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Animal Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Zoo staff is a team and employees are expected to assist wherever needed in the zoo operation ... Serve as the animal care department point of contact for time sensitive or emergency situations.

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

The Zoo staff is a team and employees are expected to assist wherever needed in the zoo operation ... Serve as the animal care department point of contact for time sensitive or emergency situations.

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Zoo staff is a team and employees are expected to assist wherever needed in the zoo operation ... Serve as the animal care department point of contact for time sensitive or emergency situations.

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/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 ...

New

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.25/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

Companion Animal Supervisor

Hendersonville, TN · 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 ...

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Animal Assistant information

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$7

$14

$28

How much do animal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assistant in Tennessee is $14.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.68 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do animal assistants do?

Animal assistants support veterinarians, pet owners, or animal care facilities by feeding, cleaning, and providing basic care for animals. They may also help with grooming, monitoring animal health, and handling animals safely, often working in kennels, shelters, or clinics. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures is important for this role.

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 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 do you need to be an animal assistant?

To become an animal assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of animal care, and strong communication skills. Experience with animals, relevant certifications such as pet first aid, and the ability to work in a team are also beneficial.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Animal Assistant job openings:

Animal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,826 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Animal Care Assistant 1

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County

Nashville, TN • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

753rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Description Responsible for the daily care of animals; provides appropriate food and water; grooms, bathes, and exercises animals; monitors the behavior and health of animals; reports health, behavior or temperament issues to supervisor; and performs general housekeeping of shelter. This position will work at the location listed below: Animal Care & Control 5125 Harding Pl Nashville, TN 37211 If you have any questions about this position please contact MPHD HR at (615)-340-5640. Typical Duties Perform animal care and related duties, such as feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring the behavior and health of animals in shelter custody.

Responsible for the daily care of animals, including providing appropriate food and water, as well as basic grooming and bathing; cleans animal cages, runs and performs general housekeeping of shelter. Assists shelter patrons, animal control officers and outreach staff with animal handling, to include transferring and relocating animals from vehicles, cages and housing units. Monitor animals and immediately reports health, behavior or temperament issues to supervisor.

Assist with animal intake, evaluation and medical treatments as directed, including disease prevention and reduction efforts. Maintain animal care reports and documentation. Maintain daily log sheets and inventories, completes intake and care reports, and prepares related reports or record keeping as required.

Responds to patron inquiries related to animal health education and related programs; provides humane education pamphlets or materials. Must have and be able to demonstrate knowledge of: -basic animal welfare standards, including safe animal handling procedures for domestic and wild animals. --proper use, secure storage, and disposal of lethal chemicals, syringes and related equipment.

Promote a caring attitude toward all animals and treat animals humanely and with compassion at all times, regardless of circumstances, including those that are sick, injured, feral, or aggressive. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or its equivalent. Must be a Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET), or obtain that certification within six months of hire.

Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations. Working Environment/Physical Demands: Medium to heavy work that involves walking, standing, bending, stooping, lifting, and exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a regular and reoccurring basis, including restraint of animals of varying size, age, and physical condition. Must use protective clothing or gear.

May risk exposure to toxic and caustic chemicals, and animals/wildlife, including exposure to animal bites, scratches, and diseases such as Rabies, Ringworm, Lyme disease and Zoonosis . Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply, however at the present time MPHD is not sponsoring individuals through any of the US Government's employment-based immigration programs. MPHD seeks to be a socially and culturally responsive organization that acknowledges and addresses historical and current inequities in our public health promotion and practice.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work with multicultural communities. Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ` Associates degree or higher.

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