ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anti-Cruelty

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Animal Care Associate DEPARTMENT:Operations REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care STATUS:Non-Exempt GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care ...

Seattle Humane

Animal Care Associate I

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Salary: $22.66 Were fully staffed right now for out Animal Care Associate position but go ahead and applywed love to connect for future openings! Non-Exempt role - Starting Wage: $22.66/hour BENEFITS:

millenniumsoft

Animal Care Associate

Grayson, GA · On-site

Animal Care Associate Location : Grayson, GA Duration : 12 Months Contract Total Hours/week :40.00 1st shift Start work 5:30 or 6AM (8 hour work day) Description: • The Animal Resources Associate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Care Associate Jobs

Animal Care Associate information

See salary details

$8

$13

$34

How much do animal care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care associate in the United States is $13.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.86 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Animal Care Associates typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or additional certifications. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree, but they often require strong skills, networking, and performance-based income. Most jobs with such high earnings usually demand significant experience, skills, or business ownership rather than entry-level positions.

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 higher salaries due to advanced education and licensing requirements. Senior positions such as zoo directors or animal health specialists also offer higher compensation, often requiring extensive experience and advanced certifications.

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 is a pet care associate?

A pet care associate is a professional responsible for caring for animals in settings such as veterinary clinics, pet stores, or shelters. Their duties include feeding, grooming, administering medications, and monitoring animal health, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and basic veterinary procedures.

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 jobs pay $400 an hour?

Animal Care Associates typically do not earn $400 an hour; such high rates are usually associated with specialized professions like medical specialists, corporate consultants, or high-level executives. Most animal care roles offer hourly wages significantly below that amount, often ranging from minimum wage to a few dozen dollars per hour depending on experience and location.
More about Animal Care Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Care Associate jobs? Cities with the most Animal Care Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Care Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Care Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Care Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Care Associate jobs are:
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 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,826 per year, or $13.9 per hour.
ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

Anti-Cruelty

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Animal Care Associate

DEPARTMENT:Operations

REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care

STATUS:Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care Associate provides essential daily care to shelter animals while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and low-stress environment in alignment with established protocols and best practices.

This role serves as the foundation of Shelter Care operations, ensuring animals receive consistent husbandry, enrichment, and monitoring while supporting positive experiences for adopters, volunteers, and staff.

Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture is central to our work. As outlined in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support in all interactions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement
  • Follow Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling practices
  • Provide daily care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health
  • Perform routine cleaning and disinfection per established protocols
  • Provide basic enrichment and exercise to reduce stress
  • Observe and report health or behavior concerns promptly
  • Safely handle animals and seekassistancewhen needed
  • Maintain clean, safe, and secure animal housing areas
  • Assistwith adoption support, including:
  • Engaging with adopters
  • Sharing basic animal information
  • Supporting post-adoption follow-up
  • Capture photos/videos andassistwith animal profiles as needed
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Support volunteers andnew staffwith guidance and modeling
  • Attend required meetings andtrainings
  • Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

  • Ability to work independentlyand efficientlywith minimal supervision.
  • Works effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability tomultitaskwhile providing quality care in a fast paced andhigh-volumesetting.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Maintains a neat and professional appearance.
  • Compassion and empathy for both animals and owners.
  • Comfortable in handling animals and making sound decisions based on safety.
  • Abilityto remain calm in a busy or stressful situation.
  • Ability to manageemotionalaspect of work in an animal welfare environment in a positive, professional manner.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or GEDrequired.
  • 1 year ofpreviousexperience in ananimal relatedfieldpreferred.

Note: a comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide a level of knowledge, skills, and ability may qualify individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to handle work aroundallcompanion animals.
  • Ability to remain onfeetforlong periodsof time.
  • Ability tolift upto 40 pounds.
  • Ability tofrequentlybend, stoop and reach.
  • Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles,fishand wildlife.
  • Due tonatureof shelter work,maybe exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or iratepersons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.