ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bolton Vet Hospital

Animal Care Technician

Bolton, CT · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Animal Care Technician Bolton, CT Description Bolton Veterinary Hospital is a progressive, fast ... This is an entry level position. Standard duties include, but are not limited to monitoring patient ...

New

Actalent

Animal Care Technician

Wilmington, MA

$18 - $21.25/hr

Animal Care TechnicianLaunch Your Career in Biotechnology & Research Are you passionate about ... This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for candidates looking to gain hands-on experience in ...

Actalent

Animal Care Technician

Wilmington, MA

$18 - $21.25/hr

Follows proper breeding and animal care procedures. Monitors animal behavior and physical ... Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilmington, MA.

Christensen Farms

GDU Animal Care Technician

Madison, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Christensen Farms is seeking both entry level and experienced Animal Care Technicians to join our full-time gilt development team. We look forward to matching your abilities with our company's goals!

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimal JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsEntry Level Animal Care Jobs

Entry Level Animal Care information

See salary details

$10

$18

$26

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

As of Aug 22, 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.

What is an entry level animal care job?

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 are the typical daily responsibilities of 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?

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Care Associate

Humane Society of Summit County

Twinsburg, OH • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
Do you LOVE animals AND people?
The Humane Society of Summit County is accepting applications for Animal Care Associates. There is currently full-time, non-exempt positions available. You would be responsible for performing routine animal care and shelter related duties. Successful candidates will have a passion for working with animals and a flexible schedule (which includes weekends and holidays). The position is physically demanding.
Summary of Job
Responsible for daily cleaning and sanitation of shelter facility, including animal enclosures and public areas, feeding, care, medical and behavior observation, and daily enrichment of shelter animals.
Essential Functions
  • Performs daily cleaning and sanitizing of shelter areas, kennels, cages, yard and public areas following cleaning & disease control protocol, including spot cleaning throughout the day.
  • Feeds and provides daily enrichment to shelter animals in a safe and effective manner.
  • Reads and interprets animal care signage and accurately follows care instructions.
  • Does animal laundry and dishes throughout the day.
  • Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for staff and living environment for animals. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, or the organization at risk.
  • Stocks areas and spot-cleans kennels and public areas throughout the day.
  • Promptly moves animals (adoption, isolation, quarantine, etc.) as instructed.
  • Keeps supervisor informed of animal behavior, health, or other concerns.
  • Maintains cleaning equipment, tools and appliances.
  • Provides professional visitor, staff, and volunteer care - with the highest standards of customer care and service. Conducts adoptions, provides adoption counseling/selection assistance, accurately enters computer data, and completes necessary paperwork.
  • Educates clients on responsible animal guardianship and animal care.
  • Assists with accepting in-kind donations.
  • Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Working Hours & Wage
  • This position is currently full-time (40+) hours per week, non-exempt
  • Entry level positions in Animal Care starting pay at 15.00 per hour

Requirements
Must be 18 years or older to apply
Minimum Education
  • High School Diploma or Equivalen

Minimum Experience
  • Entry level, no experience required. Training is provided.

When submitting a resume, three professional references are required.
Preferred Qualifications
Successful candidates will possess the following qualities:
  • Positive attitude.
  • Must have a passion for working with animals.
  • Must be able to handle physically demanding work.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work with animals, cleaning agents and chemicals.
  • Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, handling & safe restraint methods.
  • Ability to read, write, understand and follow instructions.

Our shelter is a Drug-Free Workplace. Offers of employment are contingent on a satisfactory drug screening.
In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, the Humane Society of Summit County considers qualified applicants for positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or ancestry.

Apply