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Companion Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$105K - $145K/yr

Zoetis is currently seeking a Companion Animal Clinical Development Clinician to join our team. In this role, you will design and execute companion animal pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical ...

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$105K - $145K/yr

Zoetis is currently seeking a Companion Animal Clinical Development Clinician to join our team. In this role, you will design and execute companion animal pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical ...

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Companion Animal information

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How much do companion animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for companion animal in the United States is $16.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Companion Animal Caregiver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Companion Animal Caregiver, you need knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and safe handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and experience with animals. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and first aid certification is typically beneficial. Patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help build trust with animals and their owners. These skills are essential to ensure the well-being, safety, and proper care of companion animals in various settings.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals working in companion animal care, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in companion animal care, such as veterinary technicians, animal shelter staff, or pet care specialists, often encounter challenges like managing stressed or anxious animals, communicating effectively with pet owners, and balancing a high workload during peak times. These challenges can be managed by developing strong animal handling skills, practicing empathy and clear communication with pet owners, and utilizing teamwork to distribute tasks efficiently. Continuous education and self-care are also important to maintain well-being and high-quality care for the animals.

What is the difference between Companion Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectCompanion AnimalVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required, though certifications can enhance prospectsLicensed or certified, often requiring passing a credentialing exam
Work EnvironmentPet clinics, animal shelters, pet stores, homesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal care facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePet owners, animal shelters, pet storesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding pet care roles, pet owner responsibilitiesAnimal health, veterinary support roles

Companion Animal roles focus on caring for pets in various settings, often without formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians, however, require certifications and work directly in veterinary clinics supporting animal health. Both roles involve working with animals, but Veterinary Technicians have a more clinical, health-focused scope.

What are companion animals and what does a companion animal caregiver do?

Companion animals are pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals, that provide emotional support, companionship, and comfort to people. A companion animal caregiver is responsible for the daily care and well-being of these pets, including feeding, grooming, exercising, monitoring health, and providing affection. The role also involves recognizing signs of illness, maintaining a clean environment, and sometimes administering medications. Companion animal caregivers may work in homes, shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet care facilities. Their main goal is to ensure that the animals are healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.
More about Companion Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Companion Animal jobs? Cities with the most Companion Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Companion Animal jobs? The most popular types of Companion Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Companion Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Companion Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Companion Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Companion Animal jobs are:
Infographic showing various Companion Animal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,842 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Companion Animal Clinic - DVM/VMD Extern

Companion Animal Clinic

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Companion Animal Clinic - DVM/VMD Extern

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Companion Animal Clinic, located just a few miles from the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a highly recognized practice focusing on companion animals and exotics. We have an established team of skilled veterinarians, one of which is experienced with exotics, and multiple LVTs on staff. Each veterinarian is supported by one to two assistants. In addition to being an AAHA practice, Companion Animal Clinic upholds a "No Poke Program" cultivated by our lead LVT to reduce stress and anxiety for pets. We offer a variety of equipment and capabilities including a surgical suite, dental suite with a dental x-ray, digital radiography, and ultrasound, as well as medical and vacation boarding!

Veterinary Student Externship

Located just a few miles from Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Companion Animal Clinic is a highly recognized practice focusing on companion animals and exotics. It has a long-standing reputation and history in the Blacksburg, Virginia community and the surrounding areas. Companion has a strong, established team of six skilled veterinarians, three of which are experienced with exotics. The practice also has multiple licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) on staff to provide support. In addition to being an AAHA practice, Companion Animal Clinic also upholds a No Poke Program cultivated by its lead LVT to reduce stress and anxiety for pets.

Companion Animal Clinic offers a variety of equipment and capabilities including a surgical suite, dental suite along with a dental x-ray, digital radiography, and ultrasound. Each veterinarian is supported by one to two assistants. The practice also offers medical and vacation boarding that is managed by designated boarding staff.

Why consider an externship with Companion Animal Clinic?

  • Mentorship from multiple strong veterinarians who are excited to welcome a student
  • Team has strong clinical skills in the areas of wellness and dentistry
  • AAHA accredited practice
  • Work with exotics
  • Excellent culture, collaborative environment, and low turnover

What we offer externs:

  • Stipend to offset the cost of housing and travel
  • Opportunities to connect with multiple VetEvolve practices

Why VetEvolve:

  • VetEvolve's Support from the Start program is designed to provide new veterinarians with mentorship, hands-on training, and a customized post-grad experience to build a strong foundation. This includes assigned mentors, individualized mentorship plans, and opportunities for specialized training and continued education to help you develop your skills and confidence while fostering a healthy work-life balance.
  • Industry leading veterinarian and support staff retention rates - Hear why our veterinarians are "Happy Here" on our videos page.
  • We invest in our team members' professional growth and mental wellbeing, and many of our team members hold Compassion Fatigue Professional certifications.
  • We live by our core values: Serve, Evolve, and Trust.
  • "They allow me the freedom to practice as I see fit…We can make almost all of our main decisions ourselves, at the clinic level. Their up front focus on honesty and improving over time keeps surprising me each time they demonstrate it. Veterinary medicine is not always the prettiest, easiest, happiest, or most satisfying line of work as we all know, but I can't imagine doing it for any other group. VetEvolve has been able to retain a small feel over time, as it grows, which is huge for me." - VetEvolve network DVM. Reach out to us to hear more from our veterinarians about how we strive to provide team members environments where they feel "Happy Here".
  • Repeat winner of Virginia's Best Places to Work (we are based in Virginia).

Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited Veterinary School (VMD or DVM degree path)

Apply here or contact Ashley Anderson at anderson@vetevolve.com for more information.