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Animal Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

East Bay SPCA

Customer Care Associate

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $22.50/hr

Customer Care Associate Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA 94621 Overview Salary Range $22.00 ... The CCA is also responsible for basic animal care (feeding and cleaning) and disease control in all ...

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Animal Care Associate information

What can you do with an associate's in animal science?

An Animal Care Associate with an associate's in animal science can perform tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health in shelters, farms, or research facilities. The degree provides foundational knowledge of animal behavior, nutrition, and care, often complemented by hands-on experience and certifications like CPR or animal handling training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Care Associate, and why are they important?

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 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 is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying roles in animal care typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning the most due to advanced education and licensing requirements. These positions often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level animal care positions. Specialized skills and certifications can further increase earning potential in this field.

What are Animal Care Associates?

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 are some common challenges 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 highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often specialized positions such as veterinary surgeons or zoo directors, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to their responsibilities, expertise, and leadership requirements within organizations focused on animal care and conservation.
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Animal Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Animal Care Associate - Carson City (52741)

Animal Care Associate - Carson City (52741)

NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY

Carson City, NV

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.

We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking an Animal Care Associate to join our team at our Carson City Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Animal care associate

Department:

Animal Care Dog Team

Reports To:

Animal Care Manager or Assistant Manager

Supervises:

None

FLSA/Work Hours Status:

Varies

DOL Status:

Non-Exempt

Base Pay Range:

Base pay range is calculated by position title, and experience. It is determined within the departmental budget. Changes to the range are approved by the CEO.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Our Dog Team Animal Care Associate plays an important role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission.

As an Animal Care Associate, you contribute to Nevada Humane Society’s mission by providing proper care for all animals housed at Nevada Humane Society based on assigned department. Your work directly supports the organization’s mission by providing compassionate and high-quality animal care, while demonstrating core competencies in teamwork, professionalism, safety awareness, adaptability, and community engagement, contributing to fundraising efforts and the promotion of a positive public image and reflects our commitment to care for pets, find them homes and save lives. 

Position-Specific Responsibilities
  1. Provide compassionate, respectful care to all animals.
  2.  Support intake and movement of animals through evaluations and designated pathways.
  3. Administer vaccinations, medications, and assist with surgery prep and recovery (Carson Campus)
  4. Monitor animal health and behavior through daily wellness checks; report illness and follow emergency protocols.
  5. Ensure accurate documentation, including database updates, photos, and adoption profiles.
  6. Maintain clean and sanitary animal areas through daily deep cleaning and spot cleaning.
  7. Provide food, water, special diets, grooming, exercise, and enrichment.
  8. Maintain appropriate kennel signage and cards based on medical and behavioral history.
  9. Assist adopters using the Adopters Welcome philosophy; communicate with fosters and adopters for timely placements.
  10. Transport animals to appointments, events, and partner organizations.
General Responsibilities 
  1. Helps promote fundraising activities and solicit support from agency overall.
  2. Interacts with co-workers and volunteers in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments. 
  3. Maintain and promote a positive public image relevant to Nevada Humane Society standards.
  4. Represents Nevada Humane Society, professionally with customers, donors, and business partners.
  5. Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational conferences/seminars as recommended/approved.
  6. In the event of an emergency, assist with the handling and evacuation of animals located at any Nevada Humane Society campus.
  7. Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the organization and community as it pertains to pet related needs.
  8. Address and/or report any safety hazards or unsafe activities. 
  9. Perform other responsibilities as requested by direct management, and/or the CEO. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

In Nevada

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but NHS stands out with:

  • Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
  • Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
  • This puts NHS at or above local and national trends for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:

• Nine paid holidays • 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans

• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

All Employees are eligible for: 

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability

• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets

• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions

• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

A Community That Works — and Plays

Northern Nevada is home to:

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year

• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains

• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away

Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

Experience and Qualification RequirementsPosition-Specific Requirements
  1. Physically able to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday.
  2. Physically able to engage in repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands, to hear, to see, to move animals and goods.
  3. Physically able to carry up to 50 pounds regularly throughout a normal workday.
  4. Ability to function independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.  
  5. Strong interpersonal communication and written skills.  
  6. Ability to stay abreast of new developments in the community, especially as it relates to animal welfare.
  7. Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
  8. Excellent verbal, written and observational skills.
  9. Must be goal-oriented, self-starter with a willingness and maturity to go beyond prescribed work and time schedules and meet assigned deadlines.
  10. Possession of a valid Nevada or California Driver’s license with valid registration and insurance of personal vehicles. 
General Requirements
  1. 18 years of age or older.
  2. Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
  3. Staying updated on community developments, particularly in animal welfare.
  4. High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
  5. Excellent verbal, written, and observational skills.
  6. Self-starter with a goal-oriented mindset, willing to exceed prescribed work and time schedules to meet deadlines.
  7. Possession of a valid Driver’s License with valid registration and insurance for personal vehicles, essential for positions requiring driving.
  8. Demonstrated commitment to the welfare of animals and alignment with the mission of the Nevada Humane Society.
  9. Consistently treat animals with compassion and respect, both professionally and personally, and promote these values to others.
  10. Strict adherence to all local regulations concerning the ownership and care of personal animals.
  11. Comprehensive understanding of pet behavior and care, with the capability to handle various animals safely and responsibly.
  12. Maintaining a consistently positive and professional demeanor is essential.
Position-Specific Desired Experience
  1. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.
  2. A sincere interest in the organization’s mission and vision and increasing visibility within the community.
General Desired Experience
  1. Experience in same or related position in a nonprofit setting-preferably animal welfare.
  2. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.
Additional Beneficial Qualifications
  1. College degree.
  2. Experience in a nonprofit agency.
  3. Animal welfare experience.

Apply