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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $15.50/hr

Pet Pro Lead (Animal Care Supervisor) Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role Are you an ... Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) - the largest private ...

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $15.50/hr

Pet Pro Lead (Animal Care Supervisor) Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role Are you an ... Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) -- the largest private ...

City of Garden City, KS

Registrar

Garden City, KS · On-site

$20.88 - $25.45/hr

Works with and trains Animal Care staff on utilization of ZIMs (or other animal records software ... Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree in records management, business, one of the life sciences ...

City of Garden City (KS)

Registrar

Garden City, KS · On-site

$20.88 - $25.45/hr

Works with and trains Animal Care staff on utilization of ZIMs (or other animal records software ... Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree in records management, business, one of the life sciences ...

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Colony Supervisor

Topeka, KS · On-site

Minimum Associate's degree (Associates of Science, Registered Veterinary Technician, or similar). * 5+ years of experience in a regulated, high-standard environment such as animal care, research ...

Colgate-Palmolive Company

Colony Supervisor

Topeka, KS · On-site

Minimum Associate's degree (Associates of Science, Registered Veterinary Technician, or similar). * 5+ years of experience in a regulated, high-standard environment such as animal care, research ...

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Animal Care Associate information

See Kansas salary details

$7

$12

$30

How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in Kansas is $12.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.70 and $13.16 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 Kansas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,452 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

City of Overland Park

Overland Park, KS • On-site

$19.36 - $21.51/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

City Of Overland Park rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 848 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Animal Care Specialist position available in the Parks and Recreation Department.
SUMMARY:
The Animal Care Specialist assists with the animal care operations at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. This role performs routine animal care, including feeding, cleaning, animal waste disposal, and monitoring health and welfare. Additionally, the specialist assists with facility maintenance, provides educational materials to the public, and supports the training and supervision of animal care attendants.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assists with the animal care at the Farmstead which includes feeding, cleaning, animal waste disposal, health and welfare.
  • Assists Animal Care Supervisor and performs animal care such as worming, trimming hooves, beaks and talons, and giving vaccinations and other injections as needed. Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries. Follows veterinarian recommendation of diagnosis, treatment and medication for animals.
  • Assists in maintaining thorough and complete records on all animals to include identification, health, animals on hand, health testing, records, and disposal.
  • Assist in planning and reviewing feeding schedules and amounts for all animals. Monitors animal feed supplies. Checks feed supplies; orders supplies when necessary; picks up, loads and unload feed; stores feed properly to prevent spoilage and waste; prepares feed for distribution.
  • Assists in planning animal displays and procurement of animals.
  • Assists with the programming of farm events.
  • Provides educational materials and assistance to the public.
  • Ensures a safe environment for animals, visitors, staff and volunteers.
  • Assists with maintenance of facilities. Assists in cleaning of work areas and Farmstead facilities to meet the standards of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal Welfare Act.
  • Provides general information to the public by answering questions, providing directions, and enforcing policies.
  • Provides general information to the public through informal and formal speaking engagements and training sessions.
  • Performs general office duties such as answering phones, returning calls, monitoring email, assisting the general public, and organizing and updating files.
  • The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with, supervisors, visitors , vendors and any other persons or organization with which interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
  • The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Associates Degree or higher in animal husbandry, zoology, biology, or animal care related field.
  • Possession of appropriate, valid driver's license.
  • Must maintain an insurable driving record.

EXPERIENCE:
  • Two or more years of increasingly responsible experience in care and maintenance of animals in farm or zoo related facilities, or an equivalent level of experience.
  • Experience in operation of tractor, loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks preferred.
  • Effective public relations skills and the ability to work with children.

SKILLS:
  • Written and communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Basic mathematical and accounting skills.
  • Human relations/Interpersonal skills.
  • Analytical skills, including research skills, ability to interpret data, ability to conceptualize, ability to analyze information, and ability to write formal recommendations based on findings.
  • Organizational skills.
  • Leadership skills, including strategic planning skills, goal-setting skills, assessment skills, collaboration skills, and complex decision making skills.
  • Working knowledge of windows-based PC software applications such as Google based processing.
  • Time management skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to read and comprehend City, state, and federal regulations.
  • Ability to prioritize work.
  • Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.
  • Ability to train and guide others.
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals concerning animal care, equipment repair and maintenance, and plant care.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Alpha and numeric recognition.
  • Knowledge of animal care and grooming.
  • Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to reach, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, push and pull.
  • Exposure to extreme environmental conditions.
  • Exposure to loud noises.
  • Exposure to heights.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds and transport 20 feet.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to distinguish smells.
  • Ability to operate various hand and power tools, such as router, drill circular saw, shovel, rake, hoe, hand mower, weedeater, rototiller, chain saw, power pruner, and leaf blower.
  • Ability to operate City vehicles and large equipment, such as truck, front-end loader, skid loader, and riding mower.
  • Ability to speak to individuals or groups for an extended period of time.
  • Ability to restrain animals ranging in size from rabbits and eagles to midsize domesticated animals.
  • Ability to administer animal vaccinations and perform routine care of animals.
  • Visual acuity to identify animal health variables and abnormal physical and health conditions.
  • Ability to operate various office equipment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):
  • Direct: None.
  • Indirect: Part time, seasonal employees and volunteers.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
No City residency requirement.
Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, physical exam and essential functions test.
Normal Work Hours: Variable schedule - full time (mgr to provide more details)
PAY RATE - GRADE A: $19.36 - $21.51 Per Hour
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Benefits: Full-time
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and proof of eligibility must be provided if selected for hire.
EO/M/F/D/V

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