Become an Animal Caretaker with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Are you looking for a meaningful career that allows you to work with animals while serving your country? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently seeking a dedicated individual to serve as an Animal Caretaker in Brownsville, Texas. This essential role ensures that the highly-trained canines who assist in securing our nation's borders receive the top-tier care, nutrition, and medical support they require to function effectively.
Job Responsibilities
As an Animal Caretaker, your daily routine will involve more than just feeding and cleaning. You are a key member of the K9 support team. Responsibilities include:
- Facility Maintenance: Regular cleaning, disinfecting, and repairing of kennels.
- Nutritional Management: Measuring and preparing specialized diets based on veterinary recommendations.
- Health Monitoring: Observing canines for behavioral changes, signs of injury, or illness.
- Medical Support: Administering medications as directed and assisting veterinary professionals during examinations.
- Canine Care: Grooming, exercising, and handling both trained and untrained dogs.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Residency: Must have lived in the U.S. or its territories for 3 of the last 5 years.
- Documentation: A resume in English, strictly limited to two pages.
- Physical Capacity: Ability to perform strenuous tasks, including lifting 100 pounds.
- Background: Successful completion of a federal background check.
Comparison: General vs. Specialized Requirements
| Requirement Type | Focus Area | Essential Action |
|---|---|---|
| Screen-Out Element | Direct Care | Demonstrate experience in kennel/canine management |
| Physical Requirement | Stamina | Must lift 100 lbs and stand for long shifts |
| Background Check | Integrity | Full disclosure of criminal and drug history |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage starting at $27.53, scaling up to $32.13 depending on experience and step progression (WG-06 grade level). Beyond the pay, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan.
- Paid federal holidays and personal leave.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
Application Tips
Getting your application to the top of the pile requires attention to detail. First, ensure your resume is formatted as a PDF and does not exceed two pages. Your resume must clearly outline your experience in handling animals and performing facility upkeep. When filling out the online assessment, be honest and thorough in describing your competencies.
Serving as an Animal Caretaker with CBP is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of protecting our borders. If you have the drive, the physical stamina, and a passion for animal welfare, we encourage you to apply before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
Why This Animal Caretaker Job Matters
Turn your passion for animal welfare into a mission-critical role protecting our nation's borders with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Animal Caretaker Job Overview
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker in Brownsville, Texas. In this vital support role, you will be responsible for the daily care, feeding, and medical support of CBP-owned canines. You will work within a professional environment, ensuring our K9 units are healthy, well-maintained, and ready to assist with vital homeland security operations.
Requirements for Animal Caretaker
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must have physically resided in the U.S. or its territories for at least three of the last five years.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must be submitted in English.
- Ability to perform heavy lifting up to 100 pounds.
- Pass a thorough background investigation.
- Willingness to work with animals that may be ill-tempered or injured.
Preferred Qualifications for Animal Caretaker
- Experience in kennel maintenance and facility upkeep.
- Demonstrated ability to monitor animal health and document physical conditions.
- Proven experience in handling canines of varying temperaments.
- Ability to interpret veterinary instructions and prepare specialized diets.
- Competency in maintaining administrative logs and canine status records.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Federal retirement plan
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional training
- ✓Uniform allowance and wellness programs
💡 How to Apply Animal Caretaker Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Animal Caretaker Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents (SF-50, DD-214, etc.) in the correct format.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in animal care to meet the screen-out element.
- Use a PDF file format for your resume to maintain formatting and document quality.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will automatically be disqualified.
- Double-check your email notifications for status updates throughout the hiring cycle.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this role?
You will be responsible for the health, sanitation, and nutrition of CBP-owned dogs, ensuring they are prepared for their role in homeland security.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. This position requires significant physical effort, including standing for long periods, walking, and the ability to lift up to 100 pounds.
Can I submit my resume as a Word document?
While possible, it is strongly recommended to submit your resume as a PDF to ensure legibility and formatting integrity.
Job from Customs And Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for preventing terrorism, securing our borders, and facilitating lawful trade and travel. Working at CBP means joining a team of dedicated professionals committed to the core values of Vigilance, Service to Country, and Integrity. By maintaining the health and readiness of CBP-owned canines, you play a direct, behind-the-scenes role in the agency's homeland security mission.