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Dog Care Associate Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Carson City, NV · On-site

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Sparks, NV · On-site

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Sparks, NV · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Carson City, NV · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Pet Supermarket

Shift Manager

Tahoe City, CA

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Do you like to stop and pet every dog during your afternoon strolls? You must be an animal lover ... Prioritize, assign, and delegate daily goals, tasks, and assignments to associate team and ensure ...

All JobsDog Care Associate JobsDog Care Associate Jobs in Reno, NV

Dog Care Associate information

See Reno, NV salary details

$9

$18

$31

How much do dog care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog care associate in Reno, NV is $18.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job at a doggy daycare?

To get a job as a Dog Care Associate at a doggy daycare, applicants should have a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and often some experience with dogs or pet care. Many facilities require a high school diploma or equivalent and may prefer candidates with certifications in pet first aid or animal behavior. Applying in person or through online job portals, and demonstrating reliability and a positive attitude, can improve chances of employment.

Do dog daycare jobs require certification?

Dog Care Associates typically do not require formal certification to work in dog daycare, but certifications in pet first aid, CPR, or animal behavior can enhance job prospects and demonstrate competence. Employers may also look for experience with animals and good communication skills. Requirements vary by employer and location.

Is dog daycare a stressful job?

Dog Care Associates working in dog daycare often experience physical activity and handling energetic or anxious dogs, which can be stressful at times. The job requires patience, good communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple dogs simultaneously, but stress levels vary depending on the environment and individual resilience.

What is the difference between Dog Care Associate vs Pet Care Assistant?

AspectDog Care AssociatePet Care Assistant
CertificationsBasic pet care, animal handlingBasic pet care, animal handling
Work EnvironmentDog shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinicsAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels
Industry UsageCommonly used in pet care facilities focusing on dogsUsed across various pet care settings including dogs and other animals

Dog Care Associates primarily focus on caring for dogs in shelters, pet stores, or veterinary clinics, often requiring similar certifications as Pet Care Assistants. While both roles involve basic animal handling and care, Dog Care Associates typically specialize in dogs, whereas Pet Care Assistants may work with a variety of animals. The roles are similar in work environment and industry usage, but the focus on dogs makes the Dog Care Associate position more specialized.

What is the highest paying job working with dogs?

The highest paying jobs working with dogs typically include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, dog trainers with advanced certifications, and animal behaviorists, with veterinary surgeons earning the most often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require extensive education, training, and experience, and often involve working in clinical or research settings. Certifications and specialized skills can significantly impact earning potential in this field.
Dog Care Associate jobs near you
Animal Care Associate - Dog Team (53044)

Animal Care Associate - Dog Team (53044)

NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY

Reno, NV • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.

We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a Dog Team Animal Care Associate to join our team at our Reno Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.

At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Animal care associate

Department:

Animal Care Dog Team

Reports To:

Animal Care Manager or Assistant Manager

Supervises:

None

FLSA/Work Hours Status:

Varies

DOL Status:

Non-Exempt

Base Pay Range:

Base pay range is calculated by position title, and experience. It is determined within the departmental budget. Changes to the range are approved by the CEO.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Our Dog Team Animal Care Associate plays an important role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission.

As an Animal Care Associate, you contribute to Nevada Humane Society’s mission by providing proper care for all animals housed at Nevada Humane Society based on assigned department. Your work directly supports the organization’s mission by providing compassionate and high-quality animal care, while demonstrating core competencies in teamwork, professionalism, safety awareness, adaptability, and community engagement, contributing to fundraising efforts and the promotion of a positive public image and reflects our commitment to care for pets, find them homes and save lives. 

