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.

Job Task

• Adjust controls to regulate specified temperature and humidity of animal quarters, nurseries, or exhibit areas.
• Clean, organize, and disinfect animal quarters such as pens, stables, cages, and yards, and animal equipment such as saddles and bridles.
• Collect and record animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
• Examine and observe animals in order to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Exercise animals in order to maintain their physical and mental health.
• 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.
• Perform animal grooming duties such as washing, brushing, clipping, and trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.
• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians in order to secure treatment.
• Administer laboratory tests to experimental animals, and keep records of responses.
• Anesthetize and inoculate animals, according to instructions.
• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
• Clean and disinfect surgical equipment.
• Discuss with clients their pets' grooming needs.
• Install, maintain, and repair animal care facility equipment such as infrared lights, feeding devices, and cages.
• Observe and caution children petting and feeding animals in designated areas in order to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
• Order, unload, and store feed and supplies.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Saddle and shoe animals.
• Train animals to perform certain tasks.
• Transfer animals between enclosures in order to facilitate breeding, birthing, shipping, or rearrangement of exhibits.
• Find homes for stray or unwanted animals.
• Sell pet food and supplies.
• Teach obedience classes.

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