1

Animal Care Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Our Animal Care Training program allows for dedicated, hard-working employees to learn and grow at their pace with a strong staff support system. Experience with dogs and/or customer care is ...

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

Training & development * Wellness resources * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off ... POSITION SUMMARY At Animal Care Services, we believe exceptional pet care begins with an ...

Animal Care Lead

Chamblee, GA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Willingness to participate in cross training with other departments. * Other tasks as assigned. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential ...

Animal Care Specialist Who We Are ACC is one of the nation's largest open-admission animal shelters ... We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Care Training information

See salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do animal care training jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care training in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal care training?

Animal care training involves teaching individuals the skills and knowledge needed to properly care for a variety of animals, including companion animals, livestock, and wildlife. It covers areas such as animal handling, feeding, health monitoring, hygiene, and enrichment. Training may be required for animal shelter staff, veterinary assistants, zookeepers, or pet owners, and can be delivered through workshops, certification programs, or on-the-job experience. The goal is to ensure animal welfare and safety while promoting positive human-animal interactions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in animal care training, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Care Training, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, husbandry, and health, often supported by a degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with training tools, animal management software, and relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Animal Care Provider (CPACP) are common requirements. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of animals, promote positive training outcomes, and support a cohesive work environment.

What are some typical challenges faced in an animal care training role, and how can they be managed?

Animal Care Training professionals often encounter challenges such as working with animals that have behavioral issues or require specialized handling. Additionally, clear communication with pet owners or facility staff is crucial to ensure consistency in training methods. Managing multiple animals or species simultaneously can require adaptability and strong time-management skills. Building trust with animals and patience during the training process are key to overcoming these challenges, and ongoing professional development can help trainers stay updated on best practices.

What is the difference between Animal Care Training vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal Care TrainingVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsCertification programs, animal handling coursesCertification often preferred, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, grooming salonsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsagePet care industry, animal rescue organizationsVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Care Training focuses on preparing individuals to handle and care for animals in various settings like shelters and pet stores. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, supporting veterinarians with medical tasks. While both roles involve animal care, Animal Care Training emphasizes general pet handling and customer service, whereas Veterinary Assistants perform medical support tasks in clinical environments.

How do you get trained to be an animal care trainer?

To become an animal care trainer, individuals typically complete relevant education such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and gain experience working with animals through volunteering or entry-level positions. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications in pet first aid or animal handling; specialized training programs or courses in animal behavior and training techniques are also beneficial.

What degree do you need to be an animal care trainer?

Animal care trainers typically do not require a specific degree but benefit from postsecondary education in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications in pet first aid or training can enhance job prospects.

What cities are hiring for Animal Care Training jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Care Training job openings:

What states have the most Animal Care Training jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Care Training jobs include:

Infographic showing various Animal Care Training job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Lead Campus Animal Care Technician

Stevens Point, WI โ€ข On-site

$19.54 - $21.15/hr

Full-time

Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Lead Campus Animal Care TechnicianJob Category:University StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Animal Care Technician IIIJob Duties:

The Lead Campus Animal Care Technician is responsible for the safety and welfare of the live animal collections at UWSP. This includes care and feeding of animals; administering appropriate university and government policies related to animal care; training faculty researchers and student employees in best animal care practices; and general animal care facilities maintenance. The Lead Campus Animal Care Technician oversees live animal collections in the Animal Care Facility in the Trainer Natural Resources (TNR) building and the Laboratory Animal Facility in the Haeni Chemistry Biology Building (HCBB).

**Full position description is available upon request. **

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Leads the day-to day operational activities of an animal care work unit and facilitates staff training as needed
  • Maintains organization of and updates records related to work unit procedures
  • Inspects, maintains, and initiates complex repairs to equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
  • Observes animal behavior, performs animal care, and reports concerns to the appropriate entities to contribute to the health and well-being of animals in support of research and instruction
  • Prepares food and formulas and feeds animals according to established schedules and specifications
  • Cleans and maintains organization of animal holding spaces
  • Collects samples from animals and administers medications, injections, and treatments according to established protocols and procedures to be used for diagnostic and research
  • Tracks inventory levels of animal supplies and places replenishment orders
Department:

The Department of Biology is part of the School of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry in the College of Letters and Sciences. The department is primarily housed in the Haeni Chemistry Biology Building and the Trainer Natural Resources Building on the UWSP main campus, but also includes facilities on the Wausau and Marshfield campuses. The department includes 20 full-time faculty representing a wide range of subdisciplines. Their primary mission is teaching to and performing research with undergraduate students.

Compensation & Benefits:

The Lead Campus Animal Care Technician is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt, annual (12-month), university staff position.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting rate between $19.54 - $21.15 per hour commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

Eligible Universitiesof Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review theUniversities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide.Use theHealth & Retirement Contributions Estimatorto calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's in biology or related field.

  • Small-animal handling experience.

  • Inventory, ordering supplies, and record keeping.

  • Basic math skills for calculating dosages, dilutions, weights, metric-English conversions.

  • Basic chemistry (pH, acids, bases, and water testing), and basic microscopy.

  • Knowledge of small animal physiology and behavior to diagnose illness, appropriate dosing of medication or treatment as well when to consult veterinary help.

  • Supervisory skills: This position is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, disciplining, and/or firing of undergraduate student staff.

  • Able to perform minor equipment maintenance and repair and know whom to contact if larger repairs are required.

  • Ability to help with designing animal research consistent with available space, equipment, and resources.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Training in first aid.

  • Keep and maintain detailed records.

  • Basic understanding of how scientific research is conducted.

  • Know PHS, NIH, OLAW and USDA regulations and University policies for animal care and welfare.

How to Apply:

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by 8/3/2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

(Official Transcripts will be required of finalist)

After you submit your application, you will be unable to edit it. Please be sure to include all required materials before submitting your application.

Contact Information:

Name: Dr. Paul Whitaker, Assistant Dean, School of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry

Email: paul.whitaker@uwsp.edu

Phone: 715-346-3058

If you have any questions regarding the application process, need special arrangements, or if you submitted your application with missing materials, please call or email:

Human Resources

Email: human.resources@uwsp.edu

Phone: 715-346-2606

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.UW-Stevens Point does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you to supply a minimum of three (3) professional references (one (1) of which being a current or former supervisor). It is preferred that you supply five (5) professional references (two (2) of which being a current or former supervisors). Your references will be required to answer questions regarding misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Special Notes:

Through the discovery and dissemination of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable world. The university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community for all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit https://www.uwsp.edu/join-uw-stevens-point/ for more information about UW-Stevens Point. To learn about the Stevens Point (aka Point) area fun, jobs, housing, education, quality of life, and bragging rights, visit www.stevenspointarea.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.

The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at https://www3.uwsp.edu/protsv/Pages/Clery.aspx

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer:


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.