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Animal Welfare Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Midwest City

Animal Welfare Officer

Midwest City, OK · On-site

$21.16 - $22.40/hr

The City of Midwest City is accepting applications for an Animal Welfare Officer in the Animal Welfare Department. The incumbent performs duties related to impounding and/or containing, reclaiming or ...

Prestage

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

Summary The Animal Welfare Coordinator supports the procurement and animal welfare teams by managing the purchasing and delivery of live hogs to meet contract requirements while ensuring adherence to ...

Prestage

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Eagle Grove, IA

Summary The Animal Welfare Coordinator supports the procurement and animal welfare teams by managing the purchasing and delivery of live hogs to meet contract requirements while ensuring adherence to ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor (Contractor)

Little Rock, AR · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

FACTA, LLC is actively seeking a Certified PAACO (Poultry) Animal Welfare Auditor Contractor. As an Auditor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our organization adheres to the highest ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor (Contractor)

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

FACTA, LLC is actively seeking a Certified PAACO (Poultry) Animal Welfare Auditor Contractor. As an Auditor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our organization adheres to the highest ...

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Animal Welfare information

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How much do animal welfare jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal welfare in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal welfare officers typically need a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Experience working with animals, strong communication skills, and knowledge of animal laws and regulations are also important. Some positions may require certification or training in animal handling and first aid.

What is animal welfare?

Animal welfare refers to the well-being of animals and the quality of life they experience. It involves ensuring that animals under human care have proper housing, nutrition, medical treatment, and the ability to express natural behaviors. The field of animal welfare includes protecting animals from suffering, cruelty, and neglect, and promoting humane treatment in agriculture, research, entertainment, and as pets. Organizations and professionals in animal welfare work to advocate for laws, education, and practices that support the physical and psychological health of animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animal Welfare, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animal Welfare, you need knowledge of animal behavior, care standards, and relevant laws, often supported by a degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, record-keeping systems, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid are valuable. Compassion, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish professionals in this role. These skills ensure the humane treatment of animals, effective advocacy, and successful coordination with the public and other organizations.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare vs Animal Care?

AspectAnimal WelfareAnimal Care
Required CredentialsOften requires certifications in animal welfare or related fieldsTypically requires animal care certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, shelters, advocacy groupsZoos, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations focused on policy, advocacy, and educationUsed by facilities providing direct animal care
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in animal advocacy, policy, and welfare programsIndividuals seeking hands-on animal handling and care roles

Animal Welfare focuses on advocating for animals' rights, policy development, and improving living conditions through education and advocacy. Animal Care involves direct hands-on work with animals, providing daily care, feeding, and health monitoring. While both roles aim to improve animals' lives, Animal Welfare emphasizes systemic change and policy, whereas Animal Care centers on practical, day-to-day animal management.

How do you become an animal welfare specialist?

To become an animal welfare specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with experience volunteering or working with animals. Certifications in animal care or welfare can enhance job prospects, and strong communication and observational skills are important for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced in animal welfare roles and how can they be managed?

Professionals in animal welfare often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as working with abused or neglected animals, which can lead to compassion fatigue. Additionally, there may be resource limitations, including funding and staffing constraints, that require creative problem-solving and prioritization. Effective communication and collaboration with veterinarians, law enforcement, and the public are essential for achieving positive outcomes. Building a strong support network within the organization and seeking ongoing training can help manage these challenges and maintain personal well-being.

What jobs are there in animal welfare?

Jobs in animal welfare include roles such as animal shelter workers, veterinary technicians, animal behaviorists, wildlife rehabilitators, and cruelty investigators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, behavior, and sometimes certifications or training in veterinary or animal handling skills. Employment can be found in shelters, rescue organizations, zoos, research facilities, and government agencies.

What jobs can you get to help animals?

