- Salary statistics
- Pet sitter, pet
Pet sitter, pet
28 467 - 28 218 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Pet sitter, pet
What does a pet caretaker with a focus on companion animals do? – Tasks and work environment
A pet caretaker specializing in companion animals primarily works with caring for and managing pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and other smaller animals. Typical tasks include feeding, cleaning cages and stalls, daily exercise, and monitoring the animals' health and well-being. The profession can be practiced at animal shelters, kennels, pet stores, veterinary clinics, or within pet hotels. The work environment varies and may be indoors or outdoors, often involving physical work and direct contact with animals. Working days can be irregular, and sometimes work during evenings and weekends is required.
Salary development over time
The salary for pet caretakers in companion animals has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 28 101 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary is 28 218 SEK. The total increase over the period is approximately 1.2%, indicating slow but steady salary growth. This slow increase can be explained by continued high competition for positions and the fact that the profession mainly exists within organizations with limited salary budgets, such as non-profits and small businesses. However, demand for companion animal services has remained stable, contributing to stable salary levels.
Pet caretaker, companion animals salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 169 SEK
- Gender differences: Data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a pet caretaker in companion animals, a high school education with a focus on animal care, such as the Natural Resources program, is usually required. Practical experience and relevant internships are highly meritorious, as the profession demands high standards of animal handling and daily contact with animals. Some employers may also require shorter courses or certificates in animal care and health.
- High school education: Natural Resources program, animal specialization (3 years)
- Internships: Internships in animal care are often a requirement
- Courses/certificates: For example, D9 certificate for medication handling
- Experience: Previous work or volunteer work with animals is advantageous
- Prerequisites: Experience with pets and good physical ability
Many pet caretakers develop specialized knowledge of different animal species and become invaluable resources for pet owners and veterinarians. Their commitment to animal well-being often leads to a broad network within the animal care industry and sometimes opportunities to work with education or consulting.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for pet caretakers include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and sometimes employee discounts on pet products or veterinary services. Some employers also provide work clothing and opportunities for further training in animal care. Compensation for unsocial hours occurs when working evenings and weekends, especially at animal shelters and pet hotels.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a pet caretaker is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where many are attracted to the profession due to their interest in animals. One of the biggest challenges is that salary levels are often low relative to the effort and responsibility involved. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, cleaning, and handling stressed or ill animals. Flexibility and readiness to work irregular hours are also required. Despite these challenges, many are drawn to the profession by their passion for animals and the opportunity to make a difference in their quality of life.
Tips for those who want to become a pet caretaker with a focus on companion animals
To succeed as a pet caretaker, it is beneficial to combine a strong interest in animals with endurance and a sense of responsibility. Gaining practical experience during high school, through internships or volunteer work, is highly recommended, as employers value real-world experience. Being thorough and flexible helps in an environment where tasks and schedules can vary greatly. A social and communicative personality is an asset, as contact with pet owners and colleagues is a natural part of the job. Finally, a calm and patient attitude is crucial for handling both animals and people in sometimes stressful situations.
Key facts about Pet caretaker, for companion animals
- Education level: High school education (Natural Resources program)
- Work environment: Practical work with animals, often physically demanding
- Typical employment: Employed at animal shelters, kennels, or pet stores
- Demand: About 360 job openings within the profession
- Special skills: Animal handling and basic animal health knowledge
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience as a pet caretaker, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as foreman at an animal shelter or manager at a kennel. Some choose to further their education as an advanced animal care technician or study to become a veterinary nurse. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for pet caretakers is expected to remain stable, especially as the trend of increasing pet ownership in Swedish households continues. The job market offers the most opportunities in metropolitan regions, but smaller towns also have regular needs for staff at animal shelters and pet stores. Digitalization and increased specialization in the animal care industry may, over time, create new niche roles for experienced pet caretakers.
Frequently asked questions about Pet caretakers, for companion animals
- What does a pet caretaker, for companion animals, earn?
- A pet caretaker specializing in companion animals has an average salary of 28 218 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a pet caretaker?
- A high school education in natural resources, preferably with a focus on animals, is usually required. - What is the job market like for pet caretakers?
- There are approximately 360 job openings in the profession, and demand is stable. - Which workplaces are most common?
- Common workplaces include animal shelters, kennels, pet stores, and veterinary clinics. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, further training such as advanced animal care or veterinary nursing is possible. - What are the working hours like?
- Working hours can be irregular and may include evenings and weekends. - What personal qualities are important?
- Important qualities include responsibility, patience, flexibility, and a strong interest in animals.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Pet sitter, pet has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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