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

Santa Fe Animal Shelter

Adoption Counselor

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$15.50/hr

Report and track animal health and behavior issues; immediately reporting any concerns to the clinic and supervisor. * Assist at mobile adoption events including kennel setup, animal care, and ...

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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 18, 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.

Veterinarian Assistant UN

City of Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary : $42,390.40 Annually
Location : Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2601144
Department: Animal Welfare
Division: AW-Vet Services
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bargaining Unit: NU
Position Summary
Assist, and participate in providing humane veterinary and husbandry services to a variety of animals within Animal Services; apply knowledge of humane animal care, handling, behavior, husbandry and veterinary hospital practices; work toward the goal of increased placement of adoptable animals; ensure quality of work and adherence to established policies and procedures; perform, or assist in the performance of, euthanasia procedures; perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.
This is an unclassified at-will position.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential and Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essentialfunctions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Mustbe able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without areasonable accommodation.
  1. Assist Veterinarian in the medical examination, treatment, surgery, emergency care and postmortem examination of animals; prepare instruments for surgery; prepare and catalog postmortem specimens; prepare animals for surgery by shaving, scrubbing and disinfecting surgical site; prepare anesthetics, vaccines and antibiotics; ensure animals are handled and restrained humanely during all procedures.
  2. Coordinate the activities of other shelter personnel involved in the delivery of emergency or critical care for shelter animals.
  3. Perform laboratory tests, such as hematology, parasitology and urinalysis, or prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
  4. Provide veterinary hospital and laboratory sanitation, including sanitizing and maintaining the surgery, treatment and lab/necropsy areas, etc.
  5. Maintain animal history and other related records.
  6. Maintain inventory of veterinary supplies, drugs and equipment; organize and prepare equipment for use and order appropriate supplies from approved sources, utilizing approved methods.
  7. Monitor, record and report the health and well-being of assigned animals; provide daily care for animals assigned to clinic and quarantine including feeding and cleaning.
  8. Administer medications as directed by the veterinarian.
  9. Follow accepted procedures for processing animals into and out of the Clinic.
  10. Assist in the identification of sick, injured or diseased animals; take precautions to prevent the spread of disease to other animals or humans; recommend veterinary care; administer first aid, medications or other treatment.
  11. Provide emergency or critical veterinary care for shelter animals.
  12. Make scheduled rounds of shelter to inspect animals; record observations and follow up treatment.
  13. Perform or assist in the performance of, humane animal euthanasia procedures; assist in selection of or concurrence with Euthanasia decisions; verify designated animals to be euthanized; ensure safe and humane handling of animals during procedure.
  14. Interact with the public regarding treatment protocols and answer questions.
  15. Work with volunteers and assist in the implementation of a foster program.
  16. Coordinate with Kennel Supervisor and Animal Handlers for the scheduling of surgery and medical examination of animals.
  17. Participate in the education and training of Animal Care staff, volunteers and the public in animal health and shelter related issues.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of humane animal handling and Veterinary Science.
  2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
High school diploma or GED; and
Two (2) years of Veterinary Assistant or animal handling work experience in an animal services facility, animal clinic, animal hospital or in a private veterinary practice setting.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid Veterinary Assistant Certificate preferred.
Possession of a valid euthanasia technician license issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within six (6) months from date of hire.
Working Conditions
Environmental:
Animal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, waste and infectious materials; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public; exposure to noise. Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays.
Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods; walking; operating motorized equipment.
Total Rewards. Total You.
The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!
Paid holidays? Check
Paid parental leave? Check
Paid birthdays off? Check
Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check
Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.
01
Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).
  • No High School Diploma
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Non/degree accredited- Some College
  • Associates
  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Doctorate

02
Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.
  • No experience
  • 1 to less than 6 months
  • 6 to less than 12 months
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 7 years
  • 7 years to less than 8 years
  • 8 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years to less than 11 years
  • 11 years to less than 12 years
  • 12 years to less than 13 years
  • 13 or more years

03
Do you possess a Veterinary Assistant Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

04
I acknowledge that I am applying for an unclassified at-will position. Interviews may or may not be conducted as unclassified positions can be appointed.
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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