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Temporary Animal Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Military Academy

Animal Caretaker NA-03

West Point, NY · On-site +1

$19.47 - $22.72/hr

Receives and shelters animals brought in for temporary care. Observes animals and notifies ... Cleans and disinfects animal feeding utensils and pen areas. Maintains stock of cleaning materials ...

Nestle

Pet Caretaker- Contract

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

Some animal handling or grooming experience preferred Please note