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Entry Level Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Yolo

Animal Care Attendant

Woodland, CA · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

... entry-level duties related to the care, feeding, cleaning, and handling of animals housed at the Yolo County Animal Shelter. Incumbents maintain safe and sanitary kennel facilities, monitor animal ...

County of Yolo, CA

Animal Care Attendant

Woodland, CA · On-site

$37K - $45K/yr

The Position Under close supervision, the Animal Care Attendant performs a variety of entry-level duties related to the care, feeding, cleaning, and handling of animals housed at the Yolo County ...

Ventura County, CA

Animal Care Technician I/II

Ventura, CA · On-site

$47K - $75K/yr

Animal Care Technician I ($23.00 - $32.21 Hourly) - This is the entry-level classification in the series. Under immediate supervision, the Animal Care Technician I learns to treat, care for, feed ...

Ventura County

Animal Care Technician I/II

Ventura, CA

$47K - $75K/yr

Animal Care Technician I ($23.00 - $32.21 Hourly) - This is the entry-level classification in the series. Under immediate supervision, the Animal Care Technician I learns to treat, care for, feed ...

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Entry Level Animal Care information

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$26

How much do entry level animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal care in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I start working with animals?

To start working as an entry-level animal care worker, gaining hands-on experience through volunteering at shelters or farms is helpful. Obtaining basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling, and sometimes earning certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require physical stamina, reliability, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry level animal care jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, kennel attendant, and animal shelter worker. These roles typically require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in animal care or safety procedures.

How to get started in animal care?

To start a career in animal care, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling, and develop skills in communication, patience, and animal observation. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and a genuine interest in working with animals.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an entry level animal care worker?

As an entry level animal care worker, your day-to-day tasks usually include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting with basic grooming or exercise routines. You’ll likely work closely with senior staff, veterinarians, and sometimes interact with the public, especially if you’re in a shelter or zoo environment. Attention to detail and strong observation skills are important, as early detection of health issues is a key part of the role. The work can be physically demanding but highly rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care worker, you need basic animal handling skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning protocols, animal restraint equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong teamwork skills help you build trust with animals and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain facility standards, and support a safe, supportive environment for both animals and staff.

How to work at a vet with no experience?

Entry level animal care positions at veterinary clinics often do not require prior experience; instead, they look for candidates with a genuine interest in animals, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Gaining basic knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and safety procedures, along with volunteering or assisting at shelters, can improve your chances. Some roles may require a high school diploma or equivalent and may offer on-the-job training.

What are entry level animal care jobs?

Entry level animal care jobs involve assisting in the daily care and well-being of animals in settings such as shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or pet boarding facilities. Responsibilities typically include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, providing enrichment, and sometimes assisting with basic grooming or medical tasks. These positions often require a genuine love for animals, attention to detail, and the ability to work physically demanding shifts. Entry level roles serve as a foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced careers in animal care or veterinary medicine.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Animal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications optionalHigh school diploma; some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennelsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet organizationsVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Entry Level Animal Care roles focus on basic animal handling and care in shelters or pet stores, often requiring minimal certifications. Veterinary Assistants work in clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical tasks, and may need specific certifications. Both roles involve working closely with animals, but Veterinary Assistants typically have more medical responsibilities and work in clinical settings.

More about Entry Level Animal Care jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animal Care jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Animal Care job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs? The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Animal Care jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Animal Care jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Care jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Care jobs are:
Entry Level Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Care job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 90% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Care Attendant - Feline

Better Together Animal Alliance

Ponderay, ID • On-site

Full-time

Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: $15.00

Job Title: Feline Care Attendant


Department: Animal Care

Reports To: Animal Care Center Manager

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: $15.00 /hour


Benefits:


  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Paid time off


Better Together Animal Alliance, a non-profit animal welfare organization serving over 5,000 dogs and cats annually. Our programs and services focus on keeping pets in homes and out of cages. Within the walls of our 27,000 sq ft animal care center, BTAA services approximately 1,500 pets each year, and an additional 4000 are served outside our animal care center through upstream, community based programs, including Pets for Life, a helpline, pet food bank, clinic, and Home To Home.


We are looking to add an Animal Care Attendant to our team at Better Together Animal Alliance.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to):

  • Supports Mission, Vision and Values of Better Together Animal Alliance.
  • Sanitizes/disinfects pet enclosures and general boarding areas.
  • Provides clean bedding and ensures pets have clean water at all times.
  • Makes sure that each pet receives the correct type and quantity of food for each meal and maintains cleanliness of food prep areas.
  • Monitor health, physically and behaviorally, and rapidly identify any issues or changes that may require special action and report the information to supervisor immediately.
  • Visually checks pet guests for safety and well-being throughout the day.
  • May be required to supervise group play for dogs and/or individual activities for pet guests.
  • Provide basic grooming services to care center animals as needed.
  • Checks and picks up excrement from enclosures and other areas as needed throughout the day.
  • Monitors pet belongings; cleans belongings as needed. Performs daily laundering of pet bedding and towels.
  • Provide professional customer service while helping customers get to know our animals that are available for adoption


REQUIREMENTS:


Expertise & Experience:

  • Compassion and empathy for animals and human clients!
  • Professional animal care/kennel experience preferred.
  • Displays a professional manner at all times.
  • Entry Level role. High school/ College/ Teenagers 18+ encouraged to apply.


Physical:

  • Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
  • Must frequently lift 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to be on feet for the duration of your shift.
  • Must be able to handle dogs on leashes.
  • Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, animal dander and excretions.


REPORTS TO: Care Center Manager