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Animal Welfare Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Animal Welfare, Project Manager

Dallas, TX · On-site

... Assist members with establishing standard operating procedures and other activities that enhance research animal welfare. - Consult with researchers on the 3Rs, human-relevant model systems, and ...

Humane Fort Wayne

Animal Care Lead

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19/hr

Support Animal Welfare * Assist with admissions, transfers, foster placements, adoptions, and housing assignments. * Participate in enrichment activities, behavior observations, and canine playgroups.

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

Frost PLLC

Animal Welfare Auditor II

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/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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How much do animal welfare assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 is an animal welfare assistant?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal welfare assistant?

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 challenges do 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 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.

Is animal welfare assistant a stressful job?

Animal Welfare Assistants often work in environments that can be emotionally demanding due to exposure to distressed or injured animals. The job may involve physical tasks, such as handling animals and cleaning, and requires patience and compassion, which can contribute to stress levels, especially during busy or challenging situations.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Welfare jobs?

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,474 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Animal Welfare Assistant

City of South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, IN • On-site

$41K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Animal Welfare Assistant Customer Service Coordinator focuses on office/business functions of the Animal Shelter and works directly with the animals daily, including potentially aggressive animals coming into the front office. Will also experience extensive animal handling daily and must maintain the office areas. When not working with the animals, this individual will work with the public on issuing proper permits and intaking stray and surrendered animals. Additionally, the individual answers incoming phone calls, greets visitors, and issues pet licenses.
As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports Our Core Values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: Champion Values & Organizational Pride, Champion Operational Excellence, Make Sound Decisions, Embrace Coaching and Accountability, Communicate with Excellence, Value Diverse People and Perspectives, Embrace Personal Development, Exhibit a Positive Attitude and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Not applicable.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Reports
  • Start day with reconciling and submitting financial reports
  • Runs report in PetPoint daily to reconcile funds paid from fees; manages cash on hand; prepares deposit for bank
  • Prepare deposit every Thursday and whenever cash on hand equals or exceeds $500
  • Send cash report to Admin & Finance
  • Inform Road AWO that deposit is ready

Daily Customer Service Tasks
  • Greet and assist visitors to shelter with animal and health related issues.
  • Answer phone inquiries and/or direct calls to appropriate staff.
  • Maintain clean and sanitary equipment, in the shelter daily, plus vehicles.
  • Handle and treat all species of animals in a humane manner.
  • Complete required reports and maintains accurate records and files on cases.
  • Answer phone; manages voicemail and directs/relays messages to appropriate staff for follow-up
  • Manage SBARC general email inbox - disseminates/responds as appropriate
  • Manage incoming mail; sort and disseminates
  • Document returned mail and Animal Welfare Alerts
  • Maintain waiting area/lobby (does not include cleaning)

o Refill brochures and forms
o Organize and stores donations
o Clean up leftover paperwork
o Organize and stores in-kind donations brought to SBARC
o Manage "free" resources for public
  • Mail out license renewals and reviews
  • Respond to cruelty checks from animal welfare organizations
  • Process licenses for owners (mail/walk-ins)
  • Respond to Facebook messages
  • Manage archives
  • Monitor office supplies and notify Director/Assistant director as needed

Manage Incoming Bite Reports and Reports as Assigned
  • Receive (fax, email) bite reports
  • Give paper form to walk-ins for lost/found reports, adoption inquiries, and volunteer inquiries

Process Owner Reclaims
  • Confirm identification
  • Confirm they are the owner; check the animal number in the lost report
  • Confirm rabies vaccine (show certificate or other proof)
  • Process temporary or permanent license and process payment
  • Connect with medical coordinator for microchip

Begin the Intake Process for Animals from Public to Leave at SBARC
  • Take ID from individual dropping off the animal
  • Confirm the animal was found within city limits
  • Scan for microchip
  • Manage the paperwork for the surrender/stray drop off
  • Give animal to medical coordinator
  • Assist with unloading animals from spay/neuter

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
Performs other duties throughout the building as requested by the Animal Resource Center Director. Such duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serves as the primary back-up for:
  • Review background history for potential volunteers (MyCase, NSO, OTIS, PetPoint, other animal welfare organizations)
  • Confirm volunteers have signed required forms
  • Document volunteer hours for community service/ answer questions for volunteer supervisors
  • Laundry duty - wash, dry, fold, put away
  • Let stray dogs outside for exercise and bathroom breaks - pm
  • Let adoptable dogs outside for exercise and bathroom breaks - pm
  • Final check of lights and water

Serves as the secondary back-up for:
  • Administer afternoon medications, food and water - dogs
  • Administer afternoon medications and water check for cats
  • Check spay/neuter animals' water and food

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • High school diploma or equivalent education required.
  • Experience in office coordination a plus.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of animal care and control.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word and Excel software.
  • Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to handle discourteous, disgruntled, or dissatisfied visitors to the shelter.
  • Self-motivation and the ability to motivate others.
  • The ability to be a supportive and collaborative team player.
  • Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:
Valid Driver's license required.
EQUIPMENT:
Desktop and laptop computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, and cleaning tools.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
UNUSUAL DEMANDS:
Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled hours, weekends, and holidays and subject to emergency call back.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office setting. The temperature in the work environment is moderate. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The entire office is smoke-free.
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.
REQUIRED:
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screen
  • Employee Background Check

Requirements
Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values
All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:
  • Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
  • Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
  • Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
  • Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
  • Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Apply