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Animal Welfare Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prestage

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

... - Assist with training, compliance monitoring, and animal welfare standards (including TQA) - Build and maintain strong relationships with producers and partners Requirements - High school diploma or ...

Prestage

Animal Welfare Coordinator

Eagle Grove, IA · On-site

... - Assist with training, compliance monitoring, and animal welfare standards (including TQA) - Build and maintain strong relationships with producers and partners Requirements - High school diploma or ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K/yr

Intermediate knowledge in at least 1 species. * Assist with updating training programs and audit ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Ensure that all animal care activities comply with shelter policies and relevant regulations, including those related to health, safety, and animal welfare. * Assist with animal euthanasia, vaccinate ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

Intermediate knowledge in at least 1 species. * Assist with updating training programs and audit ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Intermediate knowledge in at least 1 species. * Assist with updating training programs and audit ... Animal welfare or animal husbandry exposure required. * Computer proficiency required. * Possess ...

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Animal Welfare Assistant information

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How much do animal welfare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal welfare assistant in the United States is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Animal Welfare Assistants face when working with distressed or injured animals?

Animal Welfare Assistants often encounter animals that are frightened, aggressive, or in pain due to injury or stress, which can make handling and providing care challenging. Building trust with these animals requires patience, gentle handling techniques, and a calm demeanor. Additionally, assistants must balance emotional resilience with compassion, as some cases can be emotionally taxing. Effective teamwork and regular communication with veterinarians and animal care staff are essential to ensure the best outcomes for both animals and staff.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying roles in animal welfare are often senior positions such as veterinary directors or animal shelter executives, which require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills. These roles can offer salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, depending on the organization and location.

What is an animal welfare assistant?

An animal welfare assistant is a professional who supports the care and well-being of animals in shelters, rescue centers, or veterinary settings. They perform tasks such as feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and assisting with animal handling, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and basic caregiving skills.

What do you need to be an animal care assistant?

To become an animal welfare assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a genuine interest in animal care. Relevant skills include compassion, communication, and basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or handling, and experience working with animals can be beneficial.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Animal Welfare Assistants often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. However, having basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and a compassionate attitude can improve job prospects. Some employers may prefer or require relevant certifications or volunteer experience in animal shelters.

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

To thrive as an Animal Welfare Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and health monitoring, often supported by a relevant qualification such as an animal care certificate or diploma. Familiarity with animal management software and basic first aid for animals is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help you interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, safety, and positive experiences for both animals and humans in care environments.

What are Animal Welfare Assistants?

Animal Welfare Assistants are professionals who help care for animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, or rescue organizations. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, assisting with basic medical care, and supporting animal adoption processes. They also interact with the public, educate visitors about animal welfare, and ensure animals are living in a safe and healthy environment. This role is vital in promoting the well-being of animals and supporting the operations of animal care facilities.

What is the difference between Animal Welfare Assistant vs Animal Care Worker?

AspectAnimal Welfare AssistantAnimal Care Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal care often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentShelters, rescue centers, animal sanctuariesZoos, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryAnimal shelters, rescue organizationsPet stores, zoos, veterinary clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Welfare Assistants and Animal Care Workers both work with animals in various settings. While their roles overlap in caring for animals, Animal Welfare Assistants often focus more on welfare assessments and supporting rescue operations, whereas Animal Care Workers may handle daily animal husbandry tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and are employed in animal shelters, rescue centers, and related industries.

More about Animal Welfare Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Welfare Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Animal Welfare Assistant 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 Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Welfare Assistant jobs include:
Animal Welfare Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,474 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Animal Welfare Research Internship - Summer 2025

Animal Welfare Research Internship - Summer 2025

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

$15/hr

Temporary, Internship

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Animal Welfare Research Internship - Summer 2025 The Detroit Zoological Society's Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics (CZAAWE) is accepting applications for an animal welfare research intern. This paid internship is funded through the Ron Kagan Endowment for Animal Welfare, which honors the former Executive Director/CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society who founded CZAAWE to advance zoo animal welfare science and policy. The aims of CZAAWE include assessing and improving the welfare of animals living in the care of humans, creating innovative behavioral husbandry programs, sharing best practices, and conducting research in two key areas: developing and validating novel tools for measuring animal welfare and examining the effects of management practices on welfare.
The CZAAWE animal welfare research internship is a paid internship opportunity. Interns are expected to commit to 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday) for 12 weeks between May 15 and September 15, totaling 480 hours of work. The start date can be flexible within the parameters listed above. The intern will be paid at a rate of $15/hour. For interns residing outside of Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, or Wayne counties (i.e., the Detroit Metro area), onsite housing may be available at no additional cost to the applicant.
The animal welfare research intern will focus on the processes used by researchers in the field of animal welfare through active participation in ongoing studies including data collection, basic laboratory work, database management, data analysis, and the generation of reports. Although this internship focuses on research, CZAAWE encompasses many areas of animal welfare science such as husbandry, positive reinforcement training, welfare assessment, enrichment, and significant life event monitoring. Research interns will receive education in all areas of animal welfare science for a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Animal welfare research interns will be supervised by the Manager of Applied Animal Welfare Science and will have the opportunity for mentorship from various departmental staff including the Animal Welfare Programs Manager and the Senior Director of Animal Welfare and Research.
Responsibilities:
  • Utilize observational research techniques with a variety of animal species for ongoing research and monitoring on zoo animal welfare.
  • Assist with data entry for research and monitoring projects.
  • Assist with literature searches and generation of reports.
  • Support the CZAAWE Research Assistant in training volunteers on current projects and protocols.
  • Gain experience processing biological samples through the on-site endocrinology lab.
  • Conduct basic descriptive analyses of complete datasets.
Requirements:
  • Applicants should have a background in zoology, biology, animal science, psychology, anthropology, or animal behavior. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated experience with research in lab, field or captive settings.
  • Applicants should be in the process of completing or have completed an undergraduate degree within the last two years and should not be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program.
  • Coursework in research methods, biology, animal behavior, statistics or related fields
  • GPA of 3.2/4.0 or higher
  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Self-motivated and strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products and good organizational skills
  • Timeliness, initiative, and ability to adhere to a schedule
  • Minimum commitment of 40 hours per week for 12 weeks totaling 480 hours of work
  • Proof of a negative TB test on or before start date

To apply:
Please be sure to complete the online DZS application found at https://detroitzoo.org/careers/.
In addition to the online DZS application, you will need to submit a resume; a cover letter outlining your interest in the program, how it will contribute to your career goals, and the unique skills you would bring to this program; a copy of your transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable); and two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may come from academic sources (advisors or professors), professional sources (current or previous employers), or community sources (religious leaders or community members). The supplemental materials should be submitted via email. Recommendation letters may be submitted by the applicant or emailed directly to us from the recommenders. Only complete application submissions will be considered, and CZAAWE staff are not responsible for ensuring applicants submit all materials. Offers of positions are contingent upon the applicant passing a background check. If you would need to take advantage of onsite housing, please indicate this somewhere in your application materials. This will not be used as a factor to evaluate candidates or their eligibility for the internship.
Please email supplementary application materials to czaw@dzs.org with “CZAAWE Internship” in the subject line.
All application materials are due by 5:00 pm EST on January 17, 2025. All applicants will be informed of a decision no later than April 4, 2025.

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