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Animal Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Animal Care Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Animal Care Technician City: West Lafayette Job Summary Join Purdue University and help support the ... Our veterinary nurses play a crucial role in teaching and mentoring students throughout the year ...

Schwartz Farms, Inc.

Animal Care Specialist

Minneapolis, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Identify piglets that require a teat to nurse, nurse sow, or litter swap. * Ensure colostrum ... Ensure a proper animal environment, including ventilation, water, feed, and temperature. * Adjust ...

Town of Vernon

Assistant Animal Control Officer

CT · On-site

$26.20/hr

Assistant Animal Control Officer Hourly Rate: $26.20, start (range $26.20 - $28.79) General ... May medicate sick animals and nurse baby animals that need a boost in life. Performs other related ...

University of Pennsylvania

Ensure patients have clean water, feed, and hay, per treatment orders or nurse/clinician ... Large animal handling experience is also required. Working Conditions; High noise environment ...

University of Pennsylvania

Ensure patients have clean water, feed, and hay, per treatment orders or nurse/clinician ... Large animal handling experience is also required. Working Conditions; High noise environment ...

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Animal Nurse information

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How much do animal nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal nurse in the United States is $17.71, 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 an animal nurse?

Animal nurses, also known as veterinary nurses or veterinary technicians, are trained professionals who support veterinarians in caring for animals. Their duties include assisting with surgeries, administering medications, monitoring anesthesia, performing diagnostic tests, and providing nursing care to sick or injured animals. They also educate pet owners on animal health and preventative care. Animal nurses play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and other animal care settings.

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

To thrive as an Animal Nurse, you need a solid background in animal care, veterinary nursing techniques, and usually a relevant qualification such as a veterinary nursing diploma or certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management systems, anesthesia equipment, and laboratory tools is commonly required. Compassion, patience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for supporting animals, owners, and veterinary teams. These abilities ensure high-quality animal care, smooth clinical operations, and strong client relationships in veterinary settings.

What are some common challenges animal nurses face when assisting with surgeries or medical procedures?

Animal nurses often encounter challenges such as managing anxious or aggressive patients, ensuring strict adherence to aseptic techniques, and rapidly responding to changes in an animal's condition during procedures. Effective communication with veterinarians and other team members is crucial to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes. Additionally, animal nurses must be comfortable handling a variety of species and maintaining detailed medical records, all while working in a fast-paced and sometimes emotionally demanding environment.

What is the difference between Animal Nurse vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal NurseVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsCertificate or diploma, often on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal clinics, shelters, pet hospitalsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in pet care and animal sheltersStandard title in veterinary practices and hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for similar roles in animal careMore formal certification and training required

Animal Nurses and Veterinary Technicians work closely in animal healthcare settings, but Veterinary Technicians typically have formal education and certification, enabling them to perform more advanced medical procedures. Animal Nurses often have on-the-job training and focus on assisting veterinarians and caring for animals. Both roles are vital in animal care, but Veterinary Technicians usually have broader responsibilities and recognized credentials.

Can you work with animals as an animal nurse?

An animal nurse, also known as a veterinary nurse or technician, works directly with animals to provide medical care, assist veterinarians, and support animal health. The role requires knowledge of animal anatomy, medical procedures, and often involves handling and restraining animals in a clinical setting.

How do you become an animal nurse?

To become an animal nurse, you typically need to complete a veterinary technology or nursing program accredited by a recognized agency, which usually results in an associate degree. Certification or licensing, such as passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), is often required to work in veterinary clinics or animal hospitals. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or externships is also beneficial for developing practical skills.

Where do animal nurses make the most money?

Animal nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and more specialized veterinary facilities. States or areas with a strong presence of veterinary schools or large animal hospitals often offer higher wages for experienced animal nurses. Salary can also vary based on certifications, experience, and the type of practice they work in.

What cities are hiring for Animal Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Nurse job openings:

What states have the most Animal Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Nurse jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Nurse jobs?

For Animal Nurse jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,833 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Veterinary Technician Assistant - Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital

Inver Grove Heights, MN • On-site

Lakefield Veterinary Group
Veterinary Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Lakefield Veterinary Groupexternal

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital is a fun, fast paced, progressive practice, providing general
treatment and specialty services such as extensive canine reproductive services, advanced surgery,
acupuncture and aging pet care. We support our mission, "Dedicated to your extraordinary pets through
compassionate, collaborative medicine", by understanding our patients' needs and clients' expectations,
finding appropriate solutions and delivering outstanding services and care.


Do you seek to gain experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine? If so, we are seeking a caring,
compassionate Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our collaborative team.

Currently, we have part-time or full-time positions with varied work schedules available. VTA responsibilities are a blend of
veterinary support, animal care and hospital cleanliness and include:
Supporting our team with pet restraint, animal nursing care and patient discharge
Perform x-rays, assists with blood draws and other basic procedures after training
Providing outstanding customer service and communication to our clients and care for our
patients
Cleaning cages, feeding animals, walking dogs, bathing animals, giving oral medications
Weekend animal care
Maintaining sterile conditions throughout the hospital performing routine and in-depth cleaning
Laundering towels and gowns, cleaning surgical instruments
Checks in and stocks surgical supplies, medicines and pet food

The qualified candidate meets the following requirements:
Able to lift 50 pounds as well as walk and restrain animals
Able to work standing and/or walking for majority of work shift
Clear, professional communication skills to interact with team and with patients
Detail-oriented, organized, focused and able to follow procedures
Compassion for animals
Reliable and able to work rotating weekends to support boarding animals and Saturday hospital
hours

Apply