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Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

The Animal Care Attendant is responsible for providing compassionate, reliable daily care for dogs and cats in our boarding department. This role supports animal health, comfort, sanitation, safety ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Animal Care Lead Department: Animal Care Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 Summary: LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and ...

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How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 is an animal care worker?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care professional?

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 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 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 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 animal care jobs pay well?

Animal care jobs that tend to pay higher salaries include veterinary technicians, zoo keepers, and animal researchers, often requiring specialized skills or certifications. Positions in wildlife rehabilitation or working with exotic animals can also offer higher pay, especially with experience and advanced training.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal care offers various job opportunities such as veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and pet trainer. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, some may need certifications or training, and often involve working in environments like clinics, shelters, or zoos.

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.
More about Animal Care jobs

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:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs are:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Care Attendant

Animal Care Services

Norco, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily care for animals, including feeding, fresh water, exercise, enrichment, and basic comfort needs.

  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain kennels, cages, runs, litter areas, bedding, support areas, and common animal care spaces according to sanitation and disease-prevention protocols.

  • Observe animals for changes in appetite, behavior, elimination, mobility, comfort, or signs of illness or injury, and promptly report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or veterinary team member.

Job description

Benefits:
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Employee discounts
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Wellness resources
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

SALARY $16.90 - $18.25
SCHEDULE: Part-time. May include weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts depending on business needs.
 
POSITION SUMMARY
At Animal Care Services, we believe exceptional pet care begins with an exceptional team. The Animal Care Attendant is responsible for providing compassionate, reliable daily care for dogs and cats in our boarding department.  This role supports animal health, comfort, sanitation, safety, and client service.  The Animal Care Attendant reports to the Boarding Supervisor.
 
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Provide daily care for animals, including feeding, fresh water, exercise, enrichment, and basic comfort needs.
·         Clean, disinfect, and maintain kennels, cages, runs, litter areas, bedding, support areas, and common animal care spaces according to sanitation and disease-prevention protocols.
·         Observe animals for changes in appetite, behavior, elimination, mobility, comfort, or signs of illness or injury, and promptly report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or veterinary team member.
·         Safely handle, leash, restrain, and transport animals of varying sizes, breeds, species, and temperaments using calm, humane techniques.
·         Administer medications only as directed and accurately document completion when required.
·         Assist with bathing, brushing, laundry, stocking supplies, and general facility upkeep as assigned.
·         Support animal intake, discharge, boarding, daycare, or appointment flow by preparing housing areas and communicating relevant animal care notes to the team.
·         Maintain accurate records related to feeding, medication, behavior, cleaning, and animal health observations.
·         Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
·         Follow all safety, sanitation, biosecurity, and animal handling policies.
·         Perform other duties as assigned to support animal care and facility operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
·         High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
·         Previous experience in animal care, veterinary support, boarding, daycare, shelter, grooming, rescue, or pet care preferred but not required.
·         Comfortable working with dogs, cats, and other animals in a hands-on environment.
·         Ability to follow written and verbal instructions carefully and consistently.
·         Strong attention to detail, reliability, time management, and teamwork skills.
·         Ability to remain calm and professional around animals that may be stressed, fearful, energetic, or medically fragile.
·         Commitment to humane animal care, cleanliness, safety, and client service.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
·         Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on feet for extended periods.
·         Must be able to safely handle animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
·         May be exposed to animal dander, odors, noise, bites, scratches, infectious disease, cleaning agents, medications.
·         Must follow all safety, sanitation, and personal protective equipment protocols.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
We are an equal opportunity employer and value a respectful, inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.