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Animal Keeper Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Raymond, OH

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Raymond, OH · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Raymond, OH

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Raymond, OH · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect ...

Petland Corporate Stores

Animal Care Technician

Athens, OH · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Ensures the health of all puppies and kittens is monitored daily and assists in keeping proper ... Animal Husbandry * Communication * Time Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING: High school ...

Petland Corporate Stores

Animal Care Technician

Dayton, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Ensures the health of all puppies and kittens is monitored daily and assists in keeping proper ... Animal Husbandry * Communication * Time Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING: High school ...

Petland Corporate Stores

Animal Care Technician

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Ensures the health of all puppies and kittens is monitored daily and assists in keeping proper ... Animal Husbandry * Communication * Time Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING: High school ...

Petland Corporate Stores

Animal Care Technician

Miamisburg, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Ensures the health of all puppies and kittens is monitored daily and assists in keeping proper ... Animal Husbandry * Communication * Time Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING: High school ...

Petland Corporate Stores

Animal Care Technician

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

Ensures the health of all puppies and kittens is monitored daily and assists in keeping proper ... Animal Husbandry * Communication * Time Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING: High school ...

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Animal Keeper information

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How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Ohio is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal keeper?

Animal keepers are professionals responsible for the daily care, feeding, and well-being of animals in facilities such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and research centers. Their duties often include cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, preparing diets, and providing enrichment to encourage natural behaviors. Animal keepers may also assist with breeding programs, medical treatments, and educational outreach to the public. This role requires a strong commitment to animal welfare and a willingness to work in various weather conditions, often including weekends and holidays.

What does an animal keeper do?

An animal keeper works at a zoo or other wildlife reserve. As an animal keeper, you ensure that the animals under your supervision receive proper care. Your duties include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining cages or exhibits, monitoring the animals for any signs of behavioral or health problems, and working with other keepers to make sure facility operations are running smoothly. Qualifications for the job vary. Some animal keepers can find work with a high school diploma or GED certificate, while others seek post-secondary instruction in natural science courses. Observational and animal-handling skills are crucial, so aspiring animal keepers should gain experience working with animals in any capacity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal keeper, and why are they important?

To excel as an Animal Keeper, you typically need knowledge of animal care, husbandry practices, and a degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and sometimes certification such as AZA Professional Development is often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for monitoring animal health and interacting with the public or team members. These competencies ensure the well-being of animals, compliance with regulations, and positive visitor experiences in zoological settings.

What are some typical challenges animal keepers face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Animal Keepers often encounter challenges such as managing the diverse needs of different species, maintaining rigorous cleanliness standards, and responding to animal health issues promptly. Adapting to variable schedules, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, is also common. Effective communication with veterinarians and other staff is essential for ensuring animal welfare. Building strong observation skills and staying updated on best practices in animal care can help keepers address these challenges successfully.

How much do animal keepers earn?

Animal keepers typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals cared for. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in larger or more prominent facilities.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal keeper?

Animal keepers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or education in animal care, biology, or zoology. Certifications in animal handling, first aid, or specific species care can be beneficial, and physical stamina is often required due to the physical demands of the job.
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For Animal Keeper jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Keeper jobs in Ohio look for?

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Animal Keeper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,885 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Temporary Animal Keeper - Hoofstock/Primate Unit

Akron Zoo

Akron, OH • On-site

$13/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

Akron Zoo rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Description

The Akron Zoo is seeking a Temporary Animal Keeper for a six-month paid position, 40 hours per week. The goal of this position is to provide the opportunity to gain valuable husbandry experience within an AZA-accredited facility, as well as growth in depth of knowledge within specific taxa. We are seeking candidates with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a mature attitude, as well as a strong conservation ethic, in order to provide high standards of care for assigned areas. Candidates must have the ability to perform physical work (which includes but is not limited to climbing and walking on uneven terrain; entering and wading into pools; climbing hills, stairs and ladders; wearing PPE; lifting up to 50 lbs.; and working outside in all weather conditions, etc.). 


The position will be assigned to the Hoofstock/Primate unit, and will require working and progressive knowledge of animal care and welfare for hoofstock and primates. The unit includes SSP species such as Yellow-Backed Duikers, Tufted Deer, White-Faced Saki, Cotton-Top Tamarin, Golden-lion Tamarins and White-Cheeked Gibbons.

Requirements

A four-year degree is strongly preferred; a minimum of an associate's degree or equivalent is required. Must be available weekends, holidays, and for a flexible schedule and must be able to meet all other requirements of the job. 

Position open until filled. 

The Akron Zoo is an EOE and Drug Free Workplace.

Prior to start date, we require a negative TB test within the last year and a DPT vaccination. This temporary keeper position pays $13.00/hour. 

What Akron Zoo employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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