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Animal Helper Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Hospital Medical Leader - Veterinarian

Gresham, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. We Invite You Unleash your ...

Hospital Medical Leader - Veterinarian

Clackamas, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. We Invite You Unleash your ...

Hospital Medical Leader - Veterinarian

Keizer, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. We Invite You Unleash your ...

Associate Veterinarian

Medford, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Jackson Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover ... Advanced surgery help on site including Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) and other orthopedics ...

Kennel Technician

Salem, OR · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will clean and disinfect areas in which the companion animals reside to help ensure their environment is properly maintained and ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Helper information

See Oregon salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Oregon is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $20.58 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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,460 per year, or $19 per hour.

Hospital Medical Leader - Veterinarian

Petco

Gresham, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
We Invite You
Unleash your career.
We're a health and wellness company. Our mission is to improve the lives of pets, pet parents and each other.
Vetco Total Care Hospital Medical Leaders ensure the highest level of patient care and client experience, drive continuous improvement in clinical skills and cultivate a supportive, respectful, and collaborative work culture where all people feel welcome.
Hospital Medical Leaders review hospital P&L and partner with medical and operations field leaders to drive hospital performance, efficiency and exceptional care quality.
Vetco Total Care hospitals are fully equipped with the latest technology including cloud-based practice management and records software, digital and dental x-ray, Idexx, Butterfly iQ+ handheld ultrasound, Vetology Radiograph Interpretation AI, VMED Vet-Dop2 Doppler Blood Pressure System and VETSCAN IMAGYST enabling you and your team to deliver the highest standards of care. This includes routine, diagnostic and complex procedures including (but not limited to) radiographs and ultrasounds, dental extractions and prophylaxis, spays/neuters, abdominal exploratory, and mass removals.
You will grow as a practitioner and a leader with paid continued education and leadership training. With the freedom to practice true autonomous medicine, you will utilize all your experience and skills and continue to learn.
You will build relationships with pet parents and model respect and empathy.
You will enjoy the support of local medical directors and a team of licensed and trained veterinary technicians and assistants. Plus, flexible schedules, open time off, zero noncompetes and no on-call shifts ensure you enjoy your life outside of work.
We Support You
Financial Wellbeing
  • Competitive salary
  • 401(K) and company match
  • Production and quarterly bonuses
  • Sign-on and relocation bonuses for many roles
  • Generous discounts in store, grooming, training, hospital services - plus travel, entertainment, insurance, and fitness perks

Work-Life Sustainability
  • Open- and paid- time off with no negative accruals
  • Flexible schedule options

  • No on-call, no late nights or overnights

Health & Wellness Support
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision and mental health insurance and resources for you and your loved ones
  • Fertility and family-planning assistance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Pet bereavement

Career Growth
  • No noncompetes for veterinarians we hire
  • No sales quotas on wellness plans
  • $3500 paid CE for full-time veterinarians
  • 100% DEA reimbursement
  • Subject Matter Expert training in dentistry, dermatology, and nutrition
  • Mentorship available
  • Medical leadership and business training
  • Career advancement opportunities

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
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