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Animal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Animal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Rochester, NY is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 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 jobs are there around animals?

Jobs related to animals include veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and animal shelter worker. These roles often require specific skills, certifications, or education in animal care, biology, or veterinary medicine, and may involve working in clinics, zoos, farms, or outdoor environments.

What is the highest paying animal job?

The highest paying animal jobs are often specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoological directors, or animal research scientists, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in animal care, research, or management.

What kind 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 specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the animal-related field, specialized roles such as professional animal trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, or certain pet industry entrepreneurs can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience, certifications, and a strong client base. These jobs often require skills, certifications, or business acumen rather than formal degrees and may involve working long hours or managing multiple clients or animals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,219 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


City Of Rochester (New York) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Description This employee performs duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals, community outreach, and the enforcement of City ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required.

*Most of the work involves dogs but may work with other types of animals as well* "CITY RESIDENCY IS PREFERRED" Typical Work Activities Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or disobedient animals (mostly Canines but may involve other animal species); Captures and transports animals to the animal shelter for care and treatment; Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick up and deliver supplies, and conduct community outreach; Assists the public with animal-related concerns; Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances; Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity; Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel; Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care and maintenance of their pets; Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database; Administers vaccines and treatments upon intake; Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed; Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance; Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested; Assists in the development of new Animal Control Officers; Maintains interior and exterior of the facility for the safety of employees and the public as requested by supervisory personnel; Attends training deemed necessary by management; Testifies in court, as required. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or Equivalent, PLUS one (1) year of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver's license at the time of appointment; Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification at the time of appointment; Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association II (NACA II) certification within two (2) years of appointment; Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator permit, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within six (6) months of appointment; All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

* Candidates who do not possess a NACA I certification or have less than one year of experience must begin as an Animal Control Officer Trainee*