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Animal Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naples Zoo Inc

Educator (Part-Time)

Naples, FL · On-site

... animal handler status with the education program animal collection in accordance with education program animal guidelines, policies, and procedures. • Communicate appropriately and provide ...

phillips

1st Shift Material Handler

Billings, MT · On-site

$19/hr

Material Handlers - Join a Team That Keeps Pets Fed and Happy! Are you someone who enjoys staying ... Today, we serve pet stores, feed & farm stores, groomers, veterinarians, and animal welfare ...

Ag Processing

Material Handler

Hastings, NE · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Material Handler Ag Processing Inc is currently hiring for a Material Handler at our Hastings soy ... products such as animal feed, vegetable oil, and fuels. AGP values its employees by offering ...

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 ...

Andy Frain Services

K9 Handler

Greenville, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Possess a strong desire to work with canines and a willingness to care for and train the animal ... Duties and Responsibilities • Handlers must receive and maintain all required certifications ...

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 ...

Andy Frain Services

K9 Handler

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Possess a strong desire to work with canines and a willingness to care for and train the animal ... Handlers must receive and maintain all required certifications consistent with the Andy Frain ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (31K)

Clarion, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

As a Military Working Dog Handler, you'll work with K-9 units and be responsible for training and ... Animal Care. * Detection & Identification. * Law Enforcement & Security.

Andy Frain

K9 Handler

Greenville, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Possess a strong desire to work with canines and a willingness to care for and train the animal ... Duties and Responsibilities • Handlers must receive and maintain all required certifications ...

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Animal Handler information

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How much do animal handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 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.
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Animal Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Handler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.
Dog Handler

Dog Handler

BISCUITS & BATH COMPANIES

New York, NY • On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Biscuits & Bath rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description: you are responsible for ensuring that the dogs in the facility have a safe and fun experience and that the environment in which they play, sleep, and eat is clean and sanitary.
Responsibilities:
  • Supervising the dogs
  • Providing relief walks and transportation to and from apartments via foot
  • Communicating any dog health or safety issues
  • Administering food and medications
  • Maintaining a clean and sanitary facility

Salary: $16.00 / hour
As a Dog Handler, you must be able to juggle a variety of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. You must possess a high degree of independent decision-making and problem-solving skills. Qualified candidates should be highly organized and pay close attention to the details that make a difference in the clients experience.
Other requirements of the Dog Handler role include:
  • True animal lover comfortable handling dogs of all sizes.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication (both verbal and written) skills.
  • Must be physically fit to lift dogs 50lb +, kneel, stand for long periods of time and perform the requirements of the job.
  • Possess a smartphone with access to the internet.

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