Job Prospects: Good
Typical Hourly Wages
- Bay Area . . . . . . . $11.13 – $25.23
- Central Valley . . . . $9.55 – $21.66
- Sacramento . . . . . $9.82 – $22.87
Job Duties
Animal care workers feed, water, groom, bathe, and exercise animals, as well as cleaning, disinfecting and repairing their cages. They also play with the animals, provide companionship, and watch for behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury.
In addition to attending to the animals’ basic needs, caretakers at shelters also keep records of the animals received and discharged, and any tests or treatments done. Some vaccinate newly admitted animals under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary technician, and euthanize seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. Animal shelter workers also interact with the public, answering telephone inquiries, screening applicants for animal adoption, and educating visitors on neutering and other animal health issues.
Job Requirements
All animal caretakers and service workers need patience, sensitivity and problem-solving ability. They also need tact and good communication skills, particularly in assignments where they interact with the public.
On-the-job training is the most common way animal care workers learn their work; however, employers generally prefer to hire people with experience. Many zoological parks require their caretakers to have a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, or a related field. Most require experience, preferably as a volunteer or paid keeper in a zoo or theme park.
Beginning animal caretakers in kennels learn on the job and usually start by cleaning cages and feeding and watering animals. Shelter workers are not required to have specialized training, but educational programs and workshops are available through the Humane Society of the United States, the American Humane Association, and the National Animal Control Association. Workshop topics include cruelty investigations, appropriate methods of euthanasia, guidelines for capturing animals, techniques for preventing problems with wildlife, and dealing with the public.
Most pet groomers learn their trade by completing an informal apprenticeship, usually lasting six to ten weeks, under the guidance of an experienced groomer. Prospective groomers also may attend one of the state-licensed grooming schools throughout the country, with programs varying in length from two to 18 weeks.
Life, liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
The Declaration of Independence said all people have "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." I think this mean that people can follow their dreams to be whatever they want to be without the government telling them what to do.For example, I love animals, so I would like to a animal caretaker. Caretakers will feed the animals and clean their cages. Also, animal caretakers groom the animals and play with them.
Animal care is fun because you can take care of animals. I like animals and want to learn "techniques for preventing problems with wildlife". When you have an wild animals, we can help animals clam down. Some wild animals can go back to the wildlife and some can't go back.
It make me happy to be with animals and I would love to volunteer for the animal shelter. I would keep them clean for adoption and help them find good home and good family. If I did that, would make me happy to see animals find a good home. By doing the thing you love to do, you can pursue happiness in what ever you want to be.
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