ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Care Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

LifeLine Animal Project

Intake Specialist

Atlanta, GA

$17 - $22.75/hr

Perform all animal care activities in compliance with shelter policies and relevant regulations, including those related to health, safety, and animal welfare. * Euthanize or assist with animal ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Intake Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Perform all animal care activities in compliance with shelter policies and relevant regulations, including those related to health, safety, and animal welfare. * Euthanize or assist with animal ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Veterinary Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Department: Shelter Medicine Reports To: Clinic Supervisor ... LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Veterinary Assistant

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Animal Shelter Veterinary Assistant Department: Shelter Medicine Reports To: Clinic Supervisor ... LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.

Vetorious LLC

Veterinary Technician

Atlanta, GA

$16 - $20/hr

... animal care, wed like to meet you. Responsibilities * Triage pets as they arrive at the clinic * Interview pet owners to obtain a patient history * Take vital signs and acquire blood samples * Assist ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Assistant JobsAnimal Care Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA

Animal Care Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$8

$17

$29

How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care assistant in Decatur, GA is $17.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $20.67 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
What job categories do people searching Animal Care Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Care Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Care Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Care Assistant job openings:
Animal Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,520 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Animal Care Technician II- Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine

Animal Care Technician II- Division of Animal Resources, School of Medicine

Emory University

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 210 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 870 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
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs routine and specialized duties associated with animal care, including feeding, medicating, cleaning, restraint and transportation.
  • Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Observes animal behavior and conditions, collects specimens and provides technical assistance to research and veterinary personnel.
  • Performs minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
  • May train and supervise new technicians.
  • May drive utility vehicles to transport animals and supplies, ensuring safe operation, daily inspection and vehicle cleanliness.
  • 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:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of animal husbandry/care experience OR certification as Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) and two years of animal husbandry/care experience OR four years of animal husbandry/care experience.
  • The ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Positions within this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • Positions in this classification may require three years of transportation and routing experience in lieu of animal husbandry/care experience.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work 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.

What Emory Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply