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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Position Information Position Title Assistant/Associate Professor- Laboratory Animal Medicine Job ... Serve as an attending veterinarian and member of the Tuskegee University Animal Care and Use ...

Farm Associate I

Albertville, AL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The Farm Associate I, has primary responsibility for the animal care and welfare of the birds within the facility. * May work up to 6 days a week, including weekends and holidays * Gather eggs in a ...

Farm Associate I

Albertville, AL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The Farm Associate I, has primary responsibility for the animal care and welfare of the birds within the facility. * May work up to 6 days a week, including weekends and holidays * Gather eggs in a ...

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Animal Care Associate information

See Alabama salary details

$6

$11

$29

How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in Alabama is $11.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.33 and $12.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care associate?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal care associate?

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 challenges do 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Care Associate jobs in Alabama?

For Animal Care Associate jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $24,378 per year, or $11.7 per hour.

Animal Care Associate

Cook Museum of Natural Science

Decatur, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Description

We are looking for our newest addition to the Cook Museum Team and it could be you!


What are we looking for?

Someone that is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about caring for the Museum animals. Someone actively pursuing a degree in Biology or Zoology would be ideal. Schedule flexibility and the willingness to work weekends and some holidays is a must. Shifts primarily start as early as 7am.

Requirements

What does a day look like in this position?

We MUST maintain a high standard of care for every animal in our care here at the Museum so the person in this position will need to able to perform the following tasks, along with whatever else management feels is in the best interest of the department/animals:

  • Preparing animal diets and assisting in daily feeding and care
  • Maintaining clean and healthy animal habitats
  • Participating in animal talks, camps, and programs and answering guest questions in a manner that reflects the Museum's mission

In the Animal Care department, detailed record keeping and following directions are imperative skills. We are a small team often working independently of one another and this ensures that the animals receive the best possible consistent care. We all have to be comfortable handling small animals of all kinds (even the ones that could bite, strike, or sting).


If this sounds like something that you want to know more about, we'd love to talk to you about it! Fill out an application and we will be in touch. Please make sure that you give us plenty of details about your past work experience.