“People are always so surprised when I tell them what I do for a job. I mean who has a business card that
says Bird Supervisor? I started at the zoo as one of the caretakers in the aviary. I was responsible for feeding the birds, cleaning the exhibits, and doing general checks on the animals every day. Recently I started to get involved with more of the guest experiences with our birds. That has been really fun. Now I get to share my love of animals with visitors during exhibitions and shows and help to set up new guest experiences interacting with a variety of our different bird species. You would be surprised how many people are afraid of birds until they have an educational experience at a zoo or park and get to know them! I love that part.”

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Job Description

SOC Code: 39-2021

Animal Caretakers feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain
the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses,
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.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Grooming pets
• Administering vaccinations
• Stock merchandise
• Maintains records

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Schedule appointments
• Interacting With Others
  • Care for animals
  • Administer basic health care or medical treatments
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
  • Respond to customer inquiries
  • Perform administrative or clerical tasks
  • Confer with clients to discuss treatment plans or progress
• Work Output
  • Prepare foods or meals
  • Maintain facilities
  • Clean facilities or work areas
  • Perform housekeeping duties
  • Document client health or progress
  • Clean tools or equipment

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

Job Statistics

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Midlands
• Worklink
• Greenville
• Trident
• Catawba
• Waccamaw

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
• Tractor Supply Company
• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• Encore Vet Group
• Innovetive Petcare

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Related Occupations

• Animal Breeders
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
• Animal Trainers
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2024.

Learn More With SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.