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

As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in the care and comfort of our hospitalized ... Develop animal handling and patient care skills * Explore future career growth into veterinary ...

Intake Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$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 ...

ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$45K - $88K/yr

Responsibilities involves responding to dispatch calls to provide animal rescue, assist the public ... care received and to decide on the most appropriate course of action to be taken to prevent ...

Animal Services Supervisor

Marietta, GA · On-site

$23.72 - $30.83/hr

... assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and ... animal care and control issues. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of ...

Custodian

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17/hr

Notify kennel management or veterinary personnel of animals in distress. * Assist in supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the animal care teams. * Maintain a clean and tidy work area.

Showing results 41-60

Animal Care Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$8

$17

$29

How much do animal care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Animal Care Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,520 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

$14 - $16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


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Job description

Do you love working with animals and want to build a career in veterinary medicine?

Vernon Woods Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time Kennel Assistant to join our compassionate, team-oriented veterinary hospital in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Whether you're looking to gain hands-on veterinary experience or you're an experienced animal care professional seeking a supportive team, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets every day.
As a Kennel Assistant, you'll play an essential role in the care and comfort of our hospitalized patients and boarding guests while supporting our veterinary team behind the scenes. If you're dependable, hardworking, enjoy staying active, and have a genuine passion for animal welfare, we'd love to meet you.
Why Join Vernon Woods Animal Hospital?

At Vernon Woods Animal Hospital, we believe every team member contributes to exceptional patient care. You'll work alongside experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who are committed to mentorship, collaboration, and helping you grow within the veterinary profession.

This position offers opportunities to:
  • Gain valuable hands-on veterinary experience
  • Learn from experienced veterinary professionals
  • Develop animal handling and patient care skills
  • Explore future career growth into veterinary support, client service, or technician roles
  • Become part of a positive, collaborative hospital culture that values teamwork and compassion
As a Kennel Assistant, you'll help ensure every patient and boarding pet receives outstanding daily care while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital environment.
Patient & Boarding Care
  • Provide daily care for hospitalized patients and boarding pets
  • Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments
  • Feed, water, walk, and provide enrichment throughout the day
  • Bathe pets as directed and assist with basic grooming needs
  • Monitor appetite, behavior, and overall well-being, promptly reporting concerns to the veterinary team
Hospital Support
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient transport and safe restraint
  • Prepare kennels and patient areas for incoming pets
  • Help maintain organized treatment and boarding areas
  • Restock supplies and assist with general hospital organization
Cleanliness & Sanitation
  • Maintain clean, sanitized kennels, runs, cages, and common areas
  • Perform laundry, disinfect equipment, and follow hospital sanitation protocols
  • Help create a safe, healthy environment for patients, clients, and team members
Required Qualifications
  • Passion for animal care and patient well-being
  • Positive attitude with a strong work ethic
  • Reliable, dependable, and punctual
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to follow directions while also working independently
  • Reliable transportation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience in a veterinary hospital, kennel, daycare, boarding facility, or animal care setting
  • Experience safely handling dogs and cats
  • Interest in pursuing a long-term career in veterinary medicine or animal care
Physical Requirements

This position is active and hands-on. Team members should be able to:
  • Stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move throughout the shift
  • Safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with assistance when appropriate
  • Work comfortably around dogs, cats, animal dander, cleaning products, disinfectants, and veterinary equipment
  • Perform frequent cleaning, laundry, and sanitation duties
Schedule
  • Part-Time
  • Flexible scheduling based on hospital needs
  • Weekend and holiday availability may be required to support patient care and boarding services
Competitive hourly pay starting at $15/hour, with compensation based on experience and animal care background.

Part-time team members also enjoy:
  • Employee discounts on veterinary services and products
  • Paid training and ongoing mentorship
  • Professional development and skill-building opportunities
  • Supportive, team-oriented hospital culture
  • Opportunities for future growth and advancement as positions become available
  • The chance to build a rewarding career in veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families
Ready to Join Our Team?

If you're passionate about animal care, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and are looking for an opportunity to grow within the veterinary field, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to become a Part-Time Kennel Assistant with Vernon Woods Animal Hospital and help provide exceptional care to the pets and families who trust us every day.

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