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Animal Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

... animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across ...

IA · On-site

$21/hr

About Phibro Animal Health Corporation Phibro Animal Health Corporation is a publicly traded ... help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals. Phibro is a diversified company in ...

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Animal Helper information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Iowa is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.27 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animal Helper jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Animal Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,055 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Veterinarian - Animal Kingdom

Mission Pet Health

North Liberty, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build lasting relationships with clients and their pets, becoming a trusted partner in their pet's lifelong health.

  • Practice high standards of patient care from diagnosis to treatment, leading clinical decisions and interventions.

  • Collaborate with a paraprofessional team and contribute to a positive hospital culture.


Mission Pet Health rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

General Information
Ref #
48431
Department
Veterinarian
Job Site
Animal Kingdom Veterinary Care Center L.C.
Date Published
03-06-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Working Arrangement
On-site
Base Min.
$ 110000
Base Max.
$ 140000
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
Welcome to Animal Kingdom Veterinary Care Center, L.c., located in the dynamic community of North Liberty, Iowa. Our mission centers on delivering compassionate, high-quality medicine, a commitment reflected in our excellent 4.8-star Google rating from the community we serve. We believe that true success in veterinary medicine comes from a supportive environment where every individual is empowered to deliver exceptional care. If you are looking for a place where you can immediately contribute to positive patient outcomes and connect with dedicated colleagues, we invite you to explore this opportunity to join our dedicated team.
Joining our practice means committing to continuous professional development in a setting designed to help you do your best work. We are part of a network built on supporting the career journey of every teammate. This means you will have access to educational programs and resources specifically structured to help you achieve your professional goals, whether that involves becoming a credentialed technician, pursuing advanced training, or moving into leadership. We prioritize a supportive workflow and promote open communication so that you can grow your skills and focus entirely on providing outstanding patient care without unnecessary distractions.
The medicine we practice covers a broad scope, offering you the chance to expand your clinical expertise across several vital areas. Our current services include comprehensive Small Animal general practice, advanced Dentistry, soft tissue and orthopedic Surgery, detailed Nutrition consultation, and specialized care for Exotics. For complex cases, our veterinarians benefit from access to internal specialty consultations across the network, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care possible. We provide the tools and collaborative environment necessary for our teammates to excel in challenging and rewarding veterinary medicine.
North Liberty, Iowa, is a rapidly growing community positioned ideally within the larger Iowa City corridor. This location offers the perfect blend of small-town friendliness and easy access to the cultural and recreational amenities of a larger metropolitan area. You will find a highly engaged community that values local businesses and provides a welcoming atmosphere for professionals and families alike. North Liberty offers an excellent quality of life, affordable living, and plentiful opportunities to relax and recharge, making it an ideal place to establish roots while pursuing a fulfilling and successful veterinary career.
Job Description
What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like
  • Build Lasting Relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
  • Practice Your Best Medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
  • Educate and Empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
  • Collaborate and Grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.
Who We're Looking For
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
  • A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
  • A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude.

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Generous Compensation
Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.
Total Wellbeing
Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.
Financial Health
Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.
Commitment to Growth
Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.
The Power of a Network
Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.
Peace of Mind
Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

What Mission Pet Health employees say

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