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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Animal information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$16

$27

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Madison, WI is $16.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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. Obtain basic knowledge of animal care, safety, and handling, and consider earning certifications such as pet first aid to improve your qualifications.

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.

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, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal care or safety training, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a passion for animal welfare.

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.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry-level animal jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, and pet care technician. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in animal care or first aid.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Madison, WI 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 $34,944 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Veterinary Technician: Large Animal Hospital

University of Wisconsin

Madison, WI • On-site

$22/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
University Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Veterinary Technician I
Job Duties:
Are you looking for an exciting career in veterinary medicine? Whether you're an experienced CVT or a new CVT grad, we want you, and we train!
If you love learning and teaching, then this is the perfect role for you! Join us at UW-Madison's veterinary teaching hospital, and be on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine! This position performs technical responsibilities in support of the 24/7 needs of the Morrie Waud Large Animal Hospital of UW Veterinary Care (UWVC).
Make a real difference in patients' and their owners' lives!
This role includes a mix of afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts as part of a rotating schedule. Schedule options will be discussed and agreed upon during the hiring process.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Monitors animal health status and records, provides nursing care, notifies veterinarian when status changes, and records in the medical record
  • Tracks supply inventory levels and places replenishment orders
  • Develops recordkeeping processes, maintains organization of and updates records related to medical procedures and billing
  • Assists in the facilitation of trainings for animal care staff and supervises student employees as needed
  • Completes appropriate laboratory tests and collects specimens according to established medical orders and care plans
  • Prepares, completes, monitors, and documents complex technical animal care procedures and work unit activities, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity
  • Serves as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders providing information and answering questions
  • Documents and disseminates results to the appropriate entities
Department:
School of Veterinary Medicine
UW Veterinary Care Hospital
Large Animal Team
Compensation:
The starting hourly rate for the position is $22.00 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications).
Sign-on Bonus of 3-5% of base pay (based on FTE) to be paid over the first year of employment!
Pay incentives for evening and weekend shifts of $3.00/hour night, $1.80/hour weekend, and the total you could earn is $4.80/hour for weekend and night differential on top of the base pay! 100% Flex position also available with an additional $2.00/hour shift differential in addition to the night and weekend differentials.
UW Veterinary Care offers competitive wages (including night and weekend differential, if applicable), outstanding employee benefits https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/new-employee-benefits-enrollment/benefits-for-employees-covered-by-the-wrs/ ample paid time off https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/leave/paid-leave/ , and financial support for continuing education and pursuing specialty certification.
This position is being posted at Vet Tech levels 1, 2 and 3. Level and pay are commensurate with experience.
Required Qualifications:
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. independently
  • Physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks
This position is posted at Vet Tech levels 1, 2 and 3. Level is determined by qualifications based on type of prior veterinary tech experience.
  • To qualify for Level 1: Entry level, new CVT grad or some CVT working experience with no specialization.
  • To qualify for Level 2: Generally over 2 years of veterinary tech experience, may substitute years of experience for specialization.
  • To qualify for Level 3: Veterinary Tech Specialist (VTS), or highly qualified and specialized in a specific area, may have prior experience from another university hospital.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Equine handling skills
Education:
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) Required
  • High School Diploma Required
  • Associates Degree Preferred

How to Apply:
Begin the online application process by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. Applicants are asked to upload a current copy of their resume, outlining their experience as it applies to this position.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
The deadline for assuring full consideration is August 27, 2025; however, this position will remain open and applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Contact Information:
Hiring Manager: Kristin Foster, Veterinary Nurse Supervisor, kafoster2@wisc.edu
Human Resources Support: April Schulz, HR Manager, ajschulz2@wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005