{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:38:49.413Z","occupation":{"soc":"39-2021.00","title":"Animal Caretakers","group":"Personal Care & Service","sector":"81","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers animal caretakers working in kennels, shelters, stables, zoos, and boarding facilities, performing daily care, health monitoring, record keeping, and patron education across a Job Zone 2 vocational context.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Feeding schedules and portion instructions — follow accurately under direct supervision in a kennel or shelter environment.","Animal quarters and enclosures — clean, disinfect, and organize according to facility protocols with guidance from a senior caretaker.","Signs of illness, injury, or distress in animals — recognize and report immediately to a supervising staff member on the facility floor.","Food formulas and dietary supplements — mix according to written instructions and species-specific guidelines under close oversight.","Animal weight, food intake, and daily condition — record basic data into facility logbooks or database software with trainer assistance.","Water stations, feeding bowls, and enclosure equipment — inspect and replenish on a set daily schedule under direct direction.","Patron inquiries about animal behavior and habitat — respond to basic questions using scripted information provided by the facility.","Saddles, bridles, and animal-use equipment — clean and store following step-by-step instructions at a stable or equine facility.","Exercise routines for dogs and small animals — carry out short, supervised walks and activity sessions within a designated area.","Safety and handling protocols for assigned animal species — apply foundational procedures under direct supervision during initial on-the-job training."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Daily feeding and watering rounds — manage independently across multiple animal enclosures in a boarding, shelter, or zoo setting.","Sick or injured animals — assess observed symptoms and administer basic first-aid treatments or contact veterinary staff with a clear situation report.","Animal behavior and physical condition — monitor routinely during shifts and identify deviations from normal baselines without prompting.","Medicated food supplements and prescribed liquid formulas — prepare accurately for multiple species using facility instructions and prior experience.","Animal health records including treatments, medications, and weight trends — update and maintain using facility database or spreadsheet software.","Enclosure sanitation and laundry cycles — coordinate and complete on schedule, adapting workflow when animal populations fluctuate.","Patron and client questions about animal care, breeding habits, and facility programs — address confidently using working knowledge of species under care.","Supervised exercise and enrichment sessions — design and lead for individual animals based on species needs and veterinary guidance.","Calendar and scheduling software — use to track feeding, medication, and exercise appointments across a daily or weekly roster.","Coordination with team members during shift transitions — communicate animal status updates clearly to ensure continuity of care."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex or non-routine health concerns in animals — evaluate using observational and deductive reasoning, and initiate appropriate veterinary contact or interim treatment protocols.","Multi-species feeding and medication programs — manage autonomously across a full facility caseload, adjusting plans in response to changing animal conditions.","Comprehensive animal health records — maintain with high accuracy using database and office suite software, ensuring data integrity across multiple record types.","Behavioral enrichment and physical exercise plans — develop and implement for individual animals based on species requirements, health history, and facility resources.","Facility sanitation standards and equipment maintenance schedules — oversee and execute across all animal areas to meet regulatory and organizational requirements.","Detailed patron education interactions — deliver informed responses about animal behavior, ecology, and care practices, adapting communication style to diverse audiences.","Unusual or urgent animal care situations — apply judgment and problem-sensitivity to triage needs, prioritize actions, and escalate appropriately within a facility environment.","Intake and assessment of newly arrived or transferred animals — conduct thorough physical observation and documentation to establish baseline health profiles.","Cross-functional coordination with veterinary, administrative, and visitor-services staff — facilitate information flow to support consistent, high-quality animal care.","Facility compliance with animal welfare regulations and standard care protocols — ensure adherence through diligent monitoring and documentation practices."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Facility-wide animal care standards and protocols — establish and continuously improve to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements across a shelter, zoo, or boarding operation.","Junior and new caretaking staff — mentor and coach in animal handling, health monitoring, and documentation using structured on-the-job training approaches.","Organizational scheduling and staffing systems — design and oversee using calendar and scheduling software to ensure adequate animal care coverage at all times.","Animal care program evaluation — lead systematic review of feeding, treatment, enrichment, and sanitation outcomes to drive measurable improvements in animal welfare.","Emergency response protocols for disease outbreak or animal injury — develop, communicate, and lead execution of facility-level contingency plans.","Relationships with veterinary professionals and external animal welfare organizations — cultivate and manage to strengthen the facility's care capabilities and community standing.","Data reporting on population health trends, treatment outcomes, and operational metrics — synthesize from spreadsheet and database tools to inform leadership decisions.","Public education and patron engagement programs — design and champion to deepen community understanding of animal behavior, habitat, and responsible care.","Budget and resource allocation for animal care supplies, medications, and equipment — oversee and optimize within organizational financial constraints.","Organizational culture of dependability, integrity, and animal welfare commitment — model and promote across all staff levels to sustain high standards of care."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}