Careers · Animal Caretakers · District of Columbia
Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia the median pay is $44,210 a year, 25% above the national median of $35,360.
$44,210median pay in District of Columbia, per year
$38,290–$47,730middle half earn
460employed in District of Columbia
$35,360U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in District of Columbia
1open role like this on employer career sites, 0 in District of Columbia or remote
1employer hiring
1posted in the last 7 days
WIwhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
MonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCoordinationService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingWriting
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementPsychology
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Animal Caretakers.
Licenses and training in District of Columbia
Animal Caretakers pay in other states
Washington · $40,570Hawaii · $40,130Massachusetts · $39,650California · $38,700Arizona · $38,180New York · $37,840Colorado · $37,430Connecticut · $37,310Maine · $37,230Rhode Island · $37,120
Related occupations
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal caretakers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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, District of Columbia, annual.