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Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care. Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption. We ...

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN NUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation WORK LOCATION: Animal Shelter HIRING RANGE: $14.00 per hour PAY GRADE: 990 TYPE OF POSITION: Temporary - Part Time DAYS ...

Animal Care Specialist

Dunn, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Memphis, TN

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Fresno, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Bel Air, MD

$14.50 - $19/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Fresno, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Timonium, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn Hills, MI

$14.50 - $19/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Animal Care Specialist

Auburn, ME · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

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Animal CARE information

See salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Different Types of Animal Care Jobs?

There are many different animal care jobs available, and which one you choose to do depends on your qualifications, interests, and training. If you are interested in working with household pets, you can find work as a vet tech or assistant, a pet groomer, or an animal trainer. If you have higher qualifications and an interest in working with larger or more exotic animals, you can work as a zoo caretaker or even in a state park or wildlife refuge. The qualifications for all of these jobs vary drastically from no education to a doctorate.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying jobs in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning higher salaries due to advanced education and licensing requirements. Veterinary surgeons often work in private practices or research institutions and may earn six-figure incomes, especially with experience and specialization in fields like surgery or exotic animals.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include roles such as veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience working with animals in settings like clinics, shelters, zoos, or grooming salons.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Animal care jobs that can pay around $10,000 a month without a degree typically include specialized roles such as experienced pet trainers, veterinary technicians with advanced skills, or animal behavior consultants, often requiring certifications and extensive experience. High earnings are usually associated with self-employment, private practice, or working in affluent or niche markets where clients pay premium rates for expert services.

What is the difference between Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often requires veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet services, sheltersVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care roles focus on caring for animals in shelters, pet stores, and rescue organizations, often requiring basic certifications. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures and patient care, usually needing specific certifications. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Assistants have a more medical focus, whereas Animal Care roles emphasize daily animal welfare and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Animal care professionals frequently encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing emotionally difficult situations like illness or euthanasia, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Additionally, teamwork and open communication with colleagues, as well as ongoing training, are crucial for ensuring both animal welfare and personal well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Care professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care professional, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and working well with team members. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient and humane care standards.

What are animal care workers?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care and support for animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with medical treatments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of animals and often work closely with veterinarians and animal trainers. Compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina are important qualities for success in this field.

What jobs pay 400 dollars an hour?

In the animal care field, high-paying roles such as specialized veterinary surgeons or animal behavior consultants can earn around $400 per hour, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and a private practice setting. These positions often require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and a strong reputation in the industry.
What cities are hiring for Animal Care jobs? Cities with the most Animal Care job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Care jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Care jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 8% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Job description

Definition: Under the direction of the Shelter Supervisors, provide animal care and ensure the welfare of animals at the AC&C shelters. Create a happy and healthy environment for both animals and AC&C's internal and external customers. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities: Provide basic animal care and welfare, including food, water, bedding and toys.

Thoroughly clean and properly sanitize cages and areas of shelter as assigned, according to AC&C policy and procedure. Walk and interact with animals on a regular basis. Observe behavior, illness and any injury of an animal.

Restrain animals for exams and euthanasia. Secure aggressive animals, as needed As directed by medical staff or supervisor, provide pre-surgery care and preparation to animals. Conduct lost and found tours with members of the public.

Work cooperatively with AC&C volunteers and partners. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Required Skills: High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Minimum one year of animal care experience. Minimum of 18 years of age. Valid and current NYS Driver's License preferred.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Love of animals and ability to interact with them in a calm, non-threatening manner. Reliability, high level of integrity and punctuality are essential.

Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment and follow directions. Work Environment: Ability to work in an animal care facility where euthanasia is performed. Ability to remain calm and assertive in stressful situations.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently exposed to odors or airborne particles including animal fur and toxic chemicals. The noise level in the environment can be very loud. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Reports to: Kennel Supervisor. Overtime: This is a union position and is eligible for overtime. Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Employees may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization. Animal Care & Control of New York City is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.