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Full Time Animal Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

Animal Care Manager

New Germany, MN · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Now, we're hiring a full-time Animal Care Manager to help make every day great! You'll guide your team in caring for the dogs and making sure they have an amazing time while staying with us. When you ...

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Full Time Animal Care information

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$10

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How much do full time animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time animal care in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time animal care worker?

A Full Time Animal Care worker is a professional responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in settings like shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or kennels. Their duties often include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, administering basic medications, and assisting with enrichment activities. They may also interact with the public, help with adoptions, and support veterinarians or animal trainers as needed. The role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in animal welfare. Working full-time typically means a regular schedule of 35-40 hours per week, which can include weekends and holidays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time animal care professional?

To thrive as a Full Time Animal Care professional, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary knowledge, and experience in handling and caring for various species, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and sanitation equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, compassion, physical stamina, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These abilities ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals while supporting efficient operations in shelters, clinics, or research facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by full time animal care professionals, and how can they be managed?

Full-time animal care professionals often face challenges such as managing the physical demands of the job, handling emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals, and maintaining a consistent routine amidst unpredictable animal behaviors. These challenges can be managed through proper training in animal handling, regular team communication to ensure safety and emotional support, and adherence to established protocols for animal health and welfare. Building strong teamwork and staying updated on best practices also help professionals navigate the demands of the role and contribute to a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Full Time Animal Care vs Part Time Animal Care?

AspectFull Time Animal CarePart Time Animal Care
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
CertificationsOften requires basic animal care certifications or experienceMay not require certifications, more flexible
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoosSimilar environments, but with less daily responsibility
Job ResponsibilitiesFeeding, cleaning, monitoring animals, assisting vetsSimilar tasks but with reduced scope and hours

Full Time Animal Care roles involve consistent, full-week schedules with comprehensive responsibilities, while Part Time Animal Care positions offer more flexible hours with similar duties but less overall commitment. Both roles are essential in animal welfare settings, but full-time positions typically provide more stability and benefits.

What full time animal care jobs pay well?

Full-time animal care jobs such as veterinary technicians, animal shelter managers, and specialized zookeepers tend to pay higher salaries within the field, especially with relevant certifications and experience. Salaries can range from around $25,000 to over $50,000 annually, depending on the role, location, and level of expertise. Advanced positions or those requiring specialized skills generally offer higher compensation.

What job can I do if I love animals?

If you love animals, a full-time animal care job such as a zookeeper, veterinary technician, or animal shelter worker involves caring for animals, maintaining their environment, and assisting with medical needs. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or training in animal handling. Working in this field provides hands-on experience with animals and contributes to their well-being.

What jobs can I do in full time animal care?

Full-time animal care jobs include roles such as animal caretaker, kennel attendant, veterinary technician, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions typically require knowledge of animal behavior, handling skills, and sometimes certifications or training in animal health and safety. Responsibilities often involve feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and providing enrichment for animals in shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Animal Care jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Animal Care job openings:

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

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Animal Care jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Animal Care jobs include:

Infographic showing various Full Time Animal Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Care Trainee - Atlanta Campus

Emory University

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$12.75 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 218 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Division of Animal Resources within the Emory National Biomedical Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full-time Animal Care Trainee to join our dedicated Animal Care team to assist with husbandry and activities related to the daily operations of the NHP.

Observing all established guidelines for proper care and welfare of the animals, the ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, have a positive attitude, passion for research and compassion for both animals and people. The Animal Care Trainee will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with all units of the center. The Animal Care Trainee will work to ensure the highest quality of animal care, clinical and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, research staff, and other support services.

The Animal Care Trainee ensures the cleanliness of the animal housing facility and the maintenance of adequate supplies of food, bedding materials, PPE and other relevant necessary supplies. The Animal Care Trainee will work together with other technicians according to a schedule prepared by the Assistant Operations Manager and must be willing and able to rotate through all ENBRC DAR facilities. The Animal Care Trainee ensures the highest quality of laboratory animal care and research support, and has good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, PI’s, research staff, students, and other support services. This position reports directly to an Animal Care Supervisor.  This position is considered essential and requires weekend and holiday work as part of a rotating schedule.

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at ENBRC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with laboratory animal experience (preferably NHP) who is familiar with animal observations, husbandry and cagewash processes, this is an amazing opportunity to indirectly save and change lives and make a positive impact in the science and research community. 

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, ENBRC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enbrc.emory.edu

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operates cage washers and ensures that equipment is in proper working order.
  • May assist in the collection of blood, urine and feces from animals for medical research.
  • Performs related responsibilities as required.
  • Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • The ability to read and write and to lift up to 75 pounds.
  • Positions in this classification may require a valid Georgia driver's license and an insurable driving record.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Demonstrated outstanding working habits, including the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in an animal research environment requiring continuous contact with animals.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand established guidelines for humane care and welfare of laboratory animals as described by AAALAC.
  • Working knowledge of hygiene principles, safety protocols, and basic animal husbandry.
  • Communication skills, including the ability to write and understand English and to follow written and oral instructions.
  • Certifications issued by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
  • Experience working in a biosafety environment.
  • Demonstrated computer skills proficiency.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

  • Hours/Weekends/Holidays: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday alternating weekends and holidays.
  • This position has an indoor/outdoor work environment that may require working in inclement weather conditions.
  • This position also requires exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • Maintains adequate inventory of necessary supplies and equipment.
  • Assists with performing minor repairs and maintains animal housing facility.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment.
  • Requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. as well as move/push heavy racks a short distance.
  • Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT: 

The Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC), in conjunction with Emory University, conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions. These screenings may include an Information Network Associates (INA) and criminal background check, and verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.


Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.

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