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Animal Care Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

PetSuites

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

Novi, MI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

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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 ...

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Animal Care Associate information

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How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in Michigan is $12.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.65 and $13.09 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,314 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Senior Director of Animal Care

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Senior Director of Animal Care The Senior Director of Animal Care plans, directs, and oversees all activities of animal care operations at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide direction and oversight for all animal care team operations, including animal care, exhibit design, species planning, staff recruitment and training, team building, guest interaction activities, and inter-department relations.
  • Oversee recruitment and selection of the animal care team management staff.
  • Supervise taxonomic curators and evaluate employee performance.
  • Work collaboratively with the Associate VP of Life Sciences and the Director of Welfare on protocols, assessments, plans, and initiatives that ensure optimal animal care, health, and wellbeing for all taxonomic groups.
  • Instill a culture of trust, safety, and communication amongst the entire animal care team in collaboration with the Life Sciences leadership team.
  • Contribute to the development and implement policies and practices to ensure safe, effective policies and procedures of animal care, management, exhibition, transport, acquisition, disposition, and emergency response in coordination with the VP of Life Sciences.
  • Implement Living Animal Plan in coordination with taxonomic curators and VP of Life Sciences.
  • Ensure that all animal care facilities, policies, animal husbandry practices, and safety protocols exceed USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards.
  • Oversee Detroit Zoo and BINC staff participation in cooperative management programs, such as studbooks, Species Survival Plans, and Taxon Advisory Groups.
  • Work closely with the Director of Conservation on initiatives including conservation goal setting, staffing field work, AZA Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) involvement, and planning.
  • Working knowledge of dive safety operations.
  • Contribute to strategic and other organizational planning.
  • Approve acquisition and disposition of animals.
  • Work closely with all members of the Life Sciences department to advance animal wellbeing and conservation research.
  • Prepare, submit, and monitor budgets.
  • Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Represent the DZS at local, national, and international organization meetings and conferences.
  • Work across departments to elevate and ignite the DZS mission, vision, and core values.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.
  • Ten (10) years of progressive management experience in a zoo or related facility.
  • Seven (7) years of experience caring for captive wildlife.
  • Experience in zoo and/or aquarium curatorial capacities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Possess an affinity for animals and the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the animal, population, or species.
  • Must have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and practical time management skills.
  • Proven communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards and programs
  • Proven ability to advocate for the institution among various stakeholders.
  • Goal orientation, high energy with comfort demonstrating calculated risk-taking tolerance and strong decision-making ability.

Preferred
  • Advanced degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule requires flexibility, including weekend and evening responsibilities. The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is done inside in an office environment, but it may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors and the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort daily, such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 50 pounds.
The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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