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

Veterinary Solut!ons Services

Veterinarian

Edgewood, NM · On-site

$100K - $170K/yr

Whether your passion lies in equine medicine, small animal care, or exotics, you'll have the freedom and flexibility to shape your career around what excites you most. You'll be supported by an ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals. * Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners. * Follow all ...

Animal Hospital of Los Lunas

vet

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

Animal Hospital of Los Lunas has been a trusted provider of veterinary care for the pets and families of the Los Lunas, NM community. Our clients choose us for our compassionate approach, experienced ...

New

Petco

Assistant Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals. * Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners. * Act with ...

Animal Hospital of Los Lunas

Veterinarian

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

We are a growing small animal practice focused on dogs, cats, and select small farm animals offering wellness care, diagnostics, dentistry, laser therapy and surgery. Our doctors work closely ...

Animal Hospital of Los Lunas

Veterinarian

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

We are a growing small animal practice focused on dogs, cats, and select small farm animals offering wellness care, diagnostics, dentistry, laser therapy and surgery. Our doctors work closely ...

Varsity Tutors

VTNE Tutor

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of VTNE examination content covering pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical nursing, dentistry, laboratory procedures, animal care and nursing, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia 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 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.

Relief Veterinarian

Petroglyph Veterinary Holdings

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Coronado Pet Hospital has been providing exceptional veterinary care to Rio Rancho and southern Sandoval County for over 10 years under the same ownership. Our AAHA-accredited hospital offers a wide range of small animal care including general surgery and dentistry, internal medicine, comprehensive in-house laboratory, and digital radiography. Our experienced and compassionate team offers our clients 5-star service to go along with top-notch medical care.
We strive to provide quality veterinary medicine and surgery to all clients and their pets in a timely, friendly and professional manner. We treat all animals as valued members of our families and of our community.
We have reduced hours on Saturdays, and are closed Sundays and all major holidays.
Requirements
We are seeking experienced Veterinarians who are interested in a flexible schedule to join our progressive practice and dedicated, three doctor team, for shifts based on your work-life balance needs. We are looking for a Veterinarian who has a collaborative spirit and excellent customer service skills. We encourage comradery, mentorship and an environment for everyone to learn and work at their own pace.

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