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Animal Welfare Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. As a Companion Animal ...

Labor Staffing Inc.

Be Seen First

Animal Care Specialist

Decatur, GA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Ensure compliance with shelter policies, safety procedures, and animal welfare standards * Assist veterinary staff with routine care and treatments as directed Required Qualifications * Ability to ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. As a Companion Animal ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. As a Companion Animal ...

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Animal Welfare information

See Decatur, GA salary details

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How much do animal welfare jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal welfare in Decatur, GA is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.42 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 with animal care, 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 are good careers that work with animals?

Animal welfare careers include roles such as veterinarian, animal shelter manager, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and animal trainer. These jobs often require relevant education, certifications, and a passion for caring for animals in various environments like clinics, shelters, zoos, or conservation sites.

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.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

The highest paying jobs in animal welfare are typically senior roles such as veterinary directors or animal shelter executives, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require advanced education, management skills, and extensive experience in animal care and welfare organizations.

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 can you get in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include veterinarian, veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, zookeeper, pet groomer, and animal trainer. These roles often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments such as clinics, shelters, zoos, or private homes.
What job categories do people searching Animal Welfare jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Welfare jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Welfare jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Welfare job openings:
Animal Welfare jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Welfare job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,746 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Animal Welfare Specialist

ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY AND SOCIETY

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Animal Welfare Specialist provides humane animal care and superior customer service in accordance with the AHS mission, goals and management philosophy. Supports humane animal husbandry by providing physical and emotional enrichment to all animals, and through feeding, cleaning, and daily maintenance of the kennel facilities. Assists adoption center guests by providing information regarding humane animal care, department services, facilitating visitations with animals, and adoption counseling which includes exceptional human customer service, compassion for our human families and facilitating great human-animal matches.
  • Provide animals with adequate food, water, exercise, and daily emotional enrichment
  • Observe, record, and report on animal health and behavior
  • Maintain animal care records to ensure proper feeding and medicating, and ensure animals receive timely attention from a veterinarian as needed Handle animals in a humane manner according to established safety policies and procedures
  • Clean and sanitize animal habitats according to the AHS cleaning and disease control protocols
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment for the animals and the public
  • Report building and equipment maintenance concerns promptly
  • Stocking food and supplies, laundry, and dishes as assigned
  • Provide the highest quality of customer service to clients and visitors
  • Collaborates with other departments to accomplish departmental and organizational goals
  • Council potential adopters, following AHS guidelines
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, positivity, and provide aid to other staff and volunteers
  • Provide customers with organizationally approved content such as basic medical information, behavior profiles, breed information, and adoption package benefits to help clients make good choices.
  • Complete adoption paperwork, generate receipts, and maintain animal records in animal management database
  • Maintain office, front counter, and counseling rooms in a clean and professional manner at all times
  • Other duties as assigned

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Six months previous customer service experience in an office or retail business setting preferred
  • Six months experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital or clinic preferred
  • Computer literate in a Windows environment required
  • Knowledge of animal diseases, medications and treatment protocols preferred
  • Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Desire to work with animals and people
  • Knowledge of animal diseases, medications and treatment protocols preferred
  • Experience in handling/reconciling funds preferred
  • Willingness to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to multi-task and handle a high stress, emotional environment
  • Must be able to set aside personal judgement for the betterment of the client and the animals
  • Must be able to communicate with and work well with a diverse clientele, different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc. Working Conditions
  • Requires humane handling of animals and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety rules and according to SDS rules
  • Ability to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations
  • Required to follow AHS uniform policy
  • Works in a high noise level area
  • Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping and standing
  • Safety procedures must be adhered to without exception
  • Exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and varying degrees of behavior and/or medical conditions
  • Exposure to animal waste and common allergens

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