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Animal Care Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

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$9

$17

$25

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Racine, WI is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care worker?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care professional?

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 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 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 animal care jobs pay well?

Animal care jobs that tend to pay higher salaries include veterinary technicians, zoo keepers, and animal researchers, often requiring specialized skills or certifications. Positions in wildlife rehabilitation or working with exotic animals can also offer higher pay, especially with experience and advanced training.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal care offers various job opportunities such as veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and pet trainer. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, some may need certifications or training, and often involve working in environments like clinics, shelters, or zoos.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include roles such as veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience working with animals in settings like clinics, shelters, zoos, or grooming salons.
More about Animal Care jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Racine, WI are:

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For Animal Care jobs in Racine, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,684 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Care Technician/Shift Lead - Milwaukee Campus

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETYexternal

$14.50 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

How you’ll impact our mission:

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is hiring a part-time or full-time Animal Care Technician/Shift Lead. This position reports to the Client Services and Animal Care department and works onsite at the Milwaukee Campus. The role partners with the Client Services and Animal Care department managers to provide day-to-day support and guidance to the Animal Care team. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people while working alongside a supportive team, apply today!

Key accountabilities:

  • Monitor daily workflow while balancing community, animal, and staff needs.
  • Assist in implementing, monitoring, and maintaining organizationally defined standards of animal care and client services.
  • Monitor and adjust daily schedules as needed and communicate schedule changes to the team.
  • Monitor staff and volunteer workflow, complete daily tasks, and provide flexible coverage as needed.
  • Ensure the building is accessible and secured according to posted hours of operation.
  • Partner with staff, clients, and volunteers to problem solve and triage challenging or emergent situations.
  • Provide staff, clients, and volunteers with feedback and elevate additional follow-up to department managers.
  • Support onboarding, training, and skill development for staff and volunteers.
  • Assist Client Services and Animal Care managers with staff training and meetings.
  • Complete all Animal Care Technician job accountabilities in addition to responsibilities listed above.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated alignment with our mission, people-centered philosophy, and organizational values of compassion, respect, and kindness; innovation; professionalism; equity; and positive approach
  • Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work
  • Availability to work evenings, a weekend shift, and a rotating holiday
  • Able to successfully meet the physical demands of the job, which include stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must be able to routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Prior animal care and client service experience is a plus
  • Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Hiring range: $14.50-$16.00

Benefits for our full-time staff include:

  • Paid time off, including vacation, wellness, and holiday time
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid family leave
  • Group term and voluntary life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Flexible spending plans
  • Health savings account (HSA)
  • Supplemental benefits to cover unexpected expenses

Benefits for all staff include:

  • 403(b) retirement plan
  • Mental health and counseling support: all employees and members of their household have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with six free counseling sessions per year
  • Limited low-cost wellness and veterinary care services for staff members’ animals
  • Discounts on adoption fees, training classes, youth programs, retail and events
  • Support for student loans: WHS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.

Come see why over 280 staff call WHS home! You’ll be happy you did!

About us:

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Door, Brown, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a Spay/Neuter Clinic in West Allis and a wildlife rehabilitation center in Milwaukee. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, low-cost veterinary resources, retail stores, volunteer programs, dog training classes, and much more. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group.

The Wisconsin Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Application instructions:

Click on “Apply Now” to begin your online employment application. We will reach out to you via the e-mail you provided or by phone once we have an update on your application.

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