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Animal Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Belle Meade Animal Hospital

Animal Caretaker

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Come join our Kennel Team at Belle Meade Animal Hospital! We are looking for team players who want to work as a hands-on animal caretaker in a veterinary hospital. Experience preferred but not ...

Belle Meade Animal Hospital

Animal Caretaker

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Come join our Kennel Team at Belle Meade Animal Hospital! We are looking for team players who want to work as a hands-on animal caretaker in a veterinary hospital. Experience preferred but not ...

Maury County, Tennessee

Animal Caretaker I

Columbia, TN · On-site

Nature of Work This is responsible animal control work assisting with all aspects of the caring and placement of animals taken to the Maury County Animal Shelter. Activities associated with the job ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

Chattanooga Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$24.50/hr

The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Animal Care Supervisor. This position is the primary support to the Director of Animal Care & Conservation. This position requires a strong attention ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

New

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Companion Animal Supervisor

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the health, care, and presentation of our live animals while driving sales, customer experience, and ...

Vanderbilt Health

Lead Animal Care Tech

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Receives animals, performs daily checks for animal health and welfare, and ensures adequate supply levels in animal quarters. Monitors and reports on environmental room and housing conditions.

New

Vanderbilt Health

Lead Animal Care Tech

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Receives animals, performs daily checks for animal health and welfare, and ensures adequate supply levels in animal quarters. • Monitors and reports on environmental room and housing conditions ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Tennessee

Animal information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$19

$25

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Tennessee is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.69 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal jobs in Tennessee?

For Animal jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,738 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

Belle Meade Animal Hospital

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Come join our Kennel Team at Belle Meade Animal Hospital!

We are looking for team players who want to work as a hands-on animal caretaker in a veterinary hospital. Experience preferred but not required. We are willing to train people with big hearts and good attitudes.

Duties include, but not limited to:

Loving on dogs and cats so that they have a great experience while in our care

Walking, cleaning, feeding animals in our care

Bathing and brushing dogs and cats

Assisting in treatments /administering medications

General animal husbandry

Caring for hospitalized medical and surgical patients.

interacting with and educating clients

Full time and part time positions available. Full time schedule includes rotating weekend shifts. Compensation commensurate on experience. Benefits for full time employees include health insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation, PTO days, discounts on owned pets, paid holidays and retirement plan.

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