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Animal Keeper Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lead Kennel

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency. * Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records -- or at least tech-savvy and willing to learn.

Associate Veterinarian

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

At Ellis Crossing Animal Hospital, here in beautiful Durham, NC, we believe great medicine starts ... Led by Dr. Emily King, our talented medical team provides cutting-edge care while keeping ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Keeper information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do animal keeper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal keeper in Raleigh, NC is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.64 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.

What job categories do people searching Animal Keeper jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Keeper jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Keeper jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Keeper job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Keeper job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,760 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Veterinary Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Animal Eye Care of Durham

Wake Forest, NC โ€ข On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Animal Eye Care Associates | Durham & Wake Forest, NC
Locations: Durham, NC & Wake Forest, NC
Schedule: Full-Time

Join a Specialty Veterinary Team

Animal Eye Care Associates is looking for a friendly, dependable, and compassionate Veterinary Customer Service Representative (CSR) to join our team at our Durham and Wake Forest locations.

At Animal Eye Care Associates, we specialize exclusively in veterinary ophthalmology, providing advanced eye care for pets with a variety of vision and eye conditions. Our client service team plays an important role in making sure every pet owner feels welcomed, informed, and supported throughout their experience with us.

If you enjoy helping people, love animals, and thrive in a busy healthcare environment, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a CSR, you'll be one of the first and last points of contact for our clients and an essential part of keeping the hospital running smoothly. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Greeting clients and patients with a welcoming and professional attitude
  • Answering incoming phone calls and assisting with client questions
  • Scheduling and confirming appointments
  • Checking clients and patients in and out
  • Collecting and processing payments
  • Maintaining accurate client and patient information
  • Communicating appointment information and hospital policies clearly
  • Coordinating communication between clients, doctors, technicians, and referring veterinary hospitals
  • Helping obtain medical records and other information needed for specialty appointments
  • Managing multiple priorities while maintaining excellent customer service
  • Supporting the veterinary team with administrative tasks as needed
  • Helping maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area
What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

  • Has previous customer service, reception, or veterinary experience
  • Communicates professionally and compassionately with clients
  • Is comfortable handling a busy phone system and multiple priorities
  • Has strong computer and organizational skills
  • Pays close attention to detail
  • Works well as part of a team
  • Remains calm and professional in emotional or challenging situations
  • Understands the importance of providing an exceptional client experience

Veterinary or medical reception experience is preferred, but we're open to candidates with strong customer service backgrounds who are excited to learn veterinary specialty medicine.

Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Work in a unique veterinary ophthalmology specialty practice
  • Support pets and families throughout their specialty care journey
  • Collaborative team environment
  • Opportunities to learn and grow within veterinary medicine
  • Work alongside experienced veterinary professionals
  • Make a meaningful difference for clients and their pets every day
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Generous PTO
  • Paid parental leave and holiday pay
  • Free RACE-approved continuing education
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Employee incentive programs
  • Personal pet care discounts across CVP locations
  • Pet insurance discounts
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement throughout the CVP network
Join Our Team

If you're passionate about providing excellent customer service and want to be part of a team dedicated to helping pets receive exceptional specialty eye care, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join Animal Eye Care Associates in Durham or Wake Forest, NC!