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Animal Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Associate

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$19 - $25.75/hr

Update animal records and perform data entry at the shelter, including animal identification information, photographs, kennel cards, animal bios, and medical and behavioral information. Ensure animal ...

Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website. Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts ...

Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website. Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts ...

Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website. * Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts ...

... to animal areas. · Shift training of chimpanzees · Perform group moves of chimpanzees. · ... including photos and physical and behavioral descriptors of each chimpanzee. · May train ...

... animal areas. • Shift training of chimpanzees • Perform group moves of chimpanzees. • ... including photos and physical and behavioral descriptors of each chimpanzee. • May train ...

Animal Cruelty Investigator

Monroe, WA · On-site

$32.22 - $53.33/hr

Animal Cruelty Investigator Classification: Regular Full-time (Non-Exempt), Skill Band C Location ... Assure photos and video are regularly transferred from devices and placed into case files. * Work ...

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Animal Photography information

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$9

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$37

How much do animal photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal photography in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal photography?

Animal photography is a specialized field of photography focused on capturing images of animals in their natural habitats, zoos, or domestic environments. This genre requires patience, understanding of animal behavior, and technical skills to produce compelling and ethical images. Animal photographers may work with wildlife, pets, or livestock, and often need to adapt to various lighting and movement conditions. The goal is to document, celebrate, or raise awareness about the animals being photographed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal photographer?

To thrive as an Animal Photographer, you need strong photography skills, a keen understanding of animal behavior, and experience with camera equipment, often supported by a portfolio or relevant coursework. Mastery of DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and sometimes animal handling certifications are typically required. Patience, creativity, and effective communication help you capture expressive images and work collaboratively with animal handlers or clients. These skills ensure the ability to produce high-quality, compelling photos while maintaining the safety and comfort of animal subjects.

What are some common challenges animal photographers face during a typical shoot, and how can they be managed?

Animal photographers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, varying lighting conditions, and securing the animal's attention. To manage these, photographers typically use patience, quick reflexes, and a variety of props or treats to engage the animal. Working closely with animal handlers or owners is essential for both safety and capturing natural expressions. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as shoots may require frequent adjustments to settings and positioning based on the animal's movement and mood.

What is the difference between Animal Photography vs Wildlife Photography?

AspectAnimal PhotographyWildlife Photography
CredentialsPhotography skills, possibly wildlife or animal-specific coursesAdvanced photography skills, often wildlife or nature-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet studios, outdoor settings with animalsNatural habitats, national parks, remote outdoor locations
Employer & IndustryPet stores, animal shelters, media companies, zoosNature magazines, conservation organizations, media outlets

Animal Photography focuses on capturing images of animals in controlled or accessible environments like zoos or farms, emphasizing portrait and behavior shots. Wildlife Photography involves photographing animals in their natural habitats, often requiring specialized equipment and patience. While both share foundational photography skills, Wildlife Photography demands a deeper understanding of animal behavior and outdoor survival skills.

How do you get into animal photography?

To get into animal photography, develop photography skills and gain experience photographing animals in various environments. Building a portfolio, understanding animal behavior, and using appropriate equipment like telephoto lenses are essential steps. Some photographers pursue courses or certifications in wildlife or nature photography to enhance their expertise.

How much does an animal photographer make?

Animal photographers typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of assignments. Freelance photographers may have variable income based on the number and type of projects they secure, while those working for organizations often have more stable salaries. Building a strong portfolio and skills in editing and animal behavior can improve earning potential.

Is animal photography a good career?

Animal photography is a specialized field that can be rewarding for those with strong photography skills, patience, and knowledge of animal behavior. It often involves working outdoors, using professional cameras and editing software, and building a portfolio to attract clients or clients. While it can be competitive and income varies, it offers opportunities for creative expression and working with animals in natural or controlled environments.
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What cities are hiring for Animal Photography jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Photography job openings:

What states have the most Animal Photography jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Animal Photography job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Animal Services Officer

Burlington, NC • Hybrid

$42K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Burlington (North Carolina) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description Have you been looking for a position in animal welfare where you can make a real difference for your community. Do you thrive in flexible work environments that allow you to work independently while simultaneously being part of a supportive team. Are you looking for a role where no two days are exactly alike and where you'll be engaged in a variety of meaningful work that allows you to use a broad range of skills.

Is working alongside a positive, professional team that prioritizes pet lifesaving and maintains the highest care standards important to you. If so, you belong in Burlington as an Animal Services Officer. What you will do: You'll be a vital member of our field services team, supporting quality of life and pet lifesaving in our community through providing community-oriented animal field services, pet support education and resources, and enforcing local ordinances and state animal laws.

