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Companion Animal Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$105K - $145K/yr

Budget development and management * Investigator and site selection * Protocol development and ... S. companion animal private practice * Experience managing clinical cases involving therapeutics ...

OR

$105K - $145K/yr

Budget development and management * Investigator and site selection * Protocol development and ... S. companion animal private practice * Experience managing clinical cases involving therapeutics ...

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Companion Animal Manager information

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How much do companion animal manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for companion animal manager in the United States is $15.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Companion Animal Manager vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectCompanion Animal ManagerVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires animal care experience; certifications varyRequires veterinary technician certification (CVT, RVT, or CVT)
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, pet care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, animal clinics
Employer & IndustryAnimal care organizations, shelters, pet servicesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on animal care management and facility operationsFocuses on medical procedures and animal health care

The main difference is that a Companion Animal Manager oversees animal care operations and facility management, while a Veterinary Technician provides medical care and assists veterinarians. Both roles require animal handling skills, but the Veterinary Technician has specialized medical training and certifications.

What are Companion Animal Managers?

Companion Animal Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the care and well-being of pets and other companion animals in settings such as pet stores, shelters, or animal care facilities. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring proper animal care and nutrition, maintaining animal habitats, and providing customer service to pet owners. They may also be involved in inventory management, training staff, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a genuine passion for animal welfare.

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

To thrive as a Companion Animal Manager, you need a solid background in animal care, management experience, and often a relevant degree or certification in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management systems, scheduling software, and animal health and safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills help you effectively manage staff and interact with pet owners. These skills ensure optimal animal welfare, efficient operations, and a positive experience for clients and employees alike.

What are some common challenges Companion Animal Managers face in balancing animal welfare with business operations?

Companion Animal Managers often need to balance providing the highest standard of animal care with meeting business goals such as customer satisfaction, budgeting, and staff management. A common challenge is ensuring that animals receive proper attention and enrichment while also managing inventory, scheduling, and client interactions. Managers must stay informed about industry regulations and best practices, all while leading a team and adapting to unexpected situations, such as animal health emergencies or staffing shortages. Strong organizational and communication skills help address these competing demands.
What cities are hiring for Companion Animal Manager jobs? Cities with the most Companion Animal Manager job openings:
What states have the most Companion Animal Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Companion Animal Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Companion Animal Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,304 per year, or $15.1 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.