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Animal Handler Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Town of Marana, AZ

Animal Control Officer

Marana, AZ · On-site

$21.68 - $31.44/hr

Over one year as an animal control officer or in a related field such as peace officer/investigator, K-9 handler/trainer, veterinarian office, animal shelter, and code enforcement. An equivalent ...

Town of Marana

Animal Control Officer

Marana, AZ

$41K/yr

... handler/trainer, veterinarian office, animal shelter, and code enforcement. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills & abilities to ...

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ

$12/hr

The Dog Handler position is key to the overall success of D Pet Hotels, as measured by the health ... Professional Animal: 1 year (Preferred) Education: * High school (Preferred) License: * Valid ...

D Pet Hotels Arcadia

Dog Handler

Phoenix, AZ

$12/hr

The Dog Handler position is key to the overall success of D Pet Hotels, as measured by the health ... Professional Animal: 1 year (Preferred) Education: * High school (Preferred) License: * Valid ...

Mohave County, AZ

Volunteer - Dog Walker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Animal Shelter Division: Animal Shelter Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM ... Handle only double kenneled dogs with another dog handler when at the shelter. * When handling dogs ...

Mohave County

Volunteer - Dog Walker

Kingman, AZ · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Ensure there are current kennel cards on each animal available for adoption and educate the public ... Handle only double kenneled dogs with another dog handler when at the shelter. When handling dogs ...

Hickman's Family Farms

PM PULLET

Arlington, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As Pullet (Bird) Handlers, you will perform all duties of this position with the utmost respect and ... Previous experience in agricultural, farm, or animal care settings is helpful but not mandatory.

Hickman's Family Farms

PM PULLET

Arlington, AZ

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As Pullet (Bird) Handlers, you will perform all duties of this position with the utmost respect and ... Previous experience in agricultural, farm, or animal care settings is helpful but not mandatory.

All JobsAnimal Handler JobsAnimal Handler Jobs in Arizona

Animal Handler information

See Arizona salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal handler in Arizona is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common daily responsibilities of an Animal Handler?

Animal Handlers are typically responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring the health of animals under their care. They may also be involved in cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, administering basic medications, and assisting veterinarians or trainers during procedures. Collaboration with team members is common to ensure proper animal care and support a smooth workflow. Depending on the workplace, handlers may work with a variety of species and follow specific protocols tailored to each animal's needs. Understanding these day-to-day tasks helps job seekers prepare for the hands-on and sometimes physically demanding nature of the role.

What does it take to be an animal handler?

An animal handler typically needs a strong understanding of animal behavior, safety protocols, and proper handling techniques. Relevant skills include patience, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety. Experience working with animals and knowledge of specific species are also important for this role.

What is an Animal Handler job?

An Animal Handler is responsible for the care, transport, and management of animals in various settings, such as zoos, veterinary clinics, research facilities, or entertainment industries. Their duties include feeding, grooming, exercising, and ensuring animals are comfortable and safe. They may also assist in medical procedures or training. Strong knowledge of animal behavior and handling techniques is essential.

What qualifications do you need to become an animal caretaker?

Animal handlers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience working with animals. Certifications in animal care, such as pet first aid or species-specific training, can enhance job prospects, and good physical fitness and communication skills are important for handling animals safely and effectively.

What is the highest paying job in the animal industry?

The highest paying jobs in the animal industry often include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoo directors, or research scientists, with veterinary surgeons typically earning the highest salaries. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience. Animal handlers generally earn lower wages compared to these specialized roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Handler position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Handler, you need practical knowledge of animal behavior, safe handling techniques, and often a high school diploma or specialized animal care training. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, safety protocols, and in some cases relevant certifications such as animal first aid are important. Patience, strong observation skills, and effective communication help Animal Handlers work well with both animals and colleagues. These skills are essential for ensuring the well-being of the animals, maintaining safety, and supporting a productive work environment.

What do animal handlers do?

Animal handlers are responsible for caring for, managing, and training animals in various settings such as zoos, farms, or research facilities. They ensure animals' well-being, safety, and proper behavior, often using specific handling techniques and safety protocols. The role may require knowledge of animal behavior and sometimes certifications in animal care or safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Handler jobs in Arizona? For Animal Handler jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Handler jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Handler jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Animal Handler jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Animal Handler job openings:
Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Handler job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,828 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Animal Control Officer

Town of Marana, AZ

Marana, AZ • On-site

$21.68 - $31.44/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600080
Department: Community and Neighborhood Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Town of Marana
Marana is one of the fastest-growing communities in Southern Arizona, located approximately 20 minutes northwest of downtown Tucson and 75 minutes southeast of Phoenix. The Town makes its decisions based on a Strategic Plan that has five focus areas: Cherished Heritage, Vibrant Community, Thriving Commerce, Healthy Lifestyles, and Proactive Public Services.
Marana's standards are high. We are an organization of excellence and have developed four Cultural Value Statements that provide the guidelines for how we work together. Our Cultural Values are: Dedicated Service, Respect, Teamwork, and Engaged Innovation.
Position Description
The Town of Marana is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to work in Community and Neighborhood Services. Candidates must have a strong commitment for the compassionate care of animals and be dedicated to the safety and the general health of the community.
The Town offers a competitive benefits package. To learn more, please visit the page.
Schedule:
Saturday-Tuesday / 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Must be able to work swing-shift, weekends, holidays and cover day-shift when staffing coverage is needed. This position is overtime eligible and requires rotational one week on-call.
Schedule during training will vary Sunday through Saturday, consisting of day-shifts beginning as early as 7:00am, as well as swing-shifts, ending as late as 11:00pm.
Expected Hiring Range: $21.68 - $26.56 per hour
  • Placement within the salary range is dependent on direct experience, internal equity and/or budget

