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Animal Helper Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Helper information

See Alberta salary details

$7

$17

$34

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Alberta is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $18.51 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Alberta?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Alberta are:

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Animal Helper jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Animal Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,457 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Mixed Animal Registered Veterinary Technologist, Animal Care Centre of Strathmore

VCA Animal Hospitals

Strathmore, AB

Full-time

PTO

Posted yesterday

New


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 53 rated veterinary


Job description

Mixed Animal Registered Veterinary Technologist, RVTLocation: Strathmore, AB

Animal Care Centre of Strathmore is welcoming Registered Veterinary Technologists to join our mixed animal practice in Strathmore, AB.

  • Completion of a Veterinary Technician or Animal Health Technician program, with eligibility for registration in the applicable province.

  • Experience in a veterinary hospital or clinical setting is an asset. (not for new grad jobs)

  • Strong knowledge of patient care, anesthesia, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.

  • Strong technical skills, including venipuncture, IV catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, laboratory procedures, and patient assessment.

  • Ability to safely handle and restrain animals using appropriate techniques.

  • Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.

  • Compassionate, patient-focused approach to animal care.

  • Commitment to continuing education and ongoing professional development.

  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and schedules.

What We Can Offer You
  • Competitive compensation that reflects your skills, experience, and the role.

  • RRSP Employer Group Match Program (5%) to help you save for the future.

  • Paid time off for continuing education, vacation, sick days, and personal wellness days.

  • Annual CE Allowance.

  • Benefits: Minimum 24 hours per week for eligibility, with flexible options.

  • Paid annual certification memberships and uniform allowance.

  • Mental health support tools and resources: Virtual health care (telemedicine), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and digital wellness tools supporting mindfulness, sleep, and physical fitness.

  • Various career development pathways.

  • Generous personal pet care discounts and lifestyle perks, including exclusive shopping discounts and access to a wellness app

About the Hospital


Here, at the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore, our team is the foundation of everything we do. 'Because we care' is the mantra that drives us and has led us to consistent growth. Our 10,000 square foot mixed practice facility with 8 vets, 10 RVT's and 15 support team members allows us the opportunity to welcome a new team member who will be embraced and supported to flourish in their role. We have a genuinely unique environment that encourages quality and excellence in all that we do and strives for harmony to ensure a great working atmosphere, driven by honesty and transparency.

Since 2007, our commitment to family is what drives us to provide excellent veterinary care and exceptional customer service to everyone who walks through our doors. In 2016, we were awarded the CVMA Veterinary Practice of the Year in recognition of outstanding achievement within our local community including our dedication towards meaningful community and charitable involvement. We are a mixed animal practice, primarily focused on small animal, equine, beef cattle and small ruminants.We offer after hour emergency services to our growing client base.

Our Story

VCA Canada is a network of veterinary hospitals, with our head office in Calgary, Alberta, committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. We have compassion for the neighbourhoods we serve and every pet within them, not just those we see in our hospitals. Every VCA Canada hospital location takes pride in its legacy of excellence, earning the trust of pet owners by delivering the highest quality of medicine to keep pets happy and healthy.
In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, solidifying an even stronger commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the veterinary profession and our commitment to pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada is also passionate about providing an industry-leading Associate experience to over 4,000 Canadians employed across the country. In 2026, for the third year in a row, we were named one of Alberta's Top Employers, which recognizes organizations whose head offices are located within the province and lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Additionally,we were selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026, which recognizes employers across Canada that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work and programs for young people starting their careers.Most recently, we received 2026 Great Place to Work Certification Canada.

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