records, and drop-off/pick-up times; flag any uncertain medical answers for Manager Rosa and add notes to each animal’s record before noon.
The tools that do the workDaySmart Software 123PetESCO
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Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
+Follow instrument protocol: soak used surgical scissors and forceps in enzymatic solution, scrub and inspect…
Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
+Follow instrument protocol: soak used surgical scissors and forceps in enzymatic solution, scrub and inspect for damage, run through the steriliser cycle, log each tray's sterilisation time and initials in the sterilisation register before returning to surgical storage.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
+Screen surrendered animals, photograph and write individual descriptions with age, temperament and health…
Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
+Screen surrendered animals, photograph and write individual descriptions with age, temperament and health notes, post three adoptable profiles to the shelter's adoption page tonight and email interested applicants a meet-and-greet invitation for Saturday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
+Check the nursery log, adjust the thermostat and humidifier to 75 degrees and 50 percent humidity for the…
Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
+Check the nursery log, adjust the thermostat and humidifier to 75 degrees and 50 percent humidity for the puppies, record the change and monitor every two hours, and notify maintenance if readings don't stabilise within one hour.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeO*NET
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Sell pet food and supplies.
+Assist the counter: ring up three bags of adult dry food, two kitten cans and a flea treatment, apply the…
Sell pet food and supplies.
+Assist the counter: ring up three bags of adult dry food, two kitten cans and a flea treatment, apply the loyalty discount, process payment, bag the items, and advise Ms. Grant on portion sizes and storage before thanking her and noting repeat purchase in the client file.
The tools that do the workGroomsoftO*NET
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Assess animal temperament
+Assess the temperament of the new golden retriever Pax during his 10-minute holding check: note fear,…
Assess animal temperament
+Assess the temperament of the new golden retriever Pax during his 10-minute holding check: note fear, aggression, sociability, food motivation, and handling tolerance, run a leash and crate reaction test, record scores on the kennel chart, and flag any dog needing behavior follow-up.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Administer medications and treatments
+Administer prescribed medications to kitten Luna at 08:30: confirm medication, dose and route on the med…
Administer medications and treatments
+Administer prescribed medications to kitten Luna at 08:30: confirm medication, dose and route on the med sheet, weigh her, give oral antibiotic with syringe, note time and any adverse reaction on the treatment log, and alert the supervisor if she spits or regurgitates.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptions
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Maintain farm records and documentation
+Update the farm records for last week’s feed and health checks: enter daily rations, weight changes,…
Maintain farm records and documentation
+Update the farm records for last week’s feed and health checks: enter daily rations, weight changes, vaccination dates, and incident notes into the herd register, reconcile feed stock against deliveries, save as this month’s record, and print one copy for the manager.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Coordinate with personnel and regulatory agencies
+Coordinate with the county animal control and our head vet about the stray fox: email the incident summary,…
Coordinate with personnel and regulatory agencies
+Coordinate with the county animal control and our head vet about the stray fox: email the incident summary, include photos, the capture time, quarantine plans, and any vaccinations needed, request a joint inspection on Thursday, and copy the shelter director and transport lead.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Outlookjob descriptions
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Develop and adhere to operational budgets
+Build a simple operational budget for the kennel next quarter: list projected feed, bedding, medications,…
Develop and adhere to operational budgets
+Build a simple operational budget for the kennel next quarter: list projected feed, bedding, medications, transport fuel, and temporary staff costs, compare to current month spend, highlight any shortfall over 10 percent, and hand the draft to Rachel for review by Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Conduct guided tours
+Run the 30-minute guided tour for Saturday visitors: prepare a safety briefing for the group, plan stops at…
Conduct guided tours
+Run the 30-minute guided tour for Saturday visitors: prepare a safety briefing for the group, plan stops at the puppy pen, small mammals area and nutrition demo, ensure two handlers are on hand, and collect signed waivers before we start at 11:00.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordESCO
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Says who?
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Activities this job lives in
The human activities behind the tasks — each with its honest AI ceiling.
The logs, files & records this job keeps
Shared with other careers — the same record means something different in each.
Related careers
Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.
The LLOS Work Atlas is the world's largest evidenced task library — a map of human work, with a ready prompt behind every task. 1,774 careers · every task named by the sources that witnessed it — O*NET, ESCO, real job descriptions, Wikipedia — and the deepest tasks by several at once. And it is honest about limits: where AI cannot help, the map says so.
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses