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Animal Care Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Care information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$17

$26

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Decatur, GA is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Different Types of Animal Care Jobs?

There are many different animal care jobs available, and which one you choose to do depends on your qualifications, interests, and training. If you are interested in working with household pets, you can find work as a vet tech or assistant, a pet groomer, or an animal trainer. If you have higher qualifications and an interest in working with larger or more exotic animals, you can work as a zoo caretaker or even in a state park or wildlife refuge. The qualifications for all of these jobs vary drastically from no education to a doctorate.

What is the difference between Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often requires veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet services, sheltersVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care roles focus on caring for animals in shelters, pet stores, and rescue organizations, often requiring basic certifications. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures and patient care, usually needing specific certifications. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Assistants have a more medical focus, whereas Animal Care roles emphasize daily animal welfare and enrichment.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Animal care professionals frequently encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing emotionally difficult situations like illness or euthanasia, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Additionally, teamwork and open communication with colleagues, as well as ongoing training, are crucial for ensuring both animal welfare and personal well-being.

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

To thrive as an Animal Care professional, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and working well with team members. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient and humane care standards.

What are animal care workers?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care and support for animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with medical treatments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of animals and often work closely with veterinarians and animal trainers. Compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina are important qualities for success in this field.
More about Animal Care jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Care jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Care job openings:
Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,155 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Animal Care Technician

Animal Care Technician

Unleashed Doggy Daycare

Alpharetta, GA • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Unleashed Doggy Daycare is seeking dog lovers with a passion for providing top notch care, and a desire to grow with a company of like-minded individuals! Starting pay range is $13.00 per hour with raises based on performance. Ideal candidate will be a kind, conscientious, and detail-oriented caregiver with a flexible schedule! We strive to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding work environment, with a focus on productive teamwork.


Duties include:

  • Playgroup Supervision: Overseeing a playgroup of dogs and managing their behavior and playtime.
  • Canine Knowledge: You’ll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.
  • Cleaning: Managing the cleanliness of our kennels and play areas and maintaining the highest possible cleaning standards. Cleaning toys, washing dishes, mopping floors, vacuuming hair, and taking care of unpleasant doggy messes are critical aspects of the job!
  • Daily Care: Feeding pets according to parents’ instructions; making sure all dogs have fresh water, clean bedding, and a comfortable space to stay overnight. May also include administering medication according to veterinary instructions.
  • Problem Solving: Use common sense to solve problems as it relates to dogs in our care.
  • Be Proactive: Work with initiative to take on an array of tasks in our center.
  • Work Together: Communicating effectively with other team members—working at a doggie daycare is fun, but only if everyone is on the same page!
  • Guest Service: Must have basic customer service skills and be ready to talk with pet parents about their family members!
  • Safety First: Able to follow established safety protocols to the letter to ensure a safe and fun environment for our guests—and ourselves!
  • Must love dogs: We have a lot of them!

Please note that the above-listed duties and responsibilities are the basic requirements for this role and may be modified, expanded, or reduced based on the evolving needs of the company.

If you’re the right candidate, we’d love for you to join our team! Benefits for all team members at Unleashed Doggy Daycare include discounted daycare and boarding for your own dog, with additional benefits available for full time employees like medical/vision/dental plans and 401k!


Requirements:

The perfect candidate will embody these qualities:

  • Team Player: Works together well with others to make sure all duties are completed and our guests are cared for
  • Good Communicator: Able to properly, promptly, and effectively communicate with other team members, management, and pet parents
  • Flexibility: A flexible schedule. Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Attention to Detail: Uses keen observation skills to make sure guests are safe and comfortable, and to report any issues as they arise
  • Animal Experience: Previous petcare/animal experience preferred, but not required. Love for animals a must!
  • Dog Friendly: Comfortable with dogs of all sizes and breeds—we see it all!
  • Physical Stamina: An ability to stand/work upright for multiple hours at a time, in all weather types; able to lift at least 50 lbs and remain active throughout your shift. This is a physically demanding job!