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Animal Handler Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

City of Vernon, TX

ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN

Vernon, TX · On-site

Take into custody as necessary and appropriate calls for assistance from co-worker, supervisor, contact stock handler, heavy equipment or police; * Deliver animals to animal shelter. * Sets up animal ...

Wag'n World

Montrose - Dog Handler

Houston, TX

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

The dog handler position is a very important one. Without our dog handlers, we would be unable to ... Work in messy environments (ie. fur, dog dander, feces, vomit, and all other animal expressions)

Wag'n World

Heights - Dog Handler

Houston, TX

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

The dog handler position is a very important one. Without our dog handlers, we would be unable to ... Work in messy environments (ie. fur, dog dander, feces, vomit, and all other animal expressions)

Tekwissen

Material Handler

Irving, TX · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

This Client is a global animal health company dedicated to supporting customers and their ... Job Title: Material Handler Location: Irving TX 75061 Duration: 6 Months Job Type: Temporary ...

phillips

2nd Shift Material Handler

Coppell, TX

$18/hr

Phillips' donations help to support local charities and animal shelters. * At Phillips, your safety is much more than a Priority... It's a Key Value of the organization! * Phillips Pet Food ...

Dogtopia

Dog Playroom Attendant

Plano, TX · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Basic knowledge of dog safety Experience as a kennel technician, vet assistant, dog handler, dog ... Individuals pursuing careers in animal care * High-energy people who enjoy staying active * Those ...

Dogtopia

Dog Playroom Trainer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Basic knowledge of dog safety Experience as a kennel technician, vet assistant, dog handler, dog ... Individuals pursuing careers in animal care * High-energy people who enjoy staying active * Those ...

Dallas Country Club

Butcher

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Experience in whole animal butchery The ideal candidate will have the following experience, skills ... Must have current food handler's certification as required by federal/state/local law The ideal ...

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Animal Handler information

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How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal handler in Texas is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal handler?

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 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 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.

How do you become an animal handler?

To become an animal handler, individuals typically need relevant experience working with animals, such as volunteering or internships, and may pursue certifications in animal care or safety. Strong knowledge of animal behavior, good communication skills, and physical fitness are also important for handling animals safely and effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Handler jobs in Texas?

For Animal Handler jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Handler jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Handler jobs in Texas are:

Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Handler job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,819 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN

City of Vernon, TX

Vernon, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description


ANIMAL CONTROL WARDEN
NATURE OF WORK:
This is a responsible field and office works in securing compliance with Animal Control Laws and Ordinances. Animal Control Warden works under the direction of the Chief of Police and the Administrative Sergeant.
The nature of work involves responsibility for enforcement and public relation work in securing compliance with municipal laws and ordinances governing the inoculation, restraint and treatment of animals and animal nuisances. The work involves considerable public contact requiring tact in dealing with complainants and owners of animals. Following initial orientation and training, employee normally works independently in the field although supervisory guidance is available by radio or in person in unusual or difficult situations. Work is evaluated through direct observation, review of reports and investigation of complaints, for effectiveness in public contacts and adherence to established policies and procedures. Performs related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
  1. Responds to complaints and reports of animal bites, domestic and wild animals at large, animal nuisances, dead animals and animal abuse;
  1. Patrols area to discover such situations;
  1. Interviews complainants and identifies and interviews owners as possible;
  1. Explains legal provisions to owners and complainants;
  1. Seeks to secure correction of violations or nuisances including issuance of formal citation;
  1. Makes follow-up inspections to determine compliance;
  1. Takes animals into custody to determine compliance;
  1. Take into custody as necessary and appropriate calls for assistance from co-worker, supervisor, contact stock handler, heavy equipment or police;
  1. Deliver animals to animal shelter.
  1. Sets up animal traps and periodically checks traps, performs standby duty in off-hours to respond to urgent complaints or and animal related emergencies.
  1. Issues citations as necessary to secure compliance;
  1. Supplies information to prosecutors where court action may be involved;
  1. Appear in court as witness or complainant as necessary;
  1. Take custody of strays and ill or injured animals and may transport to veterinarian for euthanasia as humane considerations dictate.
  1. Cooperates with Humane Society in promoting animal welfare;
  1. Maintains records of service calls, service rendered, fees collected and actions taken.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Employees of this class will be required to sit approximately three hours per day while driving.
  1. Acute audio and visual requirements are necessary to insure safety and to aid in the identification and the location of animals.
  1. Employees of this class will be expected to lift animals weighing, in some instances, in excess of thirty-one pounds for approximately four hours per day.
  1. Bending, crouching, pushing, and pulling actions are a normal activity during the workday.
  1. Employees of this class will be expected to be exposed to the weather for approximately three hours per week day.
  1. Employees of the class must be able to communicate effectively with the general public.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Graduation from high school and some experience in public contact work, or in working with animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities or skill.
Knowledge of:
  1. Legal provisions (laws and city ordinances) governing domestic and wild animals within municipal limits;
  2. Safe and effective techniques for taking custody of and handling animals;
  3. The hazards and safety precaution of the work.
Ability to:
  1. Elicit accurate information through interviews with complainants;
  2. Animal owners and others, to explain applicable legal provisions; and
  3. Establish and maintain effective work relations with the public and with other employees;
  4. Ability to calm, control and physically handle domestic and wild animals;
  5. Maintain records and prepare reports.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS:
Employees of this class must possess a valid Texas Class C Drivers License.

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