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Animal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

Vivarium Supervisor

Rochester, NY · On-site

$26.90 - $37.66/hr

Inspects animal and cage wash areas to assess adequacy of provision of husbandry services. Contributes to annual performance reviews of direct reports. Participates in interviewing applicants for ...

Then, Westside Animal Hospital may be the place for you! We practice low-stress handling techniques, utilizing gentle control, treats, and medication. We are a rapidly growing practice within a new ...

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Animal information

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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 Care Tech

Finger Lakes Pet Resort

Farmington, NY • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Description:

Finger Lakes Pet Resort is seeking dog lovers with a passion for providing top notch care, and a desire to grow with a company of like-minded individuals! Starting pay rate is $16 per hour with raises based on performance. Ideal candidate will be a kind, conscientious, and detail-oriented caregiver with a flexible schedule! We strive to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding work environment, with a focus on productive teamwork.


Duties include:

  • Playgroup Supervision: Overseeing a playgroup of dogs and managing their behavior and playtime.
  • Canine Knowledge: You’ll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.
  • Cleaning: Managing the cleanliness of our kennels and play areas and maintaining the highest possible cleaning standards. Cleaning toys, washing dishes, mopping floors, vacuuming hair, and taking care of unpleasant doggy messes are critical aspects of the job!
  • Daily Care: Feeding pets according to parents’ instructions; making sure all dogs have fresh water, clean bedding, and a comfortable space to stay overnight. May also include administering medication according to veterinary instructions.
  • Problem Solving: Use common sense to solve problems as it relates to dogs in our care.
  • Be Proactive: Work with initiative to take on an array of tasks in our center.
  • Work Together: Communicating effectively with other team members—working at a doggie daycare is fun, but only if everyone is on the same page!
  • Guest Service: Must have basic customer service skills and be ready to talk with pet parents about their family members!
  • Safety First: Able to follow established safety protocols to the letter to ensure a safe and fun environment for our guests—and ourselves!
  • Must love dogs: We have a lot of them!

Please note that the above-listed duties and responsibilities are the basic requirements for this role and may be modified, expanded, or reduced based on the evolving needs of the company.


If you’re the right candidate, we’d love for you to join our team! Benefits for all team members at Finger Lakes Pet Resort include discounted daycare and boarding for your own dog, with additional benefits available for full time employees like medical/vision/dental plans and 401k! Pay starts at $16/hr.


Requirements:

The perfect candidate will embody these qualities:

  • Team Player: Works together well with others to make sure all duties are completed and our guests are cared for
  • Good Communicator: Able to properly, promptly, and effectively communicate with other team members, management, and pet parents
  • Flexibility: A flexible schedule. Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Attention to Detail: Uses keen observation skills to make sure guests are safe and comfortable, and to report any issues as they arise
  • Animal Experience: Previous petcare/animal experience preferred, but not required. Love for animals a must!
  • Dog Friendly: Comfortable with dogs of all sizes and breeds—we see it all!
  • Physical Stamina: An ability to stand/work upright for multiple hours at a time, in all weather types; able to lift at least 50 lbs and remain active throughout your shift. This is a physically demanding job!