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Animal Helper Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you! Salary: $19-$23 per hour, determined ...

Veterinary Assistant

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you! Salary: $19-$23 per hour, determined ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Helper information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Highlands Ranch, CO is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.43 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,174 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Animal Care Attendant/Technician Assistant

Encore Vet Group

Golden, CO โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview
Full-Time | Day Shift (Varies 6am-4:30pm, 8am-6:30pm and 11a-9:30pm)
Mesa Veterinary Hospital - Golden, CO
We are a busy, 9-doctor veterinary practice seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and compassionate team member to join our overnight crew. This role is essential in maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment for both our patients and staff while assisting with animal care and medical support.
If you love animals, you're already halfway there! Prior experience is a plus but not required - we provide on-the-job training for motivated individuals who are eager to learn.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of kennels, exam rooms, treatment areas, and common spaces
  • Maintain and restock cleaning supplies according to safety and hygiene standards
  • Properly dispose of waste materials and follow hazardous material protocols
  • Assist with animal care, including:
    • Feeding, walking, bathing, and maintaining clean living spaces
    • Administering medications
    • Monitoring vital signs
    • IVC and infusion pump troubleshooting

  • Assist certified veterinary technicians with:
    • Animal restraint
    • Patient monitoring
    • Catheter placement
  • Safely restrain animals when necessary
  • Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications & Skills
  • Comfortable working with a variety of animals (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Patient, caring, and dependable personality
  • Current or former pet ownership preferred
  • Ability to meet physical demands of the position, including lifting up to 50 lbs

Schedule Requirements
  • Day shifts (varies)
  • Four shifts per week (10 hour shifts).
  • Must be available to work weekends
  • Some holidays required

Compensation
  • Starting at $16.00+ per hour, based on experience

Perks+Benefits
  • Competitive pay, based on experience
  • Free virtual mental health for your household (ages 13+)
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Generous CE allowance + paid CE time
  • Uniform allowance
  • Pet care discounts for your personal pets
  • PTO, floating holidays, parental leave, and military leave
  • A robust Employee Assistance Program (from finances to wellness and everything in between)
  • Access to Encore Vet Group's library of training, CE, and career development resources
  • A 401(k) with up to 5% company match.

Ready to Join Our Team?
If you have a passion for animal care and think this position could be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to apply! we look forward to meeting you and welcoming a new member to our Mesa family.
Check us out: www..yourmesavet.com
Mesa Veterinary Hospital is proud to be partnered by Encore Vet Group - see what that means for you: www.encorevet.com
Encore Vet Group is a community of veterinary hospitals that share a passion for the profession and a strong commitment to those who provide veterinary care. We are dedicated to a great culture, strong leadership, and high-quality medicine. Veterinary practice success doesn't happen without these key ingredients.
Our hospitals maintain the culture and atmosphere of a private veterinary practice while gaining access to collective resources and veterinary business management expertise to help lead their teams forward and shape their future. Whether you're a veterinarian, technician, or support staff, our focus is to support you in doing what you love - caring for animals while advancing your career.
#LI-DNI
Pay Range
USD $16.00 - USD $17.00 /Hr.