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Animal Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Trainee - Vivarium

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Description The Division of Animal Resources at the Emory National Biomedical Research Center at ... May assist in the collection of blood, urine and feces from animals for medical research.

Animal Care Trainee - Vivarium

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Description The Division of Animal Resources at the Emory National Biomedical Research Center at ... May assist in the collection of blood, urine and feces from animals for medical research.

Cat Care Supervisor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$40K - $42K/yr

Ensure accuracy of animal inventory, signage, and animal behavior levels during work shifts. * Assist in troubleshooting and resolving any issues related to animal care, staff assignments, or shelter ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Trainee - Atlanta Campus

Emory University

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Your Career at Emory University
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
Description
The Division of Animal Resources within the Emory National Biomedical Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full-time Animal Care Trainee to join our dedicated Animal Care team to assist with husbandry and activities related to the daily operations of the NHP.
Observing all established guidelines for proper care and welfare of the animals, the ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, passion for research and compassion for both animals and people. The Animal Care Trainee will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with all units of the center. The Animal Care Trainee will work to ensure the highest quality of animal care, clinical and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, research staff, and other support services.
The Animal Care Trainee ensures the cleanliness of the animal housing facility and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food, bedding materials, PPE and other relevant necessary supplies. The Animal Care Trainee will work together with other technicians according to a schedule prepared by the Assistant Operations Manager and must be willing and able to rotate through all ENBRC DAR facilities. The Animal Care Trainee ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI's, research staff, students, and other support services. This position reports directly to an Animal Care Supervisor. This position is considered essential and requires weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule.
Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at ENBRC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory animal experience (preferably NHP) who is familiar with animal observations, husbandry and cagewash processes, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community.
Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, ENBRC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enbrc.emory.edu
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Operates cage washers and ensures that equipment is in proper working order.
  • May assist in the collection of blood, urine and feces from animals for medical research.
  • Performs related responsibilities as required.
  • Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • The ability to read and write and to lift up to 75 pounds.
  • Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Demonstrated outstanding working habits, including the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in an animal research environment requiring continuous contact with animals.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand established guidelines for humane care and welfare of laboratory animals as described by AAALAC.
  • Working knowledge of hygiene principles, safety protocols, and basic animal husbandry.
  • Communication skills, including the ability to write and understand English and to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Certifications issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
  • Experience working in a biosafety environment.
  • Demonstrated computer skills proficiency.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
  • Hours/Weekends/Holidays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday alternating weekends and holidays.
  • This position has an indoor/outdoor work environment that may require working in inclement weather conditions.
  • This position also requires exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Assists with performing minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
  • Requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. as well as move/push heavy racks a short distance.
  • Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:
The Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.

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