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Entry Level Animal Shelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST (VET TECH)

NC · On-site

$41K - $49K/yr

ANIMAL SHELTER Opening Date: 08/07/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Description Applicants are ... Initial placement for new employees is customarily at entry level through 35% percentile. Pay grade ...

Animal Care Technician

Port Huron, MI

$14.75 - $20/hr

Cares for all animals housed at the shelter, ensuring food and water is provided and that ... This is an entry level position. Ability to assist with handling or be present during euthanasia ...

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour ... county animal shelter, veterinarian office, emergency veterinarian care or other locations ...

Animal Services Supervisor

Fremont, CA · On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Police Entry Level Division: POL-Animal Services Opening Date: 12/16/2024 Description The Fremont ... Animal Shelter Assignment: * Supervises and participates in the work of Animal Services staff ...

Animal Services Officer This is an entry level position related to the enforcement of City of ... May perform Animal Shelter Operator duties as assigned. * Perform emergency management operations ...

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Entry Level Animal Shelter information

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How much do entry level animal shelter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level animal shelter in the United States is $55,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal shelter job?

Entry level animal shelter jobs are positions that typically require little to no prior experience in animal care. These roles often include responsibilities such as feeding, cleaning, and caring for animals, assisting with adoptions, and maintaining a safe and sanitary environment. Common job titles include Animal Care Attendant, Kennel Assistant, and Shelter Assistant. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in animal welfare or a career in veterinary care. Most shelters provide on-the-job training, making them accessible to beginners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animal shelter worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Shelter Worker, you need basic animal care knowledge, physical stamina, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning equipment, and safety protocols is often required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help workers connect with animals and interact effectively with the public and team members. These skills are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and providing quality service to both animals and visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level staff at animal shelters, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level staff at animal shelters often face challenges such as managing the emotional stress of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling a high volume of daily cleaning and feeding duties, and working in a fast-paced, sometimes understaffed environment. Building resilience, practicing good self-care, and seeking support from more experienced colleagues can help new employees adapt. Additionally, being proactive in learning shelter protocols and animal handling techniques sets a strong foundation for success in this role.

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

AspectEntry Level Animal ShelterEntry Level Animal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some positions may require animal handling certificationsHigh school diploma; basic animal care training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, non-profit organizationsAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by shelters and rescue organizations to describe entry-level roles involving animal care and shelter operationsCommonly used in veterinary clinics and pet care facilities for entry-level animal handling roles

Both roles involve caring for animals and working in shelter or pet care environments. The main difference lies in the specific setting: 'Animal Shelter' roles are typically within shelters and rescue organizations, while 'Animal Care Assistant' roles are often found in veterinary clinics or pet care facilities. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers target the right opportunities based on their interests and experience.

Can you get hired at an entry level animal shelter?

Entry level animal shelter positions typically require minimal prior experience and often accept applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates should have a genuine interest in animal care, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment. Some roles may require basic knowledge of animal handling or first aid certifications, but many shelters provide on-the-job training.

Is it hard to work at an entry level animal shelter?

Working at an entry level animal shelter can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging due to tasks like cleaning, feeding, and caring for animals. It often requires patience, basic animal handling skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, but it generally does not require prior experience or advanced certifications.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Animal Shelter jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Shelter jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Shelter jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Animal Shelter jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Shelter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Shelter jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Shelter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,973 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Animal Shelter Coordinator - Overstrength - Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS)

City of San Jose

San Jose, CA • On-site

$71K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


City Of San Jose rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San Jose, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San Jose employees work together as one team to make San Jose a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San Jose.

The City of San Jose is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San Jose is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov. About the Department Are you ready to join the team that is "Building Community Through Fun?" Are you ready to make a difference. The City of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San Jose a better place to live and visit

Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San Jose. ActivateSJ, PRNS's strategic plan, envisions healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life. The Department creates and activates thriving public places, including over 40 community centers, 10 regional parks, over 200 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and over 65 miles of trail.

We also offer diverse programming for all ages and abilities. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public's trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative.

We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning. For more information, please visit sanjoseca.gov/prns. Position Duties The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time Animal Shelter Coordinator - Overstrength vacancy in the Animal Care Services Division

This is a temporary (overstrength) position that is subject to further extension as appropriate. If this position is not extended through the budget process, the City may seek to place you in other internal job opportunities based on your previous work experience. Salary range for this classification is $71,394.96 - $86,879.52 annually

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience. The Animal Shelter Coordinator (Community Engagement Coordinator) has the responsibility to provide an exceptional community experience for stakeholders, including community cat advocates, volunteers, and event partners.

Humane handling of animals for events and for TNR cats is another component of this role. This position reports to the Program Manager and may have lead responsibilities for volunteers and assigned staff members. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: Coordinates public spay/neuter, including communicating with stakeholders, providing updates, and providing monthly updates.

Assigns, schedules, inspects work, provides technical direction, determines priorities, and trains staff and volunteers. May approve timecards and give input to the supervisor regarding performance evaluations, hiring, promotion, termination, and discipline of employees or volunteers. May perform duties similar to the duties performed by Animal Care Attendants in conjunction with events or animal transport.

Performs administrative duties such as completing and maintaining records (i.e; updating kennel locations, etc.), generating operational reports, maintaining inventories of event equipment and supplies, etc. Explains, interprets, and makes presentations to citizens, groups, agencies, businesses, and other entities; participates in and coordinates public education programs, vaccination/microchip and spay/neuter clinics. Ability to handle animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices

Coordinating events both external and at-the-shelter events in conjunction with Volunteer Coordinator as well as applicable units. Point person for Community Cats. This includes recordkeeping, communication, problem-solving, as well as diversion and s/n clinic efforts.

Assist with coordinating volunteers when Volunteer Coordinator is out or if additional help is needed for programmatic purposes, including but not limited to onboarding, training, performance feedback. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds while handling animals and equipment. Employees may work outside and be exposed to inclement weather, may be exposed to animal scratches and bites, and may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, fumes, odors, gases, chemicals, pollens, and other airborne irritants.

Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience High school diploma and one year of experience similar in nature to an Animal Services Officer or Animal Care Attendant with the City of San Jose or two (2) years of experience in the care and handling of animals in a public or private facility that cares for and houses animals. Required Licensing (such as driver's license, certifications, etc.) Valid California Driver's License Note: Incumbents will be required to obtain euthanasia certification within one year following employment. Other Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. A valid certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Euthanasia certification, ability to administer vaccinations, ability to recognize animal diseases, and the ability to evaluate temperament and behavior in dogs and cats is highly desirable. Note: City Driving Credentials within 30 days of employment.

Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness. Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor. Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

Reliability - Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate. Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts. Selection Process: The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jaine Davies at jaine.davies@sanjoseca.gov

Additional Information: Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.

Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments.

If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. AI and the Hiring Process We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews

However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees.

This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.


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