You'll also have opportunities to work from home, earning overtime and supplemental on-call pay in addition to your base salary through rotational on-call responsibility for responding to after-hours animal emergencies in the field and remotely. You will participate in community events, interact with residents, investigate cases involving animal-related concerns and complaints, and use modern field services strategies and practices that contribute to positive outcomes and pet lifesaving. About Us: Burlington Animal Services, a department of the City of Burlington, NC, is committed to pet lifesaving, community engagement, and proactive initiatives.

Guided by a no-kill philosophy, we envision a future where pets and families thrive together. In 2024, our Burlington Pet Adoption and Resource Center cared for over 7,000 pets with a 93% pet lifesaving rate. BAS operates with transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to high-quality public service, ensuring positive outcomes for every pet that can be saved.

Learn more about our mission and impact at burlingtonnc.gov/pets. Examples of Duties Community Response & Public Safety Respond to, investigate, and resolve calls for service from the community related to public health or safety, such as pets in danger; pets creating a danger or nuisance; animal bites and rabies exposures; animal-related community problems; preventing animal bites and animal-related communicable disease concerns. Provide animal-related emergency assistance and support to community members through direct requests from the local community and mutual aid requests from law enforcement and other governmental units

Issue warnings and citations when appropriate to enforce local ordinances, coordinate with law enforcement in addressing criminal offenses involving animals in the community, prepare professional reports, and attend court to provide expert testimony as necessary. Community Engagement & Education Act as a resource to citizens by offering information, counseling, and collaborative problem-solving of animal issues using modern animal welfare practices. Engage in public relations and community service activities at events to build positive, cooperative, and collaborative relationships between the department and the community.

Analyze situations, think critically, problem-solve, and facilitate resolutions to conflicts in the community concerning animal nuisance issues and other animal-related concerns. Animal Welfare & Lifesaving Initiatives Contribute to the programs and services that support the agency's pet lifesaving and positive outcomes goals. Practice humane animal handling and capture techniques in alignment with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines Perform EBI for animals with irremediable conditions.

Administrative & Digital Record-Keeping Prepare and maintain digital reports, records, appointments, and photographs of incoming pets, as well as case investigations utilizing Chameleon, Acuity, Office 365, and other applications within a digital records system environment. Other Duties Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Comprehensive Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Well-versed in animal welfare laws and guidelines, including NC G.S

Chapters 19A (Protection of Animals), 130A Article 6 (Rabies), 67 Article 1A (Dangerous Dogs), 68 Article 3 (Livestock Law), NCAC 52J (Animal Welfare Section), COB Ordinances, NAPHV Compendium of Rabies Prevention & Control (2016), and NIMS ICS. Animal Control Officer Competencies: In-depth understanding of animal control practices, humane animal handling, care and treatment, investigative strategies, court procedures, community relations, and emergency/disaster response protocols. Strong Communication & Critical Thinking: Expert in oral and written communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, with a focus on prioritizing and resolving complex issues.

Emotional Intelligence: Skilled in exercising sound judgment and managing emotional stress, especially in high-pressure situations involving animal welfare and public interactions. Tech-Savvy & Office Proficiency: Experienced with modern office technologies, software, multi-line phone systems, and various applications to enhance daily operations and streamline workflows. Adaptability & Flexibility: Demonstrated ability to adjust to changing priorities, new assignments, and unexpected challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in any major and one year of relevant work experience. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience that includes a high school diploma and at least three years of relevant work experience will be considered if there are not enough applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. Valid driver's license.

Special Requirements: NACA Level I & II ACO Certification (or obtained within the first six months of employment). ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800 (or obtained within the first six months of employment). Euthanasia Technician Certification (EBI) in the State of North Carolina in good standing (or obtained within the first six months of employment).

Fear Free Certification (or obtained within the first six months of employment). Preferred Qualifications: One (1) year of work experience in any field using skills that utilize critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving involving phone, email, and in-person public-facing functions. Educational background with majors related to human services/ social sciences, communications/public relations, or animal science Oral and written fluency in both English and Spanish languages.

Supplemental Information Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Handle animals that are sick or injured, frightened, dangerous, and who may display unpredictable behavior. Individual must be able to lift up to 75 lbs. Stand, sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl to perform procedures and handle pets.

Must be able to lift, carry, and restrain pets, and operate vehicles and equipment during the day and at night. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as aggressive animals, potential exposure to anesthetic gasses, hazardous chemicals, drugs, and zoonotic diseases. Work in this position is primarily performed indoors and outdoors.

This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Inclement Weather Classification: Essential.


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