Position-Specific Responsibilities
  1. Provide compassionate, respectful care to all animals.
  2.  Support intake and movement of animals through evaluations and designated pathways.
  3. Administer vaccinations, medications, and assist with surgery prep and recovery (Carson Campus)
  4. Monitor animal health and behavior through daily wellness checks; report illness and follow emergency protocols.
  5. Ensure accurate documentation, including database updates, photos, and adoption profiles.
  6. Maintain clean and sanitary animal areas through daily deep cleaning and spot cleaning.
  7. Provide food, water, special diets, grooming, exercise, and enrichment.
  8. Maintain appropriate kennel signage and cards based on medical and behavioral history.
  9. Assist adopters using the Adopters Welcome philosophy; communicate with fosters and adopters for timely placements.
  10. Transport animals to appointments, events, and partner organizations.
General Responsibilities 
  1. Helps promote fundraising activities and solicit support from agency overall.
  2. Interacts with co-workers and volunteers in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments. 
  3. Maintain and promote a positive public image relevant to Nevada Humane Society standards.
  4. Represents Nevada Humane Society, professionally with customers, donors, and business partners.
  5. Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational conferences/seminars as recommended/approved.
  6. In the event of an emergency, assist with the handling and evacuation of animals located at any Nevada Humane Society campus.
  7. Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the organization and community as it pertains to pet related needs.
  8. Address and/or report any safety hazards or unsafe activities. 
  9. Perform other responsibilities as requested by direct management, and/or the CEO. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

In Nevada

Nevada employers often provide competitive benefits, but NHS stands out with:

  • Employer-paid medical & vision premium option (Full-Time Employees)
  • Pet-centric benefits not typical in most benefit packages
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starting on day one rather than waiting periods.
  • This puts NHS at or above local and national trends for comprehensive total compensation and unique personal perks

Full-Time Employees Are Eligible For:

• Nine paid holidays • 90% employer-paid buy-up options and low-cost dental plans

• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

All Employees are eligible for: 

• Low-cost supplemental plans including Life Insurance, Accident, and Short-Term Disability

• Pet-focused perks such as free vaccines, spay/neuter, and end-of-life services for employee-owned pets

• Free and reduced-cost pet adoptions

• Up to 50% off major brand and prescription pet food delivered directly to the shelter

WHY NORTHERN NEVADA?

Northern Nevada offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity, quality of life, and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place for professionals who value meaningful work and true work–life balance. Anchored by Reno and Carson City, the region continues to attract people who want to make an impact while enjoying everything life outside of work has to offer.

A Community That Works — and Plays

Northern Nevada is home to:

• Approximately 300 days of sunshine each year

• Easy access to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Sierra Nevada mountains

• World-class skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, and year-round recreation just minutes away

Here, it’s possible to start your morning on a trail, spend your day doing meaningful work, and unwind by the river or in the mountains after hours.

With no state income tax, abundant sunshine, a diverse economy, and unmatched access to outdoor recreation, Northern Nevada is an ideal home for animal welfare professionals seeking both purpose and balance.

Experience and Qualification RequirementsPosition-Specific Requirements
  1. Physically able to walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal workday.
  2. Physically able to engage in repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands, to hear, to see, to move animals and goods.
  3. Physically able to carry up to 50 pounds regularly throughout a normal workday.
  4. Ability to function independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.  
  5. Strong interpersonal communication and written skills.  
  6. Ability to stay abreast of new developments in the community, especially as it relates to animal welfare.
  7. Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
  8. Excellent verbal, written and observational skills.
  9. Must be goal-oriented, self-starter with a willingness and maturity to go beyond prescribed work and time schedules and meet assigned deadlines.
  10. Possession of a valid Nevada or California Driver’s license with valid registration and insurance of personal vehicles. 
General Requirements
  1. 18 years of age or older.
  2. Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.
  3. Staying updated on community developments, particularly in animal welfare.
  4. High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
  5. Excellent verbal, written, and observational skills.
  6. Self-starter with a goal-oriented mindset, willing to exceed prescribed work and time schedules to meet deadlines.
  7. Possession of a valid Driver’s License with valid registration and insurance for personal vehicles, essential for positions requiring driving.
  8. Demonstrated commitment to the welfare of animals and alignment with the mission of the Nevada Humane Society.
  9. Consistently treat animals with compassion and respect, both professionally and personally, and promote these values to others.
  10. Strict adherence to all local regulations concerning the ownership and care of personal animals.
  11. Comprehensive understanding of pet behavior and care, with the capability to handle various animals safely and responsibly.
  12. Maintaining a consistently positive and professional demeanor is essential.
Position-Specific Desired Experience
  1. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.
  2. A sincere interest in the organization’s mission and vision and increasing visibility within the community.
General Desired Experience
  1. Experience in same or related position in a nonprofit setting-preferably animal welfare.
  2. Record of continually increasing responsibilities with measurable results.
Additional Beneficial Qualifications
  1. College degree.
  2. Experience in a nonprofit agency.
  3. Animal welfare experience.

Apply