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Animal Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're fully staffed right now for out Animal Care Associate position but go ahead and apply-we'd love to connect for future openings! Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $22.66/hour BENEFITS: * Health ...

We want you to be our next diligent Animal Care Associate, providing daily care and support for our shelter dogs. You'll be an advocate for dogs and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the ...

Animal Care Associate

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$19 - $32.50/hr

We want you to be our next diligent Animal Care Associate, providing daily care and support for our shelter dogs. You'll be an advocate for dogs and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the ...

We're fully staffed right now for out Animal Care Associate position but go ahead and apply-we'd love to connect for future openings! Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $22.66/hour BENEFITS: * Health ...

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Animal Care Associate DEPARTMENT:Operations REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care STATUS:Non-Exempt GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care ...

As an Animal Care Associate, you will be responsible for providing humane care for sheltered animals and maintain kennel facilities. Purpose of Position: This position provides the highest quality ...

Salary: $22.66 Were fully staffed right now for out Animal Care Associate position but go ahead and applywed love to connect for future openings! Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $22.66/hour BENEFITS:

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Animal Care Associate information

What can you do with an associate's in animal science?

An Animal Care Associate with an associate's in animal science can perform tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health in shelters, farms, or research facilities. The degree provides foundational knowledge of animal behavior, nutrition, and care, often complemented by hands-on experience and certifications like CPR or animal handling training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Care Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care Associate, you need a fundamental understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safe handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning and feeding equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid are typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help foster positive animal interactions and effective teamwork. These competencies ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining smooth daily operations.

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

AspectAnimal Care AssociateVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Care Associates typically perform basic animal handling, feeding, and cleaning duties 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 involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Technicians usually work in clinical settings with more technical tasks.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying roles in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning the most due to advanced education and licensing requirements. These positions often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level animal care positions. Specialized skills and certifications can further increase earning potential in this field.

What are Animal Care Associates?

Animal Care Associates are professionals responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or research facilities. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and assisting with basic medical care under supervision. They play a crucial role in ensuring that animals are comfortable, healthy, and safe. Good communication, attention to detail, and a genuine concern for animals are essential qualities for this role.

What are some common challenges Animal Care Associates face, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Care Associates often encounter challenges such as handling animals with varying temperaments, managing physically demanding tasks, and adhering to strict hygiene protocols. To prepare, it's beneficial to build strong observation skills, develop patience, and be comfortable working in fast-paced environments. Learning proper animal restraint techniques and maintaining clear communication with veterinarians and other team members can also make daily responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often specialized positions such as veterinary surgeons or zoo directors, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to their responsibilities, expertise, and leadership requirements within organizations focused on animal care and conservation.
More about Animal Care Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs? Cities with the most Animal Care Associate 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 Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Care Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Animal Care Associate

Animal Care Associate

San Diego Humane Society

Oceanside, CA • On-site

$20 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


San Diego Humane Society rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring Animal Care Associates for our Oceanside Animal Care team!

 

How you’ll impact our mission:

At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing daily care and enrichment for our shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, disinfecting, grooming, vaccinating, medicating, and possibly performing euthanasia.

This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. 

This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you’re passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we’d love to talk to you.

What’s in it for you?

At SDHS, we’re proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person – staff, volunteer, and guest – can feel a sense of belongingWe support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values. 

As an employee you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • …and so much more!

What you’ll do:

  • Complete daily husbandry routines, including appropriate feeding and exercise, maintaining assigned area in a clean, organized and professional manner.
  • Monitor the health of shelter animals; follow established procedures if symptoms of illness arise based on the degree of illness or injury. Administer daily medications, vaccinations and other treatments as appropriate.
  • Monitor animals daily and record details of diet, physical condition, elimination and behavior.
  • Provide kennel enrichment, training, and socializing of animals in conjunction with Behavior & Training, as time permits. Perform dog introductions and facilitate dog play groups with multiple dogs, following current protocols.

What we’re looking for:

  • High school graduate or equivalent required. 
  • One (1) year experience working with animals in a shelter, kennel, vet clinic or volunteer environment preferred.
  • Working knowledge of animal breeds, general care, and behavior related information preferred.

 

Location & Hours: We are hiring full-time Animal Care Associates for our Oceanside Campus. Full-time positions work 40 hours a week.

At any given time, we may also be hiring for Animal Care Associates (Intercampus Floater) who support both the Oceanside Campus and the Escondido Campus as their secondary location. Employees in these positions alternate between locations based on staffing needs and may be eligible for mileage reimbursement when commuting to their secondary location.

 
Pay: Starting range is between $20.00 - $22.25 per hour. The actual hourly rate is determined by your related education and experience. 

 The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location. 

To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

Career Growth through Job Levels: Animal Care offers three job levels as you grow within your role. Growth is based on time worked in your SDHS Animal Care role and meeting other training and performance requirements – everyone can advance once they meet the requirements! Advancing levels is recognized through a title change and pay increase.


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