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Animal Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

East Bay SPCA

Customer Care Associate

Oakland, CA

$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 ...

Tufts University

Animal Care Attendant

North Grafton, MA · On-site

$18 - $23.90/hr

Associate's Degree or Vocational/technical training preferred with one or more years of experience ... For Animal Care Attendants working primarily with the Zoological Companion Animal (ZCAM) program ...

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Animal Care Associate information

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$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.
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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 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

Cook Museum of Natural Science

Decatur, AL

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

We are looking for our newest addition to the Cook Museum Team and it could be you!


What are we looking for?

Someone that is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about caring for the Museum animals. Someone actively pursuing a degree in Biology or Zoology would be ideal. Schedule flexibility and the willingness to work weekends and some holidays is a must. Shifts primarily start as early as 7am.

Requirements

What does a day look like in this position?

We MUST maintain a high standard of care for every animal in our care here at the Museum so the person in this position will need to able to perform the following tasks, along with whatever else management feels is in the best interest of the department/animals:

  • Preparing animal diets and assisting in daily feeding and care
  • Maintaining clean and healthy animal habitats
  • Participating in animal talks, camps, and programs and answering guest questions in a manner that reflects the Museum's mission

In the Animal Care department, detailed record keeping and following directions are imperative skills. We are a small team often working independently of one another and this ensures that the animals receive the best possible consistent care. We all have to be comfortable handling small animals of all kinds (even the ones that could bite, strike, or sting).


If this sounds like something that you want to know more about, we'd love to talk to you about it! Fill out an application and we will be in touch. Please make sure that you give us plenty of details about your past work experience.

Apply