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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 39-2021 Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise care for pets and other nonfarm animals, such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks. Exclude "Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers" (31-9096).
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Education: Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Tasks: Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions. Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species. Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury. Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment. Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles. Perform animal grooming duties, such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Answer telephones and schedule appointments. Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities. Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $8.62   Entry $17,939.00
Mean $10.34   Mean $21,504.00
Experience $11.19 Experience $23,287.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
3,2803,8905951.72
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Cooks, Short Order
Food Preparation Workers
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Library Assistants, Clerical
Parking Enforcement Workers
Stock Clerks, Sales Floor
Tapers
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
39-2021.00 Nonfarm Animal Caretakers