Animal welfare jobs include roles such as animal shelter workers, veterinary technicians, wildlife rehabilitators, and animal control officers. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, handling skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses, and they typically involve working in shelters, clinics, or outdoor environments to protect and care for animals.
More about Animal Welfare jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Welfare jobs? Cities with the most Animal Welfare job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Welfare jobs? The most popular types of Animal Welfare jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Welfare jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Welfare jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Welfare jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Welfare jobs are:
Animal Welfare jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Director of Animal Welfare

Director of Animal Welfare

Alaqua Animal Refuge, Inc.

Freeport, FL

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Director of Animal WelfareFull Time/ ExemptAlaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport, FLLead with Compassion. Advocate with Integrity. Change Lives.At Alaqua Animal Refuge, we believe every animal deserves safety, dignity, and a chance at a better life. As one of the Southeast's premier no-kill animal welfare organizations, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome thousands of animals each year while serving as a leader in animal cruelty response and advocacy.We're seeking an experienced and passionate Director of Animal Welfare to help shape the future of animal care at Alaqua. This is more than a management position—it's an opportunity to protect vulnerable animals, guide ethical decision-making, and lead a dedicated team committed to making a lasting impact.If you're an experienced animal welfare professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and believes compassion and accountability go hand in hand, we'd love to hear from you.What You'll DoAs the Director of Animal Welfare, you'll serve as the ethical and operational leader for animal care across the organization. Working closely with our veterinary team, operations staff, and leadership, you'll ensure that every animal receives exceptional care while helping Alaqua responsibly expand its lifesaving impact.Key ResponsibilitiesChampion Animal Welfare
  • Oversee and uphold humane care standards for all species.
  • Ensure proper housing, enrichment, handling, and daily care practices.
  • Monitor and continuously improve animal welfare programs.
Guide Intake and Capacity Planning
  • Partner with veterinary and intake teams to make thoughtful, mission-driven intake decisions.
  • Balance animal needs, medical resources, staffing, and facility capacity.
  • Help maximize Alaqua's ability to save lives responsibly.
Lead Cruelty and Large-Scale Rescue Cases
  • Coordinate and oversee animal cruelty, neglect, and large-scale seizure cases.
  • Maintain accurate documentation for medical treatment, expenses, and legal proceedings.
  • Work alongside law enforcement and internal teams to ensure accountability and transparency.
Collaborate with Veterinary Leadership
  • Support treatment plans and welfare decisions with the Medical Director.
  • Help implement medical protocols across animal care teams.
  • Ensure daily care aligns with veterinary best practices.
Develop and Inspire Teams
  • Lead, mentor, and support animal care supervisors and staff.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, compassion, and continuous learning.
  • Address animal welfare concerns promptly and professionally.
Support the Mission Beyond Daily Care
  • Assist with grants and reporting related to animal care and cruelty response.
  • Develop and maintain policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
  • Significant experience in animal welfare, sheltering, rescue, sanctuary, veterinary medicine, or a related field.
  • Experience managing cruelty, neglect, or large-scale animal rescue cases.
  • Strong knowledge of humane care standards across multiple species.
  • Experience with documentation, case management, and reporting.
  • Proven leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
The Ideal Candidate Is:
  • Passionate about animal welfare and the human-animal bond.
  • A calm and confident leader during high-stress situations.
  • Ethical, compassionate, and willing to advocate for animals.
  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Collaborative and committed to building strong relationships across departments.
Why You'll Love Working at AlaquaAt Alaqua Animal Refuge, you'll join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference every single day. This role offers the opportunity to:
  • Lead meaningful, lifesaving work.
  • Shape the future of animal welfare programs.
  • Play a critical role in animal cruelty investigations and rescue efforts.
  • Collaborate with an exceptional team of veterinary and animal care professionals.
  • Make a lasting impact on thousands of animals and the people who love them.
Working ConditionsThis position requires flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced animal welfare environment. Candidates should be comfortable working around a wide variety of animal species and responding to emergency or large-scale animal rescue situations when needed.Join Our MissionAt Alaqua Animal Refuge, we don't just care for animals—we advocate for them, protect them, and give them a second chance. If you're ready to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team that's changing lives every day.Come help us give every animal the future they deserve.