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Animal Assistant Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Astrix Inc

Animal Care Tech

Fulton, MO · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

Must have or be willing to obtain Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification within 12 months of hire. * Comfortable working directly with animals in a laboratory setting. Physical ...

Altasciences

Animal Care Technician

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

At Altasciences we all move in unison to assist and work in the discovery, development, and ... Turn your passion for animal care into a meaningful career. About The Role As an Animal Care ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Liberty, MO · On-site

Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy. * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy. * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Dardenne Prairie, MO · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Dardenne Prairie, MO · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Ellisville, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Ellisville, MO

$14.50 - $19/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Florissant, MO · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Liberty, MO · On-site

Share product and animal care knowledge to help customers make informed decisions using Petco's selling strategy. * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts. * Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned. * Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support ...

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Animal Assistant information

What is an animal assistant?

Animal Assistants are professionals who help care for animals in a variety of settings, such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, and research labs. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring animals, as well as cleaning enclosures and assisting veterinarians or other animal care specialists. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals, and may also interact with pet owners and assist with administrative tasks. To become an Animal Assistant, a love for animals, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and health, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and sometimes specialized software for record-keeping is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you provide quality care and work effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient operations in veterinary or animal care settings.

What are some common challenges animal assistants face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the stress and unpredictability of working with a variety of animals, handling physically demanding tasks, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to communicate effectively with veterinarians, pet owners, or other staff members, which requires patience and strong interpersonal skills. To prepare, candidates should develop resilience, maintain physical fitness, and seek training in animal behavior and handling techniques, as well as familiarize themselves with the specific procedures of their workplace.

What is the difference between Animal Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required or basic certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet clinics, grooming facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Job DutiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic handlingPerform medical tests, assist in surgeries, administer medications
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, pet stores, grooming salonsVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, research institutions

Animal Assistants typically focus on basic animal care and support roles, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including medical procedures, requiring certifications or licenses. Both roles work closely with animals but differ significantly in training, duties, and work settings.

What do you need to be an animal assistant?

To become an animal assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience working with animals, and good communication skills. Knowledge of animal care, basic veterinary procedures, and the ability to handle animals safely are important. Some positions may require certifications in pet first aid or animal handling.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Animal Assistant job openings:

Animal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Animal Caregiver

Animal Protective Association of Missouri

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position: Animal Caregiver
Status: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17/hour, based on experience
Description:

Join our team and help bring people and pets together! This position performs high quality animal care, daily cleaning, feeding, walking, assisting with medical care, and other related shelter duties. The APA also offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time employees to support the health and wellbeing of our team and their families.
Essential Duties and responsibilities:
  • Monitor health and well-being of the animals placed in the care of the APA Adoption Center.
  • Provide quality care to include cleaning, feeding, medical care, grooming, walking, and enrichment.
  • Maintain and replenish equipment and supplies.
  • Assist with customer visits.
  • Foster teamwork at the APA.
  • Assist with intake and disposition including, but not limited to, adoption, foster, transfer, or euthanasia.
  • Restrain animals for veterinarians and technicians.
  • Understanding of safety equipment and proper use.
  • Provide vaccinations, venipuncture, and medical care according to APA procedures.
  • Utilize a database to enter medical, behavioral, and other information.
  • Performs all duties to ensure a positive image and to improve the functioning of the APA Adoption Center.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Exemplifies the APA’s Core Values:
At the APA, our values are more than words, they are the compass that guides us and defines who we are as a team.
  • Partnership: We believe pets and people thrive together. By building trust and collaboration with families, neighborhoods, and partner organizations, we create stronger communities, expand access to care, and ensure that pets and people have the resources they need to stay together.
  • Empathy: We lead with compassion, respect, and understanding in all that we do. Every decision begins with the well-being of pets and people, and we treat each individual—whether a client, colleague, or community partner—with dignity and care.
  • Trust: We act with transparency, integrity, and accountability. By being clear about our intentions, honest in our actions, and responsible stewards of resources, we earn the confidence of those we serve and inspire trust in the broader community.
  • Spark: We spark innovation and creativity to advance animal welfare. By embracing new ideas, adapting to emerging needs, and developing forward-thinking solutions, we shape a future where every pet has the chance to thrive in a loving home
Participates in creating a thriving Culture of Philanthropy at the APA by:
  • Being knowledgeable and supportive of APA programs.
  • Sharing a passion for service to animals, people, and our community with our guests.
  • Serving as an inspiration to all guests by providing an exemplary level of animal care and customer service.
  • Being able to communicate a compelling case for support that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy at the APA.
Position Requirements:
  1. Experience in animal health or welfare preferred.
  2. Friendly, customer service demeanor for internal and external customers.
  3. Effective oral and written communication skills.
  4. Attention to detail and follow through.
  5. Ability to work cooperatively with staff, donors, volunteers and general public.
  6. Efficient organizational skills.
  7. Ability to work independently and part of a team.
  8. Ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities.
  9. Ability to maintain composure and professional conduct during stressful situations.
Physical Qualifications (including lifting and pushing)
  1. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for periods of five hours.
  2. Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain and work in outdoor weather conditions
  3. Must be able to walk large dogs that pull
Why Join the APA
Our Mission: At the APA, we bring and keep pets and people together, building connections that strengthen families and communities.
Our Vision: Our vision is a compassionate community where pets and people thrive together.
Our Values: P.E.T.S.
At the APA, our values are more than words, they are the compass that guides us and defines who we are as a team.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone. If you need any accommodations or accessibility support during the hiring process, please email hr@apamo.org.

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