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Animal Care Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kern County

Animal Care Worker - Shift

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

Full Animal Care Worker The position works within the Kern County Animal Services department. For more information about the department, please view their website here. About Kern County Kern County ...

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18.25/hr

... working with dogs, cats, and other animals in a hands-on environment. · Ability to follow written ... animal care, cleanliness, safety, and client service. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS · Must be able to ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Animal Care Reports To: Animal Care Supervisor Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA ... Foster a positive and collaborative working environment for staff, encouraging teamwork ...

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How much do animal care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care worker in the United States is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care worker?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care for animals in settings such as shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics, zoos, and laboratories. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health and behavior of animals. They may also clean cages or enclosures, administer medications, and assist veterinarians during examinations or treatments. Animal care workers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and humane treatment of animals under their supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care Worker, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic healthcare practices, and preferably a relevant qualification such as a certificate in animal care. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, feeding protocols, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with colleagues and pet owners. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, promote safety, and support efficient daily operations in animal care environments.

What are some common challenges animal care workers face and how can they be managed?

Animal Care Workers often encounter challenges such as managing a high workload during peak intake seasons, handling animals with behavioral issues, and coping with the emotional demands of caring for sick or injured animals. Effective time management, ongoing training in animal behavior, and access to support from colleagues and supervisors can help address these challenges. Many facilities also offer employee support programs and continuing education to promote resilience and professional growth.

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

AspectAnimal Care WorkerVeterinary Assistant
CredentialsNone required, often on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; some certifications or training preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Job DutiesFeeding, cleaning, caring for animalsAssisting veterinarians, preparing exam rooms, handling animals during procedures

Animal Care Workers primarily focus on caring for animals in shelters or rescue centers, while Veterinary Assistants support veterinarians in clinical settings. Both roles involve animal handling and basic care, but Veterinary Assistants often perform more technical tasks and require some formal training or certification.

What jobs can you do in animal care?

Animal care workers can perform a variety of roles including feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, administering medication, and monitoring animal health. They often work in shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or pet stores and may need basic animal handling skills and certifications such as pet first aid. Job responsibilities vary depending on the setting and species cared for.
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Animal Care Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,613 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Equine Animal Care Worker

Miscellaneous Staffing Services

Columbia, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Nature and Level of Work

The requirement for this position will require the Animal Care Worker to Perform routine, manual work involving feeding, watering and custodial duties for a large number of equine (Horses) and/or food animals used in controlled research projects.

The Equine Animal Care Worker position will be distinguished from other animal caretakers through responsibilities for large food animals and horses.  The Work will be subject to close checking for conformance with instructions and sanitary procedures.

The Equine Animal Care Worker will be required to work alone with large food animals and Horses. Most assignments are performed without continuing review of work methods, other functional contacts include co-workers, students, researchers and clients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Feed and care for animals. Prepare, mix, and weigh food for animals. Administer special diets and water animals. Ensure that caged animals have adequate food and water supply and that other animals proceed to designated feeding locations. Lift bales of hay with weight up to 70 pounds.

  • Maintain orderliness and observe strict sanitary precautions. Clean cages, rooms, stalls, barns, adjacent areas and various equipment used in animal care and experimentation. Remove and replace bedding, sweep or wash floors, load waste material and transport to field or pile for disposal or future use. Perform minor maintenance associated with animal quarters (i.e., mend fence, re-hang gate, etc.)

  • Dispose of dead animals. May euthanize animals in accordance with standardized procedures and under close supervision of properly trained personnel.

  • Provide information and assistance to clients using knowledge of animals and procedures.

  • May handle and tame young animals and animals to acclimate to human contact.

Supervision Received

Under close supervision, receive oral and written instructions daily covering special assignments or changes in work routine.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay Rate: $15.00

Location: Columbia,  Missouri

Hours: 7am - 4pm

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