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Entry Level Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Roaring Brook Kennels

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Animal Care Attendant

Canton, CT · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Follow safety protocols to ensure personal and animal safety Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level experience in animal care * High school diploma or equivalent * Knowledge of animal handling ...

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Entry Level Animal information

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How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in the United States is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.83 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.
More about Entry Level Animal jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs? The most popular types of Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal jobs are:
Entry Level Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in the United States as of July 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 $34,679 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

2026 Fall Animal Caretaker Intern - Carnivores - OKC Zoo

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 10 days ago

Oklahoma City Zoo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description


Bring your curiosity. Bring your drive. We'll bring the experience. Join the OKC Zoo for our Summer 2026 Internship Program and get hands-on opportunities to learn, lead, and leave your mark while making a meaningful impact.
Employment Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Duration: 12 weeks - Beginning on Saturday September 5th, 2026
Schedule: 20 Hours per Week
Compensation: $14.00/hr
Department: Animal Management - Carnivore
Direct Supervisor: Assistant Curator of Carnivores and/or Curator of Carnivores
Primary Work Location: Zoo setting both indoors and outdoors
Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver's license pass drivers history test. Completion of assigned OKC Zoo HSI training in the first two weeks of employment
Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.
Internship Summary: This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by working alongside Carnivore Team staff to support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo's carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring. This position will interact with the public to support operations and guest experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public.
Development Outcomes
An intern in this position will complete assigned tasks resulting in the following learning outcomes
  • Intern will develop an understanding of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Policies and Carnivore Area Policies and Procedures.
  • Intern will be familiar with commonly accessed areas within the carnivore area.
  • Intern will develop an understanding of internship objectives and expectations.
  • Intern will work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.
  • Intern will participate in the preparation of taxa specific diets.
  • Intern will develop an understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of assigned taxa by researching species, completing observations and discussing behavior(s) with carnivore staff.
  • Intern will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of an Animal Caretaker-Carnivore staff member
  • Intern will develop an understanding of the essential role that zoos and aquariums play in conservation
  • Intern will learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts
  • Intern will learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports through commonly used computer programs.
  • Intern will safely and effectively operate motor vehicles.
  • Intern will actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: animal care, animal wellbeing, behavior observations and operant conditioning training.
  • Intern will learn basic construction, building and grounds maintenance tasks and repair work common in the carnivore area.
  • Intern will operate hand tools, power tools and yard work equipment to maintain animal habitats.
  • Intern will connect people with our world's vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
  • Intern will support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
  • Intern will observe veterinary medical behaviors and procedures.
  • Intern will learn to work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues and the public.
  • Intern will handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Intern will work in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities.
  • Intern will collaborate with other Zoo departments.
  • Intern will participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
  • Intern will develop an understanding of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs and AZA Breeding and Transfer Plans.
  • Intern will develop an understanding of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and AZA Accreditation Standards.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Commitment of 20 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
  • Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career
  • Interest in pursuing career in animal care
  • Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast paced environment
  • Provide own housing and transportation

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