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Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Care Attendant

Canton, CT · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Attendant will be responsible for routine care and maintenance of domestic pets in a supportive team environment. This role ensures animals are properly fed and their habitats are ...

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

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Title: Animal Care Specialist Supervised by: Director of Operations / Assistant Director of Operations. Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt Organization Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is ...

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$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

Farmington, NM · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIANNUMBER OF VACANCIES: 1 DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation WORK LOCATION: Animal Shelter HIRING RANGE: $14.00 per hourPAY GRADE: 990TYPE OF POSITION: Temporary - Part TimeDAYS WORKED:

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 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 ...

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Animal Care information

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$10

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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.

Animal Care Attendant

Roaring Brook Kennels

Canton, CT • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

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Job description

The Animal Care Attendant will be responsible for routine care and maintenance of domestic pets in a supportive team environment. This role ensures animals are properly fed and their habitats are kept clean, contributing to their overall health and wellbeing. The position involves collaboration within a large team and requires adherence to safety protocols during all activities. Minimal interaction with veterinary professionals is expected, primarily handling logistical tasks during standard daytime hours.

Responsibilities

  • Feed domestic pets according to scheduled diets
  • Clean animal habitats to maintain a safe and sanitary environment
  • Perform general cleaning tasks related to animal care areas
  • Support team members in daily animal care operations
  • Follow safety protocols to ensure personal and animal safety

Preferred Qualifications

  • Entry-level experience in animal care
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Knowledge of animal handling techniques
  • Understanding of safety protocols
  • Strong observation skills
  • Effective communication and teamwork abilities
  • Physical stamina to handle manual tasks
  • Ability to multi-task efficiently