We surveyed 3,369 animal caretakers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical animal caretaker. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as an animal caretaker?
Low
High
Working as an animal caretaker typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become an animal caretaker?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as an animal caretaker typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as an animal caretaker?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as an animal caretaker. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for animal caretakers.
Do animal caretakers work full-time or part-time?
40% of animal caretakers work in full-time roles while 60% work part-time.
Is being an animal caretaker stressful?
Low
High
Animal caretakers tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as an animal caretaker?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be an animal caretaker.
How competitive is the workplace for animal caretakers?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for animal caretakers.
Does being an animal caretaker require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for animal caretakers.
Are animal caretakers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Animal caretakers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do animal caretakers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Animal caretakers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being an animal caretaker physically demanding?
Low
High
Being an animal caretaker requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are animal caretakers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, animal caretakers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being an animal caretaker require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as an animal caretaker.
Does being a good animal caretaker require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as an animal caretaker.