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Animal Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL · On-site

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Island's mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife, and conservation. The Animal ...

Jungle Island

ANIMAL KEEPER 1

Miami, FL · On-site

The Animal Keeper performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Island's mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife, and conservation. The Animal ...

The University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

The University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

The University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

University of Miami

Animal Care Technician

Miami, FL

$18.56 - $22/hr

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Florida

Animal information

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How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Florida is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers work with animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What types of careers work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as veterinarians, zookeepers, animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and pet groomers. These jobs often require knowledge of animal behavior, health, and care, and may involve working in clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor environments.
More about Animal jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Florida? For Animal jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Animal job openings:
Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,718 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Director of Animal Welfare

Alaqua Animal Refuge, Inc.

Freeport, FL

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 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.