1

Army Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Army Veterinarian Officer, you'll specialize in animal medicine, veterinary public health, and research and development. You'll gain valuable experience leading Veterinary Corps units to treat ...

Animal Services Operations Manager

York, SC · On-site

$27.33 - $32.80/hr

... an army of volunteers that fuel our mission to help provide care and compassion. Our Vision: York County Animal Services' Vision is to build a humane community where all animals are treated with ...

Dog Handler (31K)

Clarion, PA · On-site

$23K - $97K/yr

Animal Care. * Detection & Identification. * Law Enforcement & Security. About U.S. Army: The Army, as one of the three military departments (Army, Navy and Air Force) reporting to the Department of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Army Animal information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do army animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for army animal in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Army Animal vs Army Veterinary Technician?

AspectArmy AnimalArmy Veterinary Technician
Required CredentialsBasic military training; specialized animal handling skillsVeterinary technician certification; animal health knowledge
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, field operations, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, military veterinary units
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, defense, animal care unitsMilitary veterinary services, animal health support

The Army Animal primarily focuses on caring for animals within military settings, often requiring basic training and animal handling skills. In contrast, the Army Veterinary Technician has specialized veterinary training and assists in medical procedures. Both roles support military animal welfare but differ in credentials and scope of practice.

What are some typical responsibilities of an Army Animal Care Specialist and how does the role contribute to the overall mission?

As an Army Animal Care Specialist, your primary responsibilities include providing medical care to military working animals, assisting veterinarians during procedures, and ensuring the health and well-being of animals such as dogs and horses. You may also manage administrative tasks, maintain medical records, and support preventive medicine programs. This role is vital to the Army's mission, as healthy and well-cared-for animals are essential for security, detection, and other specialized tasks. Teamwork is important, as you will regularly collaborate with veterinarians, handlers, and other support staff.

What are Army Animals?

Army animals are specially trained animals used by military forces to perform various tasks that support operations and missions. Historically, these animals have included dogs, horses, pigeons, dolphins, and even elephants, each trained for roles such as detection, transport, communication, and security. Today, the most common army animals are military working dogs, which assist with tasks like detecting explosives, tracking, and search and rescue. These animals undergo rigorous training and work closely with human handlers to ensure mission success and safety. Their service plays a vital role in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of military units.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a U.S. Army Animal Care Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a U.S. Army Animal Care Specialist, you need a background in animal science or veterinary technology, along with completion of the Army's 68T training program. Familiarity with veterinary equipment, medical record systems, and animal handling protocols is essential. Attention to detail, compassion, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and team members. These abilities ensure the health and readiness of military animals, which are crucial for mission success and force protection.
More about Army Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Army Animal jobs? Cities with the most Army Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Army Animal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Animal Care Specialist (U.S. Army Soldier)

Animal Care Specialist (U.S. Army Soldier)

U.S. Army

Henrico, VA

$28K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago


United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

An animal care specialist in the Army is responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of military animals, which include working dogs, horses, and other service animals. Their duties involve providing routine and emergency medical care, such as vaccinations, surgeries, and treatments for injuries and illnesses. They assist veterinarians during examinations and surgical procedures, administer medications, and perform diagnostic tests. Animal care specialists also oversee the daily care of animals, including feeding, grooming, and exercising them to maintain their fitness and readiness. They maintain detailed medical records for each animal and ensure that all care complies with military standards and regulations. Additionally, they may be involved in training animals for specific tasks, such as detection, patrol, or ceremonial duties, ensuring they are fit for their roles. Their work is essential for the operational effectiveness and safety of military units that rely on animals for critical missions.
Additional Benefits and Entitlements:
Housing & Lodging:
  • Soldiers in this position receive additional compensation $$ for Housing/ Lodging Costs for themselves and immediate family members in addition to their salary. This entitlement is referred to as basic Allowance for Housing). Rates for these entitlements can be found at https://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/basic-allowance-for-housing
Premium Healthcare Benefits:
  • TRICARE Health Plan: As a member of the U.S. Army, you and your family can be covered under the TRICARE Health Plan – a top-tier healthcare program that provides medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
  • No-Cost Healthcare: Active-duty members receive medical and dental care at no cost. Your family can also receive healthcare services at military or civilian facilities through TRICARE at little or no cost.
  • Comprehensive Dental Care: Receive annual dental check-ups, cleanings, and treatments.
  • Vision Coverage: Coverage includes routine eye examinations and potential discounts on eyewear or corrective surgery.
  • Health & Wellness Programs: Engage in preventive health programs, counseling services, fitness resources, and more to ensure you remain in the best of health.
  • Maternity and Paternity Benefits: Expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal, labor, and postnatal care. New parents are also entitled to maternity and paternity leave.
  • Long-term Care: Access to resources and programs that assist with long-term health needs or disabilities.
  • Mental Health Services: Prioritizing the mental well-being of our service members, the U.S. Army offers counseling, therapy, and other mental health resources.
Education Benefits:
In the Army, qualified students (Soldiers and their Spouses) can earn full tuition, including merit-based scholarships and grants to pursue higher education degrees while in service. In addition to this benefit, Soldiers qualify for:
  • GI Bill Scholarship (4 years of full-time tuition, Books, and living expenses)
  • Tuition Assistance Grant = $4,500 Annually (Recharges Each Year)
  • Student Loan Repayment Program ($65,000 of your current/ outstanding loan debt.)
  • Learn more about additional education and certification opportunities by visiting https://www.goarmy.com/benefits/while-you-serve/education-training.

VA Home Loan:
Veterans Administration Home Loan Program helps Soldiers to become homeowners and, in many cases, first-time homeowners. This unique benefit enables Soldiers to purchase a home with competitive interest rates (often lower than the average national) without requiring a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI). The average national down payment on the purchase of a home is currently $18,000.
You must serve at least 90 consecutive days on Active Duty to qualify for this benefit. In addition, you must meet your lender's credit score and income criteria. For more information about VA Home Loans, please visit Eligibility
Requirements For VA Home Loan Programs | Veterans Affairs.
The U.S. Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

About U.S. Army:

US Army Recruiting Battalion Richmond operates out of our headquarters located in Richmond, Virginia. Our area covers covers a large portion of Virginia, West Virginia, and a small part of Maryland. We have over 150 jobs within the US Army and Army Reserve, with most offering both part-time and full-time positions! With a competitive salary and benefits, the US Army can help you to get real-world experience in the field the YOU CHOOSE, all while helping with the financial burden of college. Gain a competitive edge over your peers with a career in the US Army or US Army Reserve!


What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Army logo

About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media