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Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist

Logan, UT · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

The Animal Care Specialist will perform a combination of customer service and animal care duties. RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Care Specialist duties include providing information and assisting members of ...

Humane Fort Wayne is seeking an Animal Care Lead to oversee the daily operations of our Animal Care team. This hands-on leadership role ensures every animal receives outstanding care while supporting ...

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 ...

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 ...

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care. Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption. We ...

Animal Care Technician

League City, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing daily care, handling, and humane treatment of animals housed within the City's animal care facility. This position plays a critical role in ...

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Animal Care information

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$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 the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 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.

What cities are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Care job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:

What states have the most Animal Care jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Care jobs include:

Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

748th of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Description

Summary

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for performing a variety of daily tasks to provide for the proper care of the shelter's animals.


Principal Responsibilities:

  • Clean kennels and maintain environment for all shelter animals according to procedures described in the Animal Care manual and as instructed by Animal Care Manager.
  • Spot-clean animal kennels throughout the day ensuring that the cages remain as clean as possible.
  • Adhere to all feeding schedules, including special diets prescribed by the Veterinary team.
  • Assist in moving dogs and cats to designated areas within the building.
  • Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of the daily monitoring sheets in addition to recording relevant information into the animal's digital record.
  • Ensure all holding and adoption areas are maintained in a clean, sanitary, and comfortable manner reporting issues to the manager immediately.
  • Communicate questions, observations, and needed assistance to the Animal Care Team Lead.
  • Report any observed medical problems to the Medical Department.
  • Follow all behavioral protocols set by the Behavior Department with interacting with shelter animals.
  • Utilize Fear Free techniques when handling any animal in our care.
  • Distribute supply orders to appropriate locations and restock supplies daily.
  • Wash and sanitize dishes daily.
  • Wash, dry, and fold laundry daily.
  • Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, clients, and stakeholders.
  • Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue throughout all responsibilities of the position.
  • Understand and support the Open-Door Philosophy of Humane Animal Rescue.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.


Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals.??The employee will primarily be working in an animal shelter environment.??The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate


Physical Demands:

Incumbent must be able to read, see, hear, and speak. During work, employee may be required to bend, stoop, squat, climb, and walk. This position will require the ability to stand for up to seven (7) hours per shift. The role routinely requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior and requires keen observational skills, as well as dexterity with a leash and other training equipment used with both cats and dogs. The position will require the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds. Will be required to use a computer with keyboard, telephone or handheld mobile phone, and office machinery as needed.


Travel:

This position will require working out of HARP's North Shore and/or East End locations.

Travel supporting animals around the Pittsburgh region is required. Company vehicle is provided for transporting animals.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Must be able to work all shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Experience working or volunteering with animals not required but is a plus.

What Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh employees say

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