Maintains safe and sanitary work area to reduce risk to human and animal clients * Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records * Operates computer as ...
Maintains safe and sanitary work area to reduce risk to human and animal clients * Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records * Operates computer as ...
Animal information
See Ruston, LA salary details
$7.96 - $9.28
3% of jobs
$9.28 - $10.60
5% of jobs
$10.60 - $11.92
3% of jobs
$11.92 - $13.25
6% of jobs
$14.20 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.25 - $14.57
10% of jobs
$14.57 - $15.89
10% of jobs
$15.89 - $17.22
12% of jobs
The median wage is $17.34 / hr.
$17.22 - $18.54
12% of jobs
$18.54 - $19.86
14% of jobs
$19.91 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.86 - $21.19
16% of jobs
$21.19 - $22.51
10% of jobs
$7
$16
$22
How much do animal jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Ruston, LA is $16.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $20.19 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?
| Aspect | Animal | Veterinary Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | None or basic animal handling certifications | Licensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree |
| Work Environment | Zoos, farms, pet stores, research labs | Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics |
| Industry Usage | Animal care, research, education | Medical support in veterinary settings |
| Common Search Intent | Animal care roles, animal handling jobs | Vet 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.
More about Animal jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Ruston, LA?
The most popular types of Animal jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal jobs in Ruston, LA look for?
The top searched job categories for Animal jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Animal jobs?
Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Animal job openings:
Full-time, Part-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
Re-posted 14 days ago
Tractor Supply rating
5.8
Based on 1,316 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
428th of 734 rated retailers
Job description
Overall Job Summary
This position is responsible for completing the training course provided by Petsense, "Paragon," in preparation for a career in grooming and/or bathing.
Paragon is a virtual distant learning program where students are guided through two levels of a training program (Level 1 5-8 weeks, Level 2 10 weeks) designed to educate students on the fundamentals in bathing and grooming, while also providing the necessary basic skills in safety, pet first aid and CPR, pet handling skills, dog anatomy and dog physiology. This is achieved through a combination of hands-on practice, book work, online exams, watching videos and submitting photos of practical application for grading.
Successful on time completion of the Paragon Level 1 and Level 2 will earn a complete set of grooming tools. Store tools will be provided to use in the store while completing training.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)
- Follow and demonstrate all Petsense by Tractor Supply Mission and Values
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance
- Work scheduled shifts and have the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends and overtime as dictated by business needs.
- Work scheduled shifts for the duration of the 15 week training program (Level 1 PT or FT and Level 2 required FT)
- Paragon students are required to perform a combination of the following duties throughout their day. Although daily tasks may vary day to day, our business and staffing model makes it essential every Paragon student be able to perform all of the following duties accurately, efficiently, and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice:
- Successfully complete the following training for Level 1 by the required timeline of five weeks:
- Nail trimming and ear plucking
- Heavy coated bath and brush
- Curly coat bath and brush
- Natural foot trimming
- Conduct a minimum of 10 hands-on practice sessions in each training category
- Submit photos of experience by required deadline
- Complete 40 breed specific bath dogs and submit tracking journal by the required deadline
- Assists in generating business by calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, follow-up phone calls and reminders to customers, and verifying vaccinations
- Promote a safe and productive work environment for all Team Members, customers, and vendors
- Greet customers and pets and thoroughly complete 7-point Check-in
- Ensures the safety and well-being of animals
- Inspects animals for external signs of parasites, disease or injury and reports findings to pet owners
- Sanitizes and maintains upkeep of all grooming tools and equipment to eliminates injury and spread of diseases to other pet clients
- Maintains safe and sanitary work area to reduce risk to human and animal clients
- Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records
- Operates computer as needed
- Recovery of store, if needed
- Successfully complete the following training for Level 1 by the required timeline of five weeks:
Required Qualifications
Experience: Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats. Ability to demonstrate patience and compassion for animals. Tools will be provided while enrolled in Paragon.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities
- Operate and use all grooming tools and equipment including bathing tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and bathing products such as perfumed shampoo and soaps
- Communicate effectively with Associates and customers
- Display compassion with animals and treat them accordingly
- Exhibit attention to detail
- Read, write and count to accurately complete all documentation
- Problem solving skills
- Basic computer skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
Working Conditions
- Working environment is favorable, generally working inside with moderate noise.
- Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
- Exposure to wet conditions, particularly when bathing dogs.
- Exposure to cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
- Work shifts vary from one store to another, but generally are no less than 4 hours and may exceed 10 hours
- Promote a safe and productive work environment for Team Members and customers and adhere to Company safety training and guidelines
- Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and temperature are adequate.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to move and transfer live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Lift and carry pets generally weighing up to 75 pounds, ability to lift and carry pets weighing over 100 pounds assisted.
- Ability to push and pull merchandise up to 2,000 pounds with the assistance of proper material handling equipment (e.g. pallet jack, dolly or U-boat).
- Ability to walk, stand and maintain a stationary position while grooming animals for a full shift
- Ability to frequently move around the salon to groom and bath animals, clean, and maintain the salon for a full shift
- Ability to safely access all areas of the store including selling floor, stock area, register area and the full salon including bathing area
- Ability to utilize grooming instruments including shears and dryers.
- Ability to occasionally lift or reach overhead
- Ability to stand, twist, bend, kneel, crouch, stoop and squat frequently to position oneself to groom and bath animals, clean shelves, stock merchandise and equipment as business needs dictate
- Ability to constantly operate store equipment such as computer, cash register, and other store equipment.
- Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
- Ability to utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers
- Ability to handle and be in contact with live animals.
- Ability to successfully complete all training and certifications to care for live animals.
- Ability to successfully complete all required training.
Disclaimer
This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.
Company Info
At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.
Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.
Please visit this link for more specific information about the benefits and leave policies applicable to the position you're applying for.
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About Tractor Supply
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Retail
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Brentwood, TN, US
Year founded
1938