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Pet Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Pet Care Associate at Wooflands McMurray, you will deliver exceptional, personalized care to our guests' canine companions within Nemacolin's premier doggy daycare facility. This role requires a ...

Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) - the largest private ... care for their furry family members. At NVA Pet Resorts, our mission is simple: create safe, fun ...

Who We Are NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) -- the largest private ... care for their furry family members. At NVA Pet Resorts, our mission is simple: create safe, fun ...

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Pet Care Associate information

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$9

$19

$31

How much do pet care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet care associate in the United States is $19.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Pet Care Associates, and how can they be addressed?

Pet Care Associates often face challenges such as managing multiple animal care tasks simultaneously, handling pets with varying temperaments, and ensuring strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols. To address these, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with team members, and continuously update your knowledge on animal behavior and welfare. Most employers provide on-the-job training, and collaborating closely with experienced staff can help you learn best practices for handling difficult situations and providing the best care for pets.

What are Pet Care Associates?

Pet Care Associates are professionals responsible for the daily care, feeding, and well-being of animals in settings like pet stores, animal shelters, or veterinary clinics. Their duties typically include cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, assisting with basic grooming, and providing enrichment to ensure animals are happy and healthy. Pet Care Associates also interact with customers, offering advice on pet care and helping with adoptions or sales. This role requires a genuine love for animals, strong observation skills, and the ability to follow safety and hygiene protocols.

What is the highest paying job in animal care?

The highest paying jobs in animal care typically include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, zoo veterinarians, and research veterinarians, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions usually require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in clinical, research, or conservation settings.

What is the difference between Pet Care Associate vs Pet Groomer?

AspectPet Care AssociatePet Groomer
CredentialsNone required or basic pet care certificationsGrooming certifications or licenses often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinicsGrooming salons, pet spas, veterinary clinics
Job FocusFeeding, walking, basic health careBathing, trimming, styling
Employer & Industry UsagePet retail, shelters, clinicsGrooming salons, pet spas

Pet Care Associates primarily handle daily pet care tasks like feeding and walking, often in shelters or pet stores. Pet Groomers focus on grooming services such as bathing and trimming, usually in grooming salons. While both roles involve working with animals, their skills, certifications, and work environments differ significantly.

What does a pet care worker do?

A pet care worker, also known as a pet care associate, is responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and providing companionship to animals. They may also monitor pet health, clean cages or living areas, and follow specific care instructions, often working in pet shelters, kennels, or veterinary clinics. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling skills are important for this role.

How hard is it to get hired at PetSmart?

Getting hired as a Pet Care Associate at PetSmart typically involves submitting an application online or in-store, followed by an interview process. Prior customer service or animal care experience can improve chances, but the hiring process is generally straightforward and based on availability and store needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pet Care Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Care Associate, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and relevant safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and animal care equipment is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and compassion for animals help associates connect with pet owners and provide attentive care. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of animals, deliver excellent customer service, and maintain efficient store operations.

What is a pet care associate?

A pet care associate is a professional responsible for caring for animals in settings such as pet stores, kennels, or veterinary clinics. Their duties often include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring animals' health, requiring good animal handling skills and sometimes certification in pet first aid. They typically work part-time or full-time schedules and must follow safety and hygiene protocols.
What cities are hiring for Pet Care Associate jobs? Cities with the most Pet Care Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Care jobs? The most popular types of Pet Care jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Pet Care Associate jobs? The top employers for Pet Care Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Pet Care Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Pet Care Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pet Care Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,549 per year, or $19 per hour.

Pet Care Associate

Petland Albuquerque Llc

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts

Working at Petland is a different than working at most retail stores. It’s a group of people who work together for the love of pets. Our motto is "matching the right pet with the right owner and meeting the needs of both"- you will be cleaning, feeding, socializing and meeting the needs of all the pets while they are at Petland!
This position requires early morning shifts ( 7am ) and some weekends which may include holidays.
You will be responsible for the following:
  • Cleaning habitats and feeding & providing water for all types of animals -small animals, reptile, freshwater fish and birds of all kinds, small to big parrots
  • Feeding and packaging all types of live feeders - mice, rats, worms and roaches
  • Occasionally providing exceptional customer service and assisting customers with their questions about animals
  • Occasionally helping customers with products that will enhance the life of their existing pets

ABOUT YOUR CAREER:

Maybe this will be a temporary job for you but we do offer opportunities to learn about other aspects of working in a retail store including management.
  • It’s exciting to help all variety on animals thrive in the new environment and be at their best health to go home
  • Pet knowledge is preferred
  • Retail experience is wonderful but not required as long as you are comfortable with all kinds of pets
Working at Petland Albuquerque is not just a job, it is sharing the fun of having a new pet in the home.
Apply now to for the Pet Care Associate position at Petland Albuquerque.

This job summary describes the basics and is not intended to cover all duties that are done on a regular day at Petland Albuquerque.
Petland Albuquerque is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local law.