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Animal Jobs in Rockingham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lead, mentor, and evaluate Kennel Supervisors and animal care staff * Develop and enforce operational policies, protocols, and care standards * Set staffing plans and schedules in coordination with ...

Small Animal Veterinarian - Surgical Focus (Full-Time) Location: Jackson Springs, NC Job Type: Full-Time Department: Vet Hospital About Us: K2K9 Solutions, LLC is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB ...

Veterinary Assistant

Southern Pines, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $16.75/hr

General Information Ref # 50424 Department Vet Tech / Vet Assistant / VT Campus Job Site Pinehurst Animal Hospital Date Published 05-13-2026 Pay Class Full-Time Base Min. $ 17 Base Max. $ 21 ...

... animal grooming and care · Clean and sanitize kennels, kennel runs and kennel equipment · Stock food and kennel supplies · Maintain effective working relationships with all kennel employees ...

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Animal information

See Rockingham, NC salary details

$8

$17

$23

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Rockingham, NC is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $21.06 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 Rockingham, NC? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Rockingham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Rockingham, NC are:
What cities near Rockingham, NC are hiring for Animal jobs? Cities near Rockingham, NC with the most Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Rockingham, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,860 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Herdsperson Trainee/Laborer-Farm 57861

Smithfield Foods

Raeford, NC • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special - a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!

Your Opportunity

Compensation $16.00 hourly start pay.

The Herdsperson assists other Herd Technicians in routine animal care and general farm tasks to ensure the welfare/well-being of the animals. Tasks include farm sanitation, animal removal, and animal movement. Employee may operate mowers, tractors, trucks, bus, and other farm equipment as directed. May be in training for advanced Herd Technician designation. The Herdsperson position will also provide for the care of all animals at the designated work site, particularly their health, growth, and breeding.

Core Responsibilities
  • Feeds, waters, vaccinates, and performs general animal husbandry tasks including basic veterinary procedures.
  • Maintains flexibility with a willingness to change plans according to the direction of farm leadership.
  • Assists in moving animals and maintaining efficient animal flows.
  • Sanitizes and washes multiple areas on the farm using high pressure equipment.
  • Processes piglets, which includes: Injecting medications, castrating, docking tails, and ear notching.
  • Maintains accurate production information and update all department records as required.
  • Treats sick animals with a variety of pharmaceuticals by injection, oral application, and/or other methods as required.
  • Follows the Standard Operation Procedures, Production Manuals, or Appropriate Training Guides as required.
  • Assists with facility and equipment maintenance.
  • Assists with maintaining barn, office cleanliness, and laundry duties.
  • Follows the Company's animal welfare policies and procedures including: providing a physical environment that meets the animal's needs, providing access to adequate water and high quality feed, providing humane treatment of the animals, providing identification and appropriate treatment of animals in need of health care and following the guidelines for euthanasia.
  • Responsible for complying with all environmental, safety and biosecurity laws and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

  • High School diploma or GED preferred.
  • Previous livestock handing helpful.
  • Ability to do hard physical labor.
  • Strong commitment to teamwork.
  • Willingness to shower daily in and out of facility.
  • Ability to follow instructions and deal with standardized situations.
  • Must be able to work an average 48-hour work week, which can vary frequently.
  • Weekend, evening, and holiday work required as needed.
  • Must be on call for emergency situations to include but not limit to, power outages or personnel shortages.
  • Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Must be able to work with and around a wide range of antibiotics (i.e. penicillin).
  • Must be able to tolerate blood, animal dander, manure, dust, odors, and frequently noisy conditions.
Relocation Package Available No

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.