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Animal Care Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption ...

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How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Rio Rancho, NM is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $18.41 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 Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,323 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Summary:
The focus of responsibility for the Animal Care Tech I is to provide of extended animal care and ensure wellbeing of all residents, to learn the routine for the Admissions, Rehab center and Adoption buildings. Some responsibilities of the Animal Care Tech I include, using approved protocols, the cleaning and monitoring of the animal holding areas/kennels/animal transport vehicles/building/grounds. Feeding/watering the animals. Maintain a welcoming and sanitary environment. PM dog walking. Washing of dishes and laundry. Supporting the Animal Care Tech Lead and Animal Care Manager as needed. Report changes in animal behavior and health to the office teams so that appropriate notes can be entered into the animal's record. Monitor animals for signs of illness and take appropriate steps to facilitate needed care.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
• Cleaning of the animal holding areas/kennels/animal transport vehicles/building/grounds and dog parks.
• General Animal Care, taking in considerations Residents, mental health and wellbeing.
• Washing of bowls/litter pans/other animal equipment.
• Learn common shelter diseases and symptoms.
• Follow cleaning flow.
• Learn location, proper use and sanitation procedures for safety equipment.
• Learn the process for healthy vs. infected laundry and dishes.
• Properly complete Rounds.
• Ensure that individual animal nutritional needs are met.
• Watering of animals.
• Assist Behavior Team with AM playgroups.
• Watch the following videos and attend trainings: Shelter Tour, Dog Walking Handling and Socializing, Cat Diseases, Dog Diseases, Fear Free and Fight Training.
• Understand the information on the kennel cards.
• Monitoring of animals for health and/or behavioral issues and immediately reporting of animal health or behavior concerns to supervisor and/or office team member.
• Assist in Compassion Services including but not limited to cremations/cleaning freezers and crematorium.
• Dog walking.
• As needed, assist in the transfer process including but not limited to the intake procedure/loading and unloading of vehicles and all equipment.
• Communicating effectively, both written and orally, with the public, staff and management regarding policy, procedure, behavior and animal welfare issues.
• Participating in on-going education/training, including, but not limited to, on-line courses and in-person seminars whenever required.
• Promoting at all times, both internally & externally, a positive attitude and image regarding the Shelter and its practices.
• Performing related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintaining compliance with all policies and procedures.
Study and learn SFAS operations policies and procedures including the personnel manual.
Requirements
Job Requirements:
• To complete The fear free shelter course within 90 days of employment.
• To complete The Fear free shelter course of Housing and environment within 90 days of employment.
• To complete Dog handling/ leash training within the first 60 days of employment.
• Regular attendance as scheduled on time and ready to work.
• Schedule flexibility, including weekends & Holidays.
• Communication skills including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers/staff/patrons/volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines and time constraints.
• Ability to use chemicals including but not limited to bleach/quaternary ammonium cleaning solutions (chemical used to kill bacteria, viruses and mold, stabilized hydrogen peroxide.
• Handling of animals including but not limited to cats/dogs/rodents/small mammals/rabbits/poultry/reptiles.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly with co-workers/volunteers/customers
• Walking, bending, twisting for as much as 8 to 10 hours per day
• Must be able to be on your feet up to 4 hours at a time 8 to 10 hours per day
• Must be able to tolerate odor, noise, allergens and cleaning chemicals.
While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the Animal Care Technician duties, management reserves the right to revise duties as needed for the organization without notice.

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