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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Animal Care Specialist

Coconut Creek, FL · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

We are seeking an experienced Animal Care Attendant to join our team. The successful candidate will ... If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into ...

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Animal Care Associate information

See Florida salary details

$6

$11

$27

How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in Florida is $11.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.85 and $11.87 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 Florida?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Care Associate jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care Associate jobs in Florida are:

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

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

Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $22,962 per year, or $11 per hour.

Animal Care - Team Leads & Senior Associates

Love Energy Savings

Naples, FL • On-site

$19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless animals. We're seeking experienced animal care professionals who are passionate about animal welfare, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and are ready to take on leadership responsibilities while remaining actively involved in the daily care of our shelter animals.

Depending on your experience and qualifications, candidates may be considered for either our Animal Care Team Lead or Senior Animal Care Associate position.

Both roles are hands‑on leadership positions that combine exceptional animal care with team guidance, operational support, and a commitment to providing every animal with compassionate, fear‑free care.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

To get a better idea of the morning Animal Care routine, please watch this video!

Schedule

Full time, Five days per week, 8am - 5pm, 7am - 4pm, or 9am - 6pm. Candidates must be willing to work all shift types, weekends and holidays.

What We Offer
  • Senior Associate: pay starts at $18/hr.
  • Team Lead: pay starts at $19/hr
  • Paid weekly.
  • Paid time off and Holiday Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Retirement plan available, matching funds after 1 year
  • Significant discounts on veterinary services
  • Employee pet adoption benefits
What You’ll Do
  • Lead and provide guidance, direction, and support to Animal Care Associates throughout the day.
  • Help ensure daily animal care tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and according to shelter protocols.
  • Serve as a role model by demonstrating excellent animal handling, cleaning, enrichment, and customer service practices.
  • Assist with onboarding and training new staff and volunteers.
  • Team Lead candidates will have ongoing supervisory responsibilities; Senior Animal Care Associates will regularly serve as Shift Lead when designated, directing daily operations and team activities.
Provide Outstanding Animal Care
  • Feed, water, and provide daily husbandry for dogs, cats, and occasionally small animals.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, cat rooms, yards, and other animal spaces.
  • Maintain clean, organized animal care areas, laundry, dishes, and supplies.
  • Monitor animal health and report concerns promptly.
  • Administer medications and assist with medical treatments as directed.
  • Transport animals to and from medical procedures and surgeries.
Support Animal Wellness & Enrichment
  • Provide daily enrichment and socialization tailored to each animal's individual needs.
  • Participate in dog playgroups, cat socialization, walks, training sessions, and behavioral enrichment.
  • Observe animal behavior and document changes or concerns.
Shelter Operations & Customer Service
  • Assist adopters and visitors with animal meet-and-greets.
  • Help maintain accurate animal records and kennel signage.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum six months of professional animal care experience in a shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, rescue, or similar environment.
  • Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of varying temperaments.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work throughout the day.
  • Basic computer proficiency.
  • Reliable transportation.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
  • Consistent attendance and dependability.

Preferred Qualifications

  • One or more years of animal care experience.
  • Leadership, supervisory, mentoring, or shift leadership experience.
  • Strong understanding of dog and cat behavior and body language.
  • Experience facilitating dog playgroups or cat socialization.
  • Experience training staff or volunteers.
  • College coursework in animal science or a related field is a plus.
Application Instructions
  • Apply online at https://pbhsnaples.org/careers
  • All communication with candidates will be over email and/or text - check your spam folder!
  • If you have technical issues or questions, please email hr@pbhsnaples.org
  • No phone calls or walk-ins please
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