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Animal Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Caretaker performs standardized procedures associated with operation of a laboratory animal facility under general supervision. An Animal Caretaker performs any combination of duties to ...

Animal Caretaker

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$19.85 - $23/hr

The Animal Caretaker performs standardized procedures associated with operation of a laboratory animal facility under general supervision. An Animal Caretaker performs any combination of duties to ...

The Animal Technician I provides a variety of technical, housekeeping, and record keeping tasks associated with nonhuman primates. Under general supervision, they perform specialized technical ...

Animal Technician Integrated Resources, Inc., is led by a seasoned team with combined decades in the industry. We deliver strategic workforce solutions that help you manage your talent and business ...

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Title: Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: 6-month contract (extendable) Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview ...

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: Contract Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview Biopharmaceutical Company is seeking a ...

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: Contract Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview Biopharmaceutical Company is seeking a ...

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Title: Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: 6-month contract (extendable) Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview ...

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Title: Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: 6-month contract (extendable) Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview ...

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $20/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 ...

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Animal information

See Washington salary details

$11

$23

$31

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Washington is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $28.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 careers do you work with animals?

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

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,588 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

Bioqual Inc

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

OBJECTIVE:
The Animal Caretaker performs standardized procedures associated with operation of a laboratory animal facility under general supervision. An Animal Caretaker performs any combination of duties to attend animals including nonhuman primates, ferrets, lagomorphs and rodents. This includes tasks in animal care, sanitation, operations support, quality control and technical assistance. They perform these duties under supervision until skill, training and understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are demonstrated. Must obtain an AALAS certification six (6) months upon hire. 
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
•    Handle laboratory animals
•    Lift and carry up to 50 pounds
•    Bend, stoop, and stretch
•    Operate animal care equipment
•    Wear respiratory protection.
•    Understanding of the English language, specifically; basic veterinary medicine signs/symbols
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Understand and follow appropriate SOPs according to animal species
•    Feed and water animals according to schedule set down according to animal species and/or research protocol
•    Clean and sanitize cages, water bottles, racks, and animal rooms
•    Understand and operate cage wash machine and autoclaves
•    Examine animals daily for signs of illness or reactions and reports such observations to an Animal Technician or Project Manager
•    Monitor and record humidity and temperature in appointed rooms daily, noting unusual sounds, odors, and ventilation changes
•    Perform all tasks in a way to minimize or prevent transfer of infection
•    Perform other duties as assigned