Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
(SOC 39-2021)

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Groomer, Dog Groomer, Aquarist, Kennel Attendant, Kennel Technician, Pet Groomer, Animal Care Giver (ACG), Kennel Manager, Pet Stylist, Animal Care Technician

Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collect and record animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $9.83
• Estimated Employment 2010: 916
• Projected Employment 2020: 1,153
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 25.9%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 44

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Personal and Laundry Services
• Self-Employed Workers
• Other Professional and Technical Services
• Miscellaneous Store Retailers
• Museums, Parks, and Historical Sites
• Membership Organizations and Associations

Education and Training

Entry-level Animal Caretakers usually do not require training beyond a short demonstration. Those who want to advance in the field of animal care, grooming, animal training, or zookeeping most likely would require a formal educational or degree program.

While Animal Caretakers are not required to obtain a professional license, some nonfarm animal care business establishments must be licensed by the Division of Animal Industry in the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.

Interests (Holland Code): RC

• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Career Cluster: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Work Environment
Animal care and service workers work in a variety of settings, including kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and aquariums. Some of the work may be physically or emotionally demanding, and the number of work-related injuries and illnesses is higher than the national average.

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov