2

Entry Level Animal Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Team Member

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Team Member

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Team Member

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Team Member

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

This is an entry level opportunity with no previous experience required! All you need is the ... We are working on reducing food waste through donation efforts, animal feed, and composting ...

Entry Level Animal information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$16

$27

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Baltimore, MD is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Developing skills in animal handling, basic care, and safety procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require patience, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

How to start a career with animals?

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

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Baltimore, MD?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,459 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Veterinary Technician - Non-Registered - Non-Merit

Baltimore County

Towson, MD • On-site

$23 - $31.71/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Baltimore County rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

699th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $23.00 - $31.71 Hourly
Location : 13800 Manor Road Baldwin, MD
Job Type: NON-MERIT
Job Number: NM.143 08-26
Department: HHS/ANIMAL SERVICES DIVISION
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Regular Schedule: 39 hours per week
A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Bureau of Animal Services, Department of Health and Human Services.
Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.
A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.
Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.
All interested candidates must apply at this time.
List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.
Note: Failure to complete all fields of the Work Experience section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.
You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.
Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
Examples of Duties
Under general supervision, performs duties in the receipt, care, custody, and disposition of animals, and the operation and maintenance of animal shelter facilities. Feeds, waters, grooms, and exercises animals.
  • Assists veterinarians in the examination and treatment of animals.
  • Evaluates and prepares animals for surgical or medical procedures.
  • Prepares, calculates, and documents administered medications.
  • Assists with spay and neuter procedures of animals.
  • Monitors sedated, anesthetized, and recovering animals.
  • Collects, prepares, and analyzes specimens.
  • Maintains accurate records of examinations, anesthesia, and treatment.
  • Holds animals while injections and medicines are dispensed.
  • Administers vaccinations and minor medical treatments to animals.
  • Assists with the intake and discharge of animals, including providing client education.
  • Maintains surgical facility and equipment.
  • Assists in reordering, organizing and restocking of inventory.
  • Provides general animal care, cleaning, and feeding.
  • Assists in the adoption and redemption of animals.
  • Provides information to the public about adoption and redemption procedures.
  • Answers telephone calls and in-person requests for information regarding shelter operations.
  • Receives, directs, and escorts visitors through the shelter.
  • Maintains records of adoptions, redemptions, impoundments, and euthanizations.
  • Maintains files.
  • Operates office machinery.
  • Performs technician exams.
EXAMPLES OF OTHER DUTIES
  • Performs occasional light typing or word processing.
  • Performs other related duties as required.
(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent
Plus
One year experience in a shelter or veterinary environment. Experience in the animal care
and control industry preferred.
(Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)
  • Knowledge of humane animal care, treatment, and shelter operations.
  • Knowledge of laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal protection and control.
  • Knowledge of proper administration and dosage of medication and anesthetic to animals.
  • Skill in the care and treatment of animals.
  • Skill in handling animals.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
  • Ability to complete and maintain files, records, and forms.

Licenses and Certifications
Euthanasia Certification is required within 6 months of appointment.
Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ().
Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Veterinary Technician - Non-Registered - Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204
You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.
Examination Procedure
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.
Conditions of Employment
Persons appointed to this classification will work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime. Employees are subject to call to duty.
Some duties may require travel between worksites, particularly to the 7702 Dunman way location in Dundalk.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails the performance of heavy physical labor including lifting, carrying, and restraining animals, as well as the operation of vehicles and equipment. The work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as rabid animals, adverse weather, and traffic. Ability to lift 40 pounds.
Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.
Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees
Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.
Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.
Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.
Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.
Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:
Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.
Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.
Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.
Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.
Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.
Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.
Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.
Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.
Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.
01
The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. If you cite experience in your response that is not included on the Work History section of this application, your application may be considered incomplete and you may not receive further consideration for this position. Questions with text answers require you to include the name of the employer/organization and dates of the specific experience.
  • I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02
Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for this position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.
  • I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

03
Are you currently a merit (full-time), non-merit (part-time), or temporary employee of the Baltimore County General Government? Employees of Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore County's court systems or Baltimore County Community College and employees of temporary services used by the County are not considered employees of the Baltimore County General Government.
  • Yes
  • No

04
Select the option that best describes your level of education and/or experience.
  • Master's degree
  • Bachelor degree
  • Associate of Arts degree
  • High school diploma or appropriate equivalent, plus at least one year experience in humane animal care and treatment, animal shelter operations, and/or animal husbandry.
  • I do not meet the minimum requirements for this position.

05
Are you willing and able to assist with surgical and medical procedures, involving the use of anesthetic gasses and exposure to animal biohazards?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this

What Baltimore County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom