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Animal Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Andrus Childrens Center

Animal Caretaker

Yonkers, NY · On-site

Job Overview of Animal Caretaker The Animal Caretaker is a member of the Facilities team who oversees the daily care and enrichment of the animals while maintaining the grounds of the ANDRUS ...

Villanova University

Animal Caretaker

Villanova, PA · On-site

$10/hr

Animal Caretaker Posting Type Student Hours/week: 12-15 Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students Semester 2026-2027 Academic Year Location Cabrini Detailed Work Schedule Schedule is ...

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

The Animal Caretaker performs standardized procedures associated with operation of a laboratory animal facility under general supervision. An Animal Caretaker performs any combination of duties to ...

Bioqual Inc

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD · On-site

$19.85 - $23/hr

The Animal Caretaker performs standardized procedures associated with operation of a laboratory animal facility under general supervision. An Animal Caretaker performs any combination of duties to ...

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

ARCIE The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 12, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

City of Ontario

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA

$45K - $60K/yr

The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 12, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

Prestage

Animal Caretaker

Texhoma, OK · On-site

Prestage Farms is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This role involves various daily activities related to the care and welfare of swine. Responsibilities include monitoring the ...

Prestage

Animal Caretaker

Texhoma, OK · On-site

Prestage Farms is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This role involves various daily activities related to the care and welfare of swine. Responsibilities include monitoring the ...

University at Buffalo

Animal Caretaker

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$37K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Position Title Animal Caretaker Classification Title Research Technician I Department Animal Facilities Posting Number R260121 Posting Link ...

McConnell Group Inc

Animal Caretaker 3

Fort Detrick, MD

$20 - $25.23/hr

The Animal Caretaker 3 provides animal husbandry support in Quarantine, Barrier, ABSL-2, ABSL-3, and ABSL-4 animal care and use areas. The Animal Caretaker 3 shall independently select and apply ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

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Animal Caretaker information

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How much do animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal caretaker in the United States is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal caretaker?

An animal caretaker, or service worker, cares for non-farm animals or pets in a shelter, veterinarian office, or boarding facility. Their responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning cages and enclosures, and providing other types of animal care service, such as training, bathing, companionship, and exercise. The duties of caretakers are to provide care for pets who are in need of homes, recovering from medical procedures, or boarding temporarily.

What does an animal caretaker do?

An Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like shelters, kennels, zoos, and laboratories. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care. Animal Caretakers also provide enrichment and exercise to ensure animals' physical and mental health. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a love for working with animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic animal health, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding schedules, and basic veterinary tools is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and strong observational skills help you notice changes in animal health and ensure proper care. These skills and qualities are essential to provide safe, compassionate care and maintain the well-being of animals in various settings.

What are some of the common challenges animal caretakers face when working with a variety of species?

Animal Caretakers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the unique dietary, behavioral, and medical needs of different species. Managing stress in animals, especially those that are rescued or have experienced trauma, requires patience and specialized care. Additionally, caretakers must work efficiently in environments that can be physically demanding and sometimes unpredictable, while maintaining clear communication with veterinarians, trainers, and other staff to ensure each animal's well-being.

What is the difference between Animal Caretaker vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal CaretakerAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsNone required, but certifications in animal care can helpOften similar, may include basic animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, kennelsAnimal shelters, rescue centers
Job DutiesFeeding, grooming, monitoring healthAdoption assistance, cleaning, caring for animals

Animal Caretakers and Animal Shelter Workers share similar roles in caring for animals, often working in environments like shelters or zoos. While their duties overlap, Animal Caretakers may focus more on daily animal maintenance in various settings, whereas Animal Shelter Workers often handle adoption processes and shelter operations. Both roles typically require basic animal handling skills and may benefit from certifications in animal care.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal caretaker?

Animal caretakers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and the ability to handle animals safely. Certifications in pet first aid or animal handling can be beneficial.
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Animal Caretaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Caretaker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

Andrus Childrens Center

Yonkers, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description



Job Overview of Animal Caretaker 


The Animal Caretaker is a member of the Facilities team who oversees the daily care and enrichment of the animals while maintaining the grounds of the ANDRUS Therapeutic Farm.

The Animal Caretaker must also complete other tasks and responsibilities not covered specifically herein when necessary.


Work Schedule of Animal Caretaker: Wednesday-Saturday from 7:00am until 6:00pm (changing to 8:00am until 7:00pm when daylight savings time goes into effect) 40 hour work week

Essential Duties of Animal Caretaker 


Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Observe and document general animal health and behavior while on shift. Maintain proper records of health, medications, behavior, enrichment, training, welfare and visitor engagement in electronic records and hard copies when necessary
  • Completes visual assessments of animals, work areas and grounds to ensure proper standards are maintained. This includes reporting on safety hazards and medical concerns.
  • Maintains animal barns by cleaning daily, deep cleanings, organizing food storage and inventory and perform additional duties as required.
  • Participates in landscaping improvements, including mowing, grading, planting, pruning, weed control, addition of special designs for animal enrichment to ensure healthy and attractive appearance of grounds. 
  • During inclement weather respond to emergencies to ensure grounds are safe for animals, plow and salt walkways for safety.
  • Participates in activities and programs with youth.
  • Participates in veterinary visits and ensures accurate record keeping.
  • Presents for emergencies that pertain to the Animals and the Farm
  • Perform routine and emergency maintenance repairs to ensure animal barns, walkways, fencing are all in compliance and safe.
  • Participates in animal training and enrichment discussions. Completes trainings when necessary while working collaboratively with the Team to execute enrichment of the space and Animals day to day. 
  • Supports overall strategic plan of the organization.
  • Ability to adhere to our organization’s core values and commitments.



Essential Qualifications of Animal Caretaker

Key qualifications include:  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent with two to three years of relevant experience working with animals a must, farm animals a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience in grounds keeping, animal care, and related service settings.
  • Experience with landscaping tools and equipment a plus.
  • Valid NYS Driver's License in good standing
  • Ability to access and utilize ADP app on smartphone or other device for access to agency programs

Benefits of Animal Caretaker 

  • Generous PTO, 4 weeks of vacation, floating holidays, holidays, personal and sick time
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Benefits
  • 401(k) Employer Contributions
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • Employer Paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance
  • Professional Development

Physical/Travel Requirements 

  • Reach
  • Walk
  • Climb Stairs
  • Bend
  • Kneel
  • Ability to lift weights up to 50 lbs.

The employee must be able to meet these requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus’ right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.

EEO Statement 

Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.  

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