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Animal Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Provide informal feedback and support to team members, helping them to develop their skills and grow within the organization. * Monitor staff performance, provide feedback, and notify the Animal Care ...

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Animal Helper information

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$11

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$23

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in the United States is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal helper?

Animal helpers are individuals who assist with the care, handling, and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Their duties often include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and helping with enrichment activities. Animal helpers play a crucial role in ensuring animals are comfortable, safe, and healthy, and may also assist with adoptions or educational outreach. This job requires compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal helper?

To thrive as an Animal Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, behavior, and handling, often supplemented by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively working with both animals and people. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth collaboration with colleagues and pet owners.

What are common challenges faced by animal helpers when working in shelters or rescue organizations?

Animal Helpers in shelters or rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of caring for abused or neglected animals, handling a high volume of animals with varying needs, and ensuring proper sanitation and safety. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with veterinarians, trainers, and volunteers, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Adaptability and compassion are essential for balancing animal welfare with organizational protocols and resource limitations.

What is the difference between Animal Helper vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimal HelperAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in shelters and rescue organizationsWidely used in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level animal support rolesIndividuals seeking more specialized animal care positions

Animal Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic animal care tasks in shelters or rescue centers, often requiring minimal formal certification. Animal Care Assistants usually work in veterinary clinics or more structured environments, often with certifications or training. Both roles support animal well-being but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

What kind of jobs help animals?

Animal Helper is a job that involves caring for and assisting animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, basic medical skills, and compassion, with some positions needing certifications or training in animal care. Such jobs typically involve hands-on work, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health and well-being.
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What cities are hiring for Animal Helper jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Helper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs?

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What states have the most Animal Helper jobs?

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Animal Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,322 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Animal Care Techinician

Animal Protection Society of Durham

Durham, NC • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

FULL-TIME ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN
Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS)
Durham, NC
40 Hours Per Week
$16–$19 per hour

JOIN THE APS TEAM!
Do you believe every animal deserves compassionate care, a clean environment, and a chance at a better life?

The Animal Protection Society of Durham is seeking dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate Full-Time Animal Care Technicians to join our Animal Care team. 

This is a hands-on position where every shift directly impacts the health, comfort, and wellbeing of hundreds of animals waiting for their new homes. Animal Care Technicians are the backbone of shelter operations. From providing daily care and enrichment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, you'll play a vital role in helping animals thrive during their stay at APS.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Provide compassionate daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and animal housing areas using established shelter protocols.
  • Feed animals and ensure fresh water is always available.
  • Observe animals closely and report medical or behavioral concerns promptly.
  • Assist with animal intake, including vaccinations and moving animals safely throughout the shelter.
  • Help unload Animal Services vehicles and safely transfer incoming animals.
  • Maintain laundry, dishes, and other shelter sanitation needs.
  • Stock food, supplies, and equipment throughout the shelter.
  • Assist with enrichment activities and provide positive interactions with animals whenever possible.
  • Support other departments as needed to help ensure excellent care for every animal.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Compassion for animals and the people who care about them.
  • Dependable, hardworking, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
  • Comfortable working around animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, kennel, daycare, farm, or rescue organization.
  • Experience handling dogs and cats safely.
  • Knowledge of Fear Free or low-stress animal handling practices is a plus.
  • Experience administering vaccines or medications is helpful but not required.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures and around cleaning chemicals, animal dander, noise, and occasional unpleasant odors.
  • Comfortable working with animals that may be frightened, stressed, sick, or injured.
  • Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software.

WHY APS?
Every day at APS is different—but every day matters. Whether you're comforting a frightened puppy, preparing a kennel for a new arrival, or helping an animal begin its journey to a new home, your work makes a real difference.

At APS, you'll join a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate care, supporting one another, and creating positive outcomes for animals and our community.

Apply today and help make a difference—one animal, one family, and one community at a time.

Animal Protection Society of Durham
2117 E. Club Blvd.
Durham, NC 27704

APS of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.