The median annual earnings for nonfarm animal caretakers was $23,760 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The top 10 percent earned more than $37,250, and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $18,160 a year. Indeed.com reported that animal caretakers employed in the United States in June 2019 earned an average of $25,355 per year.

Self-employed animal caretakers who provide dog walking, kennel, sitting, or other cottage industry services do not have salaries that are readily available for review, but in large cities, boarding a dog overnight can cost $25 to $110, with a minimum of three dogs usually at one facility. Dog walkers charge between $8 and $20 a dog for a 30-minute visit. There is little overhead for either service, beyond perhaps providing food.

Benefits for full-time workers include vacation and sick time, health, and sometimes dental, insurance, and pension or 401(k) plans. Part-time workers must provide their own benefits.

Animal Caretakers

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