Salary Range: $21.68 - $31.44 per hour
Examples of Duties
  • Protects the general health of the community by responding to citizen's grievances; responds to calls for service; captures, contains, and impounds animals at-large, including sick, injured, and vicious animals.
  • Investigates reports of animal cruelty cases, animal bites, and code violations.
  • Documents general animal control activity by preparing complaint reports, issuing citations and testifying in court.
  • Prepares and presents public education presentations relating to animal services.
  • Assist in the administration of the animal licensing process.
  • Provides education and support to the public in obtaining animal licenses.
  • Transportation of animals to the appropriate animal shelter and or facility.
  • Work requires the ability to read and understand laws, statutes, veterinarian records, and Town codes. The ability to write criminal reports, letters, memos, and general correspondence.
  • Provides animal related information to public; responds to questions regarding animal and rabies control issues; assists with animal clinics.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalency plus six-months of training/education past the high school equivalency
  • Over one year as an animal control officer or in a related field such as peace officer/investigator, K-9 handler/trainer, veterinarian office, animal shelter, and code enforcement.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills & abilities to successfully perform essential functions may be considered.
Within six months of employment, employee must have completed the following:
  • Animal Control Officer certification
  • Additional job-related training as required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Valid Arizona Driver License
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical and a 50-pound lift test
  • Must pass the Town of Marana motor vehicle records check (see below)
  • Must pass the Town of Marana Police background check (see below)

Background Investigation:
A thorough background investigation will be conducted on candidates who are being considered for employment. This investigation will be based upon additional information supplied by the candidate and will include a polygraph examination, submission of fingerprints, a full criminal history record check and motor vehicle check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Animal Control Officer certification
  • Animal Handling experience

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete the Town of Marana application form in its entirety online at Providing a resume is welcome; however, it will not substitute for completing all required sections of the application. Minimum qualifications will be reviewed and evaluated based solely on the information provided in the application. Incomplete applications or applications lacking the required details may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
Job posting will remain open until a sufficient number of applicants have met the minimum requirements. Applications will be reviewed weekly with most qualified candidates being scheduled for interviews.
To be considered in the initial review, please submit your online application by 11:59 PM on 8/4/2026.
Applications submitted after this deadline may or may not be reviewed, depending on the needs and progress of the selection process.
APPLICATION STATUS UPDATES
All status updates regarding your application will be sent via email. Please ensure you provide a valid email address and regularly check your inbox, including your junk or spam folders, for important notifications throughout the hiring process.
TOWN OF MARANA CONTACT INFORMATION
11555 West Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653
ph (520) 382-1900 / fx (520) 382-3500
QUESTIONS
Human Resources Staff Contact
Corinda Gamboa /520-382-1934/
For technical issues with the NEOGOV site, please contact Customer Support at 1-855-524-5627.
The Town of Marana is an equal opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application/exam process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department prior to any deadlines related to this recruitment process. Please contact the Human Resources Department if you would like this publication in an alternative format.
The Town of Marana offers a variety of benefits to meet your needs. Visit our benefits site for more information:
01
I understand that the expected hiring range and budget capacity for this position is $21.68 - $26.56 per hour.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed.
  • I have a high school diploma or general education equivalency
  • I have some college past the high school level
  • I have an associate's degree
  • I have a bachelor's degree
  • I have a master's degree
  • None of the above options apply to me

03
Do you have a valid Arizona Driver License? (If you answered no, it will be required at time of hire)
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please select the item below that more closely describes your experience working in a municipal or government environment and interacting with the public.
  • I have no related experience
  • I have less than 1 year of direct experience
  • I have more than 1 year but less than 3 years of direct experience
  • I have more than 3 years but less than 5 years of direct experience
  • I have more than 5 years of direct experience

05
Please select the item below that more closely describes your experience in animal control, animal shelters, as a K-9 handler or a related field.
  • I have no related experience
  • I have less than 1 year of direct experience
  • I have more than 1 year, but less than 3 years of direct experience
  • I have more than 3 years but less than 5 years of direct experience
  • I have more than 5 years of direct experience

06
Do you hold an Animal Control Officer certification?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have professional animal handling experience?
  • Yes
  • No

08
I am willing to help cover other shifts when staff are out of the office. This could result in overtime above 40 hours a week.
  • Yes
  • No

09
I understand that the rotational on-call runs for seven consecutive days, Saturday - Friday and is typically once every four weeks. Additionally, on-call could be required to cover all staff absences.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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