ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Handler Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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)

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)

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Laredo College

Wildlife Technician

Laredo, TX · On-site

$17 - $20.99/hr

Has knowledge and expertise in caring for plant and animal species used in living exhibits and ... Must obtain Food Handler Certificate from the City of Laredo. * Must have a valid Driver's License ...

Laredo College

Wildlife Technician

Laredo, TX · On-site

$17 - $20.99/hr

Practices safe animal handling techniques to prevent injury to animals and individuals, maintaining ... Must obtain Food Handler Certificate from the City of Laredo. Must have a valid Driver's License ...

Laredo College, TX

Wildlife Technician

Laredo, TX · On-site

$17 - $20.99/hr

Has knowledge and expertise in caring for plant and animal species used in living exhibits and ... Must obtain Food Handler Certificate from the City of Laredo. * Must have a valid Driver's License ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Handler JobsAnimal Handler Jobs in Texas

Animal Handler information

See Texas salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,819 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Heights - Dog Handler

Wag'n World

Houston, TX

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Our guests come here to enjoy an open play environment where dogs can be dogs but always remember that group play is a privilege that can be taken away if the dog is displaying concerning behavior of any kind while in group*. The dog handler position is a very important one. Without our dog handlers, we would be unable to do everything we do to care for our guests properly and ensure all of our guests and employees are safe. With that being said, a list of a dog handlers' expectations are as follows;

  • Consistently and thoroughly monitor dogs in the group and scan the room/yard

  • Hover over dogs at play to promptly separate them if play is too rough

  • Pick up waste and dispose of it in appropriate areas

  • Maintain clean play areas (dog waste/hair, etc.)

  • Utilize time-outs/rotations and report them to Management

  • Inform incoming staff of behaviors, time-outs, incidents, general health, etc

  • Clean overnight kennels and transfer belongings into appropriate bins

  • Keep up with rotations between groups

  • Follow all company policies and procedures

  • Remain on your feet in the room/yard at all times

Essential Functions for Wag'n World Employees

The list of essential functions below are some of the basic requirements all employees must be able to perform daily. All Wag'n World employees must have the ability to...

  • Work in noisy environments for long periods of time
  • Work in messy environments (ie. fur, dog dander, feces, vomit, and all other animal expressions)
  • Be alert and pay attention to detail for long periods of time
  • Lift and carry 45 lbs
  • Function in high stress situations
  • Climb on step stools/ladders to properly perform cleaning procedures
  • Stand and walk for at least 8 hours
  • Run for emergency situations
  • Bend, reach, twist, stretch, pull, and crawl
  • Work with various cleaning products (ie. chemicals)
  • Interact kindly and respectfully to all staff and all dogs
  • Find coverage for shifts if you are unable to work
  • To be recorded with video and audio while in work areas
  • Follow basic and complex instruction (complex = instructions with 2 or more steps)
  • Adhere to safety protocol
  • Follow company policies and procedures
  • Understand the risk involved when working with animals
  • Work in a fast-paced environment
  • Think and react quickly
  • Maintain our drug free workplace
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English for operational purposes

Apply