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Animal Care Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CareVet

Animal Care Assistant

Cape Charles, VA · On-site

Animal Care Assistant Cape Charles Animal Hospital Are you looking for an opportunity to work with animals in a veterinary setting? Look no further! We are looking for an Animal Care Assistant to ...

City of Elk Grove

Animal Care Assistant

Elk Grove, CA

$41K - $55K/yr

Description/Special Instructions The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT The City of Elk Grove has an immediate opening for a full-time Animal ...

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How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 are animal care assistants?

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 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 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.

What jobs pay $400 an hour?

Animal Care Assistants typically do not earn $400 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized or highly experienced professionals like veterinarians, specialized trainers, or consultants in animal behavior. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working in niche markets. Most entry-level or support roles in animal care pay significantly less than this hourly rate.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Animal Care Assistants typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like surgeons, anesthesiologists, or high-level consultants. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-paying industries or private practices.

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.

How do I become an animal care assistant?

To become an animal care assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience or training in animal care. Many employers value certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses. Strong communication skills, compassion for animals, and the ability to work in a team are also important.

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Animal Care Assistants typically do not earn $10,000 a month without additional qualifications or experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often involve specialized skills, certifications, or entrepreneurship, such as sales, real estate, or certain trades. Most jobs paying this amount require significant experience, advanced skills, or business ownership rather than entry-level positions.
More about Animal Care Assistant jobs
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Animal Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,405 per year, or $18 per hour.

Animal Care Assistant

The Animal Hospital

Cape Charles, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Animal Care Assistant
Cape Charles Animal Hospital
Are you looking for an opportunity to work with animals in a veterinary setting? Look no further! We are looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join our growing team. The Animal Care Assistant plays a vital role in the hospital by caring for animals in our care, including but not limited to walking dogs, cleaning, unpacking and restocking supplies, prepping tools and instruments, feeding and watering patients as directed by a veterinarian, and more. This key Team Member will support the workflow of the hospital. Our ideal Team Member is one who is excited to learn more about veterinary medicine, is independent, coachable, and a team player.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Daily care for hospital patients
  • Bathing, feeding, administering medication, and monitoring behavior
  • Assisting with maintenance and cleaning of hospital, including exam rooms and kennels
  • Reporting changes in animal behavior, health or other concerns to Doctor(s) and Hospital Manager
  • Maintaining animal records, such as weight, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake as needed
  • Washing, drying, and folding laundry
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, stoop, bend, and stand on feet for long periods
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or relevant education and work experience
  • Previous experience working with animals preferred
  • Customer service attitude
  • Organizational skills
  • Team oriented
  • Solid communication skills

All Full Time Team Members are eligible for benefits, including:
  • Best-in-class medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401k with match
  • Paid time off
  • Free continuing education
  • Mental health support
  • And more!

Apply