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Animal Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning ...

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Technician

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper ...

Alliance Animal Health

Animal Care Technician

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper ...

Z&A Management

Animal Keeper

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

As an Animal Keeper, you'll play a hands-on role in animal care while helping guests experience the wonder of the natural world up close. Whether you're preparing habitats, observing animal behavior ...

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Animal Helper information

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How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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.
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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 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,322 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Animal Care Steward

Red Door Animal Shelter

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Since the Middle Ages, a red door has been the symbol of a safe haven. This is what Red Door Animal Shelter provides for the animals in its care. Red Door's mission is to promote respect for all animals through education, shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption. We provide a no-kill, cageless environment for animals in our care and provide permanent, loving residence for those few animals who don't find their forever homes. We are one of only five no-kill, multi-species shelters in the country that admits rabbits as well as cats and dogs, spays/neuters them and places them up for adoption. We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks.
Every year, Red Door rescues and finds homes for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals. Red Door is a 501(c)(3) organization. We receive no federal, state, county or city money. We are funded by private donations and grants from private foundations.
Red Door houses cats, rabbits, and our occasional chicken & duck friends on-site at the shelter. All dogs are kept in foster homes off-site.
Job Description
An Animal Care Steward is responsible for the day-to-day care of the shelter animals and cleaning of the shelter, as defined by policies determined by the shelter's manager and Board of Directors. Main job responsibilities es include cleaning animal areas, administering food and medications, and transporting animals to and from vet appointments. All applicants must have an insured car and a valid driver's license. Given that we are a small organization with limited resources, we expect all animal care stewards to be courteous, helpful and respectful to fellow staff, volunteers, and visitors; have attention to detail; the ability to learn and adjust to procedure changes quickly; and good communication skills.
This is a full-time, paid position eligible for Health/Dental Benefits; Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave; Casual Dress.
Job Functions
Clean animal areas - including bedding, food/water bowls, and litter boxes
Feed animals
Administer medications
Drive animals to and from vet appointments
Unload and organize food and supply deliveries
Laundry
Keep the shelter clean and organized
Clearly communicate questions and concerns to shelter management
Provide guided tours to the public
Answer questions from visitors and adopters
Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus
Qualifications
Requirements
Insured car and a valid driver's license
Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting
Ability to work with public
Ability to lift 50 lbs
Live within reasonable driving distance
Additional Information
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Red Door Animal Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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