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How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care assistant in the United States is $17.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care assistant?

Animal care assistants are professionals who support the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos, and research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising animals, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health and behavior. They may also assist veterinarians or other staff with medical procedures and record-keeping. Compassion, attention to detail, and good communication skills are important traits for this role.

What does an animal care assistant do?

Animal care assistant help feed and care for one or more animals. In this role, you may provide obedience training for a pet, groom animals, or assist other caregivers as necessary. Many animal care assistants specialize in specific areas, such as farm animals, marine mammals, or horses. This is not a veterinary position, though some animal care assistants work with vets to provide additional services to clients and customers. Many of the specific job duties of this position depend on the employer. For example, animal care assistants who work at zoos may be responsible for feeding animals or cleaning habitats, while animal care assistants at pet stores may help clean and groom animals daily in preparation for adoption.

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

To thrive as an Animal Care Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal health, handling, and husbandry, often supported by a high school diploma or animal care certification. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and medical or grooming tools is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills help build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with veterinary staff. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain a safe environment, and support the smooth operation of animal care facilities.

What are some common challenges animal care assistants face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high workload, handling stressed or uncooperative animals, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. These can be addressed by developing strong time-management and observation skills, following established safety protocols, and seeking guidance from more experienced staff. Building rapport with animals and learning to recognize signs of stress can also help create a safer and more comfortable environment for both pets and staff. Teamwork and clear communication with veterinarians and other assistants are essential for overcoming these daily challenges.

What is the difference between Animal Care Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Care AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, pet stores, clinicsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal clinics
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level animal care rolesExploring technical veterinary roles and certifications

Animal Care Assistants typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning tasks in shelters or pet stores, often with minimal formal education. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, requiring specialized training and certification. Both roles are essential in animal care, but Veterinary Technicians have a broader scope of medical duties and higher qualifications.

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Animal Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,405 per year, or $18 per hour.

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Emergency Hospital & Urgent Care

Raleigh, NC

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference: Animal Care Assistant at Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care (AEHUC)

Are you passionate about providing top-tier support in a critical care setting? Do you have a strong work ethic and a genuine love for ALL animals, from dogs and cats to exotics and wildlife?

Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care (AEHUC) has been a trusted part of the Raleigh community for over thirty years, serving as one of the area's most established 24-hour emergency hospitals. We are looking for dedicated and skilled individuals to join our team as an Animal Care Assistant!

Why Join the AEHUC Team?

• Impactful Work: Be part of a team renowned for an outstanding quality of medicine and providing essential service to clients presenting everything from common pets to wildlife and exotics.

• Growth Potential: Get exposure to the newest advancements in medical equipment and technology. We will train candidates in specific skills if you bring the right attitude!

• Competitive Rewards: We offer a very competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and generous employee discounts.

• Team Culture: Join a supportive environment where your passion for people and pets is valued.

What You'll Do & Bring:

As an Animal Care Assistant, you are essential to smooth, high-quality patient care. Ideal candidates are highly focused on delivering an outstanding client experience while maintaining top organizational skills.

Core Responsibilities & Skills:

• Animal Handling: Skillful in safely restraining Dogs, Cats, Small Mammals, Avians, and Reptiles.

• Support for Procedures: Assisting in wrapping surgical packs and preparing for sterile procedures.

• Client Service: Professional, customer-friendly demeanor with excellent communication skills to serve pet parents.

• Teamwork: Ability to work well with the team to achieve goals and outcomes.

• Initiative: Must be a self-starter with high attention to detail.

Requirements:

• Experience: 1 year of Veterinary experience preferred.

• Attitude: Positive attitude with a clear willingness to learn and grow.

• Physical Ability: Ability to lift 40 lbs.

• Tech Savvy: Ability to learn and utilize various computer software programs.

• Commitment: Ability to work holidays, extended shifts, and weekends on a rotating schedule, including overnight shifts (as scheduled).

Compensation & Schedule:

• Salary: Starts at $17-20 per hour (Specific rates based on role/experience).

• Schedule Types: Full-time positions available with daytime shifts of 7a-4p and 3p-12a or an overnight position from 10pm-8am. You must be available for Weekend, Holiday, and Monday to Friday shifts on a rotating basis.

• Overnight Pay: Overnight Shift Differential is provided for applicable shifts!

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package:

We invest in your well-being! You'll receive:

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Matching

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Generous Employee Discount

• Flexible Schedule Options

Location: Raleigh, NC 27612 (Reliable commute or relocation planned is required).

Ready to become a vital part of our emergency care team?

How to Apply:

For consideration, please submit both your cover letter and resume.

IMPORTANT: To keep our phone lines open for critical medical emergencies, please

DO NOT call the hospital regarding this posting.