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Animal Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Villanova University

Animal Caretaker

Villanova, PA · On-site

$10/hr

Animal Caretaker Posting Type Student Hours/week: 12-15 Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students Semester 2026 Summer Location Tolentine Hall Detailed Work Schedule Schedule is ...

City of Ontario, CA

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

ARCIE The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 1, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

City of Ontario

Animal Caretaker

Ontario, CA

$45K - $60K/yr

The Position Animal Caretaker (Full Time/Part Time) Annual Salary Range: $44,000 - $59,000 Effective July 1, 2026 (3% Increase): $45,320 - $60,770 Placement within this range is dependent on ...

Prestage

Animal Caretaker

Texhoma, OK · On-site

Prestage Farms is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This role involves various daily activities related to the care and welfare of swine. Responsibilities include monitoring the ...

Prestage

Animal Caretaker

Texhoma, OK

Prestage Farms is seeking a dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This role involves various daily activities related to the care and welfare of swine. Responsibilities include monitoring the ...

McConnell Group Inc

Animal Caretaker 3

Fort Detrick, MD

$20 - $25.23/hr

The Animal Caretaker 3 provides animal husbandry support in Quarantine, Barrier, ABSL-2, ABSL-3, and ABSL-4 animal care and use areas. The Animal Caretaker 3 shall independently select and apply ...

Kemin

Animal Caretaker

Lenexa, KS

The Lab Animal Caretaker plays a vital, hands-on role in the heart of our research environment. This position brings energy and purpose to the daily care and husbandry of laboratory animals ...

Kemin

Animal Caretaker

Lenexa, KS

The Lab Animal Caretaker plays a vital, hands-on role in the heart of our research environment. This position brings energy and purpose to the daily care and husbandry of laboratory animals ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Graettinger, IA · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Clearfield, IA

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Palmyra, WI

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Whitewater, WI · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Spencer, IA

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

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Animal Caretaker information

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How much do animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal caretaker in the United States is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic animal health, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding schedules, and basic veterinary tools is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and strong observational skills help you notice changes in animal health and ensure proper care. These skills and qualities are essential to provide safe, compassionate care and maintain the well-being of animals in various settings.

What qualifications do you need to become an animal caretaker?

Animal caretakers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience or training in animal care. Certifications in pet first aid or animal handling can be beneficial, and good communication and physical stamina are important for working with animals and in a caregiving environment.

What Is an Animal Caretaker?

An animal caretaker, or service worker, cares for non-farm animals or pets in a shelter, veterinarian office, or boarding facility. Their responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning cages and enclosures, and providing other types of animal care service, such as training, bathing, companionship, and exercise. The duties of caretakers are to provide care for pets who are in need of homes, recovering from medical procedures, or boarding temporarily.

How can I become an animal caretaker?

To become an animal caretaker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and the ability to handle different species; certifications in pet first aid or animal care can also improve job prospects.

What does an Animal Caretaker do?

An Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like shelters, kennels, zoos, and laboratories. Their duties typically include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health and behavior, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care. Animal Caretakers also provide enrichment and exercise to ensure animals' physical and mental health. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a love for working with animals.

What are some of the common challenges Animal Caretakers face when working with a variety of species?

Animal Caretakers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the unique dietary, behavioral, and medical needs of different species. Managing stress in animals, especially those that are rescued or have experienced trauma, requires patience and specialized care. Additionally, caretakers must work efficiently in environments that can be physically demanding and sometimes unpredictable, while maintaining clear communication with veterinarians, trainers, and other staff to ensure each animal's well-being.

Is animal caretaking a good career?

Animal caretaking is a rewarding career for those passionate about animals, involving tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health. It often requires physical stamina, patience, and sometimes certifications in animal care or first aid. Job prospects can vary based on location and experience, with opportunities in zoos, shelters, and pet services.

How much money does an animal caretaker make a year?

The average annual salary for an animal caretaker is around $25,000 to $35,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals cared for. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized skills, or working in higher-cost areas.

What is the difference between Animal Caretaker vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal CaretakerAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsNone required, but certifications in animal care can helpOften similar, may include basic animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, kennelsAnimal shelters, rescue centers
Job DutiesFeeding, grooming, monitoring healthAdoption assistance, cleaning, caring for animals

Animal Caretakers and Animal Shelter Workers share similar roles in caring for animals, often working in environments like shelters or zoos. While their duties overlap, Animal Caretakers may focus more on daily animal maintenance in various settings, whereas Animal Shelter Workers often handle adoption processes and shelter operations. Both roles typically require basic animal handling skills and may benefit from certifications in animal care.

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Animal Caretaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Caretaker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Animal Caretaker

Animal Caretaker

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

$10/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Position Information
Posting Number:
20260162V
Position Title:
Animal Caretaker
Posting Type
Student
Hours/week:
12-15
Eligibility:
Work study preferred but open to all students
Semester
2026 Summer
Location
Tolentine Hall
Detailed Work Schedule
Schedule is somewhat flexible, but animals require daily care by one or more members of the animal care team. This includes weekends, academic breaks and holidays. Number of hours required per week varies, but averages 12-15 hours for each of two animal caretakers who coordinate duties for the animal colonies in the department.
Number of positions:
4
Department:
143-Psychological and Brain Sciences
Contact Name:
Dr. Ben Sachs
Contact Phone/Extension:
610-519-4722
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary:
Undergraduate animal caretaker will be responsible for managing and implementing research protocols related to husbandry, health monitoring and environmental support of laboratory animals.
Requirements:
Additional Information:
Physical Demands Summary:
Wage Rate:
10.00/hour
Posting Detail Information
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Open Until Filled
Yes

What Villanova University employees say

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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