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Animal Care Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Manchester, CT

$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

Manchester, CT · 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

Enfield, CT · 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 Supervisor

Manchester, CT · On-site

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Manchester, CT

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

LFB USA

Operations Tech I

Charlton, MA

$24/hr

Daily animal care activities to include: feeding, animal observations/identification of clinical concerns, and nail trimming * Husbandry activities to include cage change/cleaning, use of power wash ...

LFB USA, Inc.

Operations Tech I

Charlton, MA · On-site

$24/hr

Daily animal care activities to include: feeding, animal observations/identification of clinical concerns, and nail trimming * Husbandry activities to include cage change/cleaning, use of power wash ...

Town of Vernon

Assistant Animal Control Officer

CT

$26.20/hr

Assistant Animal Control Officer Hourly Rate: $26.20, start (range $26.20 - $28.79) General ... Ability to care for domestic animals. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to ...

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All JobsAnimal Care JobsAnimal Care Jobs in Springfield, MA

Animal Care information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Springfield, MA is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.38 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 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, handling skills, and sometimes certifications or training programs. Working in animal care often involves hands-on work in shelters, clinics, or zoos, and may require physical stamina and compassion.

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 and certifications. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the work, with roles in research or specialized veterinary practices generally offering higher pay.

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 pet stores.

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?

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 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.
More about Animal Care jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA?

For Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,923 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Animal care provider

Valley Boarding Kennel LLC

South Windsor, CT • On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Looking for hardworking and reliable individuals to provide animal care/cleaning services within our boarding kennel and doggie daycare facility. 
  • Must have passion for animal care
  • Must be reliable, responsible and punctual
  • Must be flexible
  • Must be able to work independently as well as with others
  • Must have good communication skills
If you're interested in a fun and interesting entry level position in animal care this would be a great opportunity.