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Farm Animal Welfare Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental disabilities, interacting with the public, and performing essential farm maintenance. The ideal candidate is ...

Sow Farm Associate

Remington, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Following the Belstra Group Farms Animal Welfare Policy and proper PPE safety guidelines * Showing leadership and cooperation with the rest of the farm staff Requirements Skills and Requirements ...

Sow Farm Associate

Fair Oaks, IN

$14 - $18/hr

Following the Belstra Group Farms Animal Welfare Policy and proper PPE safety guidelines * Showing leadership and cooperation with the rest of the farm staff Requirements Skills and Requirements ...

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Farm Animal Welfare information

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$10

$18

$24

How much do farm animal welfare jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for farm animal welfare in the United States is $18.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in farm animal welfare?

To excel in Farm Animal Welfare, a solid background in animal science, veterinary studies, or a related field, often with relevant degrees or certifications, is essential. Familiarity with animal welfare assessment tools, data collection software, and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong observational skills, ethical judgment, and effective communication are critical soft skills for advocating improvements and collaborating with farmers or organizations. These competencies ensure the well-being of farm animals, promote ethical farming practices, and support regulatory compliance in agricultural environments.

What is the difference between Farm Animal Welfare vs Farm Animal Care Specialist?

AspectFarm Animal WelfareFarm Animal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsAnimal science, veterinary, or related certificationsAnimal care, veterinary assistant, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentFarms, research facilities, or advocacy organizationsFarms, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, farms, research institutionsFarms, veterinary clinics, animal care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding animal welfare standards and policiesProviding direct care and handling of farm animals

Farm Animal Welfare focuses on the ethical treatment, policies, and standards for farm animals, often involving advocacy or research. In contrast, a Farm Animal Care Specialist provides hands-on care, handling, and daily management of farm animals. While both roles require animal-related certifications and work in farm environments, their primary focus differs: one emphasizes welfare policies, the other direct animal care.

What is farm animal welfare?

Farm animal welfare refers to the ethical treatment and well-being of animals raised for food, fiber, or labor on farms. It involves ensuring that animals have proper living conditions, adequate food and water, health care, and the ability to express natural behaviors. Farm animal welfare also considers minimizing pain, stress, and suffering throughout the animals’ lives. This concept is increasingly important to consumers, producers, and policymakers who seek sustainable and humane farming practices.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in farm animal welfare, and how are they addressed on the job?

Professionals in farm animal welfare often encounter challenges such as balancing animal well-being with production goals, working in varied environments, and promoting best practices among farmers and staff. Addressing these challenges typically involves ongoing education, effective communication, and collaboration with farmers, veterinarians, and regulatory bodies. Many roles also require staying updated on the latest welfare standards and advocating for practical improvements, which can involve both on-site assessments and policy work. Success in this field often comes from building strong relationships and providing evidence-based recommendations tailored to specific farm operations.
More about Farm Animal Welfare jobs
What states have the most Farm Animal Welfare jobs? States with the most job openings for Farm Animal Welfare jobs include:
Infographic showing various Farm Animal Welfare job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,581 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Veterinarian - Local Animal Welfare Officer

Elanco Animal Health

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Local Animal Welfare Officer

At Elanco – it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role:

Local Animal Welfare Officer

As the Local Animal Welfare Officer, you will be a key member of the Fort Dodge site, serving as a site veterinarian for our Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality teams. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing excellent veterinary care, ensuring local compliance with all animal welfare regulations, and supporting our global Animal Welfare organization's mission through policy development and accreditation activities.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Provide veterinary leadership and hands-on clinical care for animals in the Research & Development and Manufacturing & Quality departments, including herd/colony health monitoring and emergency treatments.
  • Serve as the designated Local Animal Welfare Officer (LAWO), ensuring site compliance with all regulatory guidelines, leading USDA inspections, and supporting AAALAC accreditation visits.
  • Drive the development and implementation of the site's animal welfare program, including creating and reviewing SOPs, training personnel on clinical and husbandry procedures, and providing guidance on best practices.
  • Support the global Animal Welfare organization by leading and participating in projects related to policy development, programmatic improvements, internal inspections, and third-party accreditation efforts.
  • Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure robust biosecurity, biocontainment, and overall animal welfare program success, including participation in facility design and renovation projects.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an accredited institution.
  • Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in an animal welfare-regulated environment within the Animal Health industry, including direct experience with third-party animal welfare accreditation processes (e.g., AAALAC) and a strong understanding of pre-clinical and clinical models.
  • Licensure: A current license to practice veterinary medicine in the United States and the ability to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa.
  • Technical Skills: Strong field and laboratory clinical skills.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Certifications: Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM).
  • Experience: Prior experience conducting facility audits and deep familiarity with USDA regulations, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, work independently, and navigate complex situations within multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Communication Skills: Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with a particular strength in conflict management.

Additional Information:

  • Travel: 10-20%
  • Location: Fort Dodge, IA - On-Site Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.


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