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Animal Care Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Severna Park, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

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Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Bowie, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Severna Park, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Ellicott City, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Ellicott City, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Eldersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Timonium, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Germantown, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Eldersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Timonium, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Bowie, MD · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Germantown, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding ...

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All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Animal Care information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Silver Spring, MD is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $21.11 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Care jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Animal Care jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,342 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Animal Care Supervisor

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

Washington, DC • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Starting at $22.00 per hour


About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)


For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Operations Manager & Director, the Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the animal care department and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare at Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA).

This role provides direct supervision, leadership, and development of all Animal Care staff, ensuring consistency in care, cleanliness, enrichment, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.

The Animal Care Supervisor serves as a key operational leader, ensuring efficient workflow, staff accountability, and a safe, humane environment for all animals.

The Role: What You’ll Do

Leadership & Supervision

  • Directly supervise, coach, and support all Animal Care staff & Leads, ensuring accountability and high performance. 
  • Create and maintain daily staff schedules to ensure proper coverage and operational efficiency. 
  • Lead onboarding, training, and continuous development of Animal Care team members. 
  • Conduct regular check-ins, performance feedback, and assist with performance evaluations. 
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment. 
  • Address staff concerns, resolve conflicts, and escalate issues to the Operations Manager as needed. 

Animal Care Oversight

  • Oversee and ensure completion of all daily animal care tasks including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring. 
  • Ensure all animal housing areas meet HRA’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and enrichment. 
  • Monitor animal health and behavior, ensuring timely communication with Medical and Behavior teams. 
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation in systems such as PetPoint.
  • Maintain compliance with all animal welfare regulations and organizational policies. 

Operations & Coordination

  • Manage daily workflow and task assignments to ensure efficiency and consistency across shifts. 
  • Identify operational gaps and implement solutions to improve processes and outcomes. 
  • Coordinate with Facilities to address maintenance and repair needs. 
  • Ensure supplies and inventory for animal care are adequately stocked and maintained. 
  • Serve as primary point of contact for Animal Care operations in the absence of the Operations Manager.

Behavior & Enrichment Support

  • Ensure implementation of daily enrichment plans and behavior support strategies. 
  • Collaborate with Behavior team on interventions, playgroups, and assessments. 
  • Support staff in safe animal handling practices, including Fear Free® techniques. 

Customer & Public Interaction

  • Support adopters, fosters, and volunteers with animal care and behavior guidance as needed. 
  • Represent HRA professionally when interacting with the public and community partners. 

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure staff adhere to all safety protocols, animal handling procedures, and regulatory requirements. 
  • Maintain a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and animals. 
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies, including animal incidents and facility concerns. 

General Responsibilities

  • Perform hands-on animal care duties as needed to support team operations. 
  • Handle animals of all temperaments, including sick, injured, or aggressive animals. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Director. 
Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Basic knowledge of animal restraint and handling techniques and general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal breeds and behavior patterns.
  • Basic understanding of canine and feline behavior, animal health, and positive reinforcement training methods.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
  • Passion for the St. Hubert’s& HRAmission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
  • Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize. 
  • Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout the position,maintainingconfidentiality.
  • Reliability,a high levelof integrity, and punctuality are essential.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilinguala plus.
  • Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.
  • Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution
About You: Skills & Qualifications
  • Minimum 2-year animal welfare or animal related experience
  • Fear Free®certified required or must obtain within30 daysof employment