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

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe, NM

$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

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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All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Animal Care information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.23 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Animal Care Tech 1

Animal Care Tech 1

Santa Fe Animal Shelter Inc

Santa Fe, NM

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

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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