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Pet Care Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pet Care Assistant - Part-Time We are seeking a dependable and compassionate Pet Care Assistant to join our boarding facility. This entry-level, part-time position is responsible for providing ...

New

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them. At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the ...

New

Retail Sales Associate

Lexington, KY

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Raleigh, NC

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Sales Associate

Louisville, KY

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Somerset, KY

$13 - $15/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

La Grange, KY · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Cincinnati, OH

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Retail Sales Associate

Somerset, KY · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Sales Associate

Louisville, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

Sales Associate

Louisville, KY

$12.75 - $17.50/hr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are a pet care retail company that offers our employees opportunities for professional advancement . We pay our full- and part-time Retail Sales Associates a ...

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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.

Job description

Pet Care Assistant - Part-Time

We are seeking a dependable and compassionate Pet Care Assistant to join our boarding facility. This entry-level, part-time position is responsible for providing attentive daily care to boarded animals, including feeding, walking, cleaning kennels, monitoring behavior, and ensuring pets remain safe and comfortable.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with cleaning and maintaining the veterinary clinic, restocking supplies, and providing friendly, professional customer service to pet owners. The ideal candidate is reliable, comfortable working with animals of different sizes and temperaments, and willing to work weekends and holidays as needed. Previous animal-care experience is helpful but not required.


NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US