Our Animal Caretaker job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Animal Caretaker role
Animal Caretaker: Responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals, including feeding, grooming, exercising, and providing affection. May also need to clean cages and perform minor medical procedures.
Role Purpose
The purpose of an Animal Caretaker is to provide for the daily care and well-being of animals in a humane, safe, and healthy environment. This may include feeding, exercising, grooming, cleaning, monitoring health, providing enrichment activities, and providing general care. Animal Caretakers may also provide medical care, handle behavioral issues, and handle adoptions. They may be responsible for the upkeep of the facility and may also be required to perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and ordering supplies.
Animal Caretaker Summary
Animal Caretaker
The Animal Caretaker provides daily care for a variety of animals in a facility, such as a zoo, pet store, animal shelter, or animal rescue organization. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, and providing general maintenance for animals; monitoring their health and behavior; and providing enrichment activities. Other duties may include educating the public about animal care, assisting with veterinary care, and assisting with the development of animal conservation programs. The Animal Caretaker must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a passion for animal welfare.
Animal Caretaker Duties
- Feed and provide water to animals
- Clean and disinfect cages and work areas
- Observe animals to detect signs of illness or injury
- Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries
- Administer medications and vaccinations
- Perform laboratory tests on animals
- Perform veterinary dental work
- Provide advice and guidance on animal care and behavior
- Perform administrative duties such as keeping records and filing reports
Animal Caretaker Skills
- Animal handling
- Animal nutrition
- Animal health monitoring
- Animal grooming
- Cleaning and sanitizing animal enclosures
Animal Caretaker Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1+ years of experience in animal caretaking
- Knowledge of animal caretaking principles and practices
- Ability to work with a variety of animals
- Ability to follow safety protocols
- Ability to work well with others
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Personal Traits
- Patience
- Compassion
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Ability to follow instructions