1

Animals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US/CAN Prospects

OR · On-site +1

Thank you for your interest in working at Mercy For Animals! Please follow the process below to submit a general application of interest, and we will keep your resume and cover letter in our database ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animals information

See salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animals in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal caretaker?

Animal caretakers are professionals who are responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or farms. Their duties often include feeding, grooming, monitoring health, cleaning enclosures, and sometimes assisting with basic medical care. They play a crucial role in ensuring animals are safe, healthy, and comfortable, and may also interact with the public to educate them about animal welfare. Animal caretakers need to be compassionate, observant, and comfortable working with different types of animals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal caretaker?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safety procedures, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, feeding systems, and sometimes certification in pet first aid or animal handling is valuable. Patience, attention to detail, and compassion are essential soft skills for building trust and ensuring animal well-being. These abilities are crucial for maintaining the health, safety, and comfort of animals in various care settings.

What are common challenges faced by animal care professionals in a shelter environment?

Animal care professionals in shelters often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of working with abandoned or abused animals, maintaining high standards of cleanliness to prevent disease, and balancing the needs of a large number of animals with limited resources. Additionally, they must work effectively with a team to ensure all animals receive proper care and support, while also communicating compassionately with potential adopters and volunteers. Adaptability and resilience are important qualities for success in this dynamic and sometimes emotionally demanding environment.

What is the difference between Animals vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimalsAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically requiredHigh school diploma; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, wildlife reservesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet stores
Industry UsageBroadly used for wild and domestic animalsSpecifically for assisting in animal care tasks
Common Search IntentGeneral animal informationAnimal care, pet support, shelter work

Animals is a broad term referring to all living creatures in the animal kingdom, while Animal Care Assistant is a specific job role focused on assisting with the care and well-being of animals in various settings. The role of an Animal Care Assistant requires specific training and certifications, and it involves hands-on work in environments like veterinary clinics or shelters. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right opportunities or information related to animal-related careers.

More about Animals jobs

What cities are hiring for Animals jobs?

Cities with the most Animals job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animals jobs?

The most popular types of Animals jobs are:

What states have the most Animals jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animals jobs include:

Infographic showing various Animals job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Animal Caregiver - On Call Non Humane World for Animals Employee

Humane World for Animals

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

This is an on-call position, and the deployments will be in Hagerstown, MD.
The pay rate is $18 per hour.
In this position you will deploy as needed to assist the Humane World for Animals Animal Rescue Team (ART) and will be responsible for providing compassionate and attentive care, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for animals and staff, and daily observation of animals housed within the Humane World Maryland Care and Rehabilitation center.
This is a non Humane World for Animals position and will be employed through a 3rd party.
You will be responsible for:
• Daily feeding, watering, and thorough cleaning of living and common spaces for all animals;
• Feeding and providing water for the animals, including providing special diets as needed;
• Spot cleaning animal and common areas throughout the day;
• Cleaning and upkeeping both inside and outside of the facility including shoveling snow;
• Monitoring the health and behavior of the animals in the shelter on an
ongoing basis to aid in the rapid identification of concerns and immediately reporting them to the appropriate party;
• Assisting with the movement of the animals throughout the shelter
• Assisting and partaking in the training of new staff and volunteers;
• Treating all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance;
• Stocking supplies as needed;
• Working courteously and cooperatively with other staff members, volunteers, management, and rescue partners;
• Performing other duties or responsibilities, as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Experience in a kennel or shelter setting preferred;
• Experience handling animals in distress preferred;
• Ability to complete Fear Free Shelters training within 30 days of onboarding;
• Ability to handle animals safely and humanely;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong oral and written communications skills;
• Ability to work independently or as a team, take initiative, and maintain good communication with HSUS staff;
• Ability to periodically work long days outside standard work hours, holidays, and weekends. Ability to handle physical aspects of the job to include, but not limited to walking, jumping, reaching, moving, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds;
• Ability to work around animals and in physically demanding and sometimes hazardous environments with potential exposure to zoonotic diseases;
While performing the duties of this job, the caregiver is frequently required to walk, sit, talk. hear; bend or stoop; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. The caregiver is occasionally required to, kneel, or crawl.
When applying please submit your resume and cover letter as one document.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE