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Animal Caretaker Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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$8

$16

$22

How much do animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal caretaker in Decatur, GA is $16.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $18.99 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 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.

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.

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.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal caretaker?

Animal caretakers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should have experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and the ability to handle animals safely. Certifications in pet first aid or animal care can enhance job prospects.
More about Animal Caretaker jobs
What job categories do people searching Animal Caretaker jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Caretaker jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Caretaker jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Caretaker job openings:
Animal Caretaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Caretaker job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,949 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Full-Time Veterinary Assistant - Westside Animal Emergency Clinic

Westside Animal Emergency Clinic

Lithia Springs, GA • On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Westside Animal Emergency Clinic is currently seeking Full-Time Veterinary Assistants to join their team!
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.
Westside Animal Emergency Clinic in Lithia Springs, Georgia, is a dedicated emergency veterinary hospital providing after-hours and critical care services. With a highly trained team and a fast-paced environment, they deliver urgent, life-saving care when pets need it most.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide compassionate care to all patients
  • Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
  • Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
  • Calm and soothe anxious patients
  • Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
  • Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
  • Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
  • Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
  • Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
  • Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
  • Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
  • Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
  • Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
  • Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
  • Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous ER experience
  • Proficient in the following:
    • IV Catheter placement
    • Jugular blood draws
    • Cephalic, saphenous, femoral (cats) blood draws
    • Patient monitoring (ICU/Post-Surgical), Hospitalized)
    • Taking/positioning for digital x-rays
    • Triaging
    • Proper restraint of dogs & cats
    • Surgical prep
    • Anesthesia monitoring
    • Administering injections- IV, IM, SQ
  • Client communications
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • V-Tech practice management software
  • IDEXX in-house lab equipment experience
  • ER/ICU/Critical Care experience

Schedule: Full-Time, rotating shifts (no overnights), open Monday-Friday and weekends
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support - including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle - a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.

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