Animal Caretakers in California
Animal caretakers feed, water, groom, bathe, and exercise animals to maintain their health and well-being. They work with pets, zoo animals, race horses, birds, fish, and other non-food animals in kennels, shelters, zoos, circuses, and similar facilities In California the median pay is $38,700 a year, 9% above the national median of $35,360.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
Openings in California and remote
- Animal Caretaker (Farrier) (Seasonal) · National Park Service · Yosemite National Park, California · $25.42–$29.66
- Animal Caretaker (Packer) (Seasonal) · National Park Service · Yosemite National Park, California · $23.89–$27.87
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Animal Caretakers.
Licenses and training in California
Animal Caretakers pay in other states
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-2021.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.