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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Care Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$12

$31

How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in Iowa is $12.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.97 and $13.56 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,229 per year, or $12.6 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian Mixed Animal

Heritage Vet Partners and their Partner Clinics

Marcus, IA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

__ Build A Career That Lastsโ€”Under A Really Big Sky ** You didnโ€™t become a veterinarian to play small.**

** You chose this profession to solve problems, earn** ** trust, lead with skill, and make an impact that matters.**

At ** _ _West River Veterinary Clinic__** in Hettinger, North Dakota, thatโ€™s exactly what youโ€™ll doโ€ฆ

We practice progressive, high-quality medicine in a culture that values hard work and lasting relationships โ€” with support that allows you to grow professionally and personally.

We believe great veterinary medicine is rooted in community, teamwork, and legacy . Many of our clients have trusted us for two and three generations โ€” that kind of loyalty is built through respect, consistency, and passion.

Whether youโ€™re:

  • Launching your career
  • Expanding advanced skills
  • Seeking leadership influence
  • Or looking for a long-term professional home

There is space for you here โ€” under the big North Dakota sky. Come where thereโ€™s room to practice at the top of your abilities.

_

_

A True Mixed Animal Practice
  • State-of-the-art facility built in 2016
  • 50% Cow/Calf (including most area bison herds)
  • 45% Small Animal
  • 5% Equine & Small Ruminant โ€” with room to expand

We are a 100% haul-in facility for emergencies and individual animal care, giving you the equipment, support, and backup you need when cases get serious. On call is shared evenly among full-time veterinarians and always supported by an assistant.

This is hands-on, relationship-driven medicine โ€” not volume-centered, impersonal care.

A Team That Has Your Back

Veterinarians:

  • Dr. Bleaux Johnson (Iowa State University; 2008)
  • Dr. Jenna Innes (Auburn University; 2014)
  • Dr. David Lensing (Kansas State University; 2004)
  • Dr. Lindy West (Kansas State University; 2012); part time
  • Dr. Dawn Kaiser (University of Wisconsin, 1992); part time/relief

Supported by long-tenured veterinary technicians and assistants, a full-time practice manager, and a dedicated inventory manager.

** We discuss case strategy. We share wins. We step in when someone needs backup.**

Modern Standards, Rural Setting

Small Animal Equipment:

  • In-house CBC/Chem + Sedivue
  • Digital Radiology
  • Double surgical suite
  • Dental unit
  • Gas anesthesia
  • Ultrasound

Large Animal Facilities:

  • Hydraulic tilt-table chutes (Silencer & Foremost)
  • Temperature-controlled indoor cattle facility
  • Hydraulic hoist
  • Equine stocks & surgery suite
  • Portable hydraulic chutes for field work
_

_

Powered by Partnership

West River Veterinary Clinic is part of the **Heritage Vet Partners **network, providing operational and business support that allows doctors to focus on medicine. Youโ€™ll have access to shared expertise, peer collaboration, continuing education resources, and long-term strategic stability โ€” while maintaining our local culture and autonomy.

Life in Hettinger, North Dakota

Hettinger is a small community with a big heart, surrounded by fertile grasslands, buttes, and the rugged Badlands. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, camping, sledding, and some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation.

Explore iconic destinations like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower.

This is a safe, supportive community with strong schools, competitive sports teams, excellent healthcare, and a diversified agricultural-industrial economy. Itโ€™s a place where you can build a meaningful career โ€” and a meaningful life

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary is commensurate with experience
  • Stocked practice vehicle (where applicable)
  • Cell phone stipend
  • Professional Dues: 3 per year
  • Professional liability provided
  • CE Allowance: $3000 biennial
  • Generous PTO package
  • Full Benefits Package (Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, Accident, + more!)
  • 401K with employer match (after 90 days)
  • Up to eight weeks PAID parental leave* (after 6 months)
  • Accelerated ownership opportunity with our Associate Equity Program!
  • Eligibility for North Dakota Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program
  • Eligibility for Federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP)

*6 weeks paid medical recovery time for birth mothers + 2 weeks paid bonding time for all parents

We welcome conversations about long-term leadership development and future growth within both our clinic and the Heritage Vet Partners network.

If Youโ€™re Readyโ€ฆ

If you want community over corporate conveyor belts, teamwork over isolation, and legacy over short-term transactionsโ€” we would love to connect.

__ ** West River Veterinary Clinic isnโ€™t just hiring an associateโ€”weโ€™re inviting you to build something that lasts.**

** _
_**

** STATEMENT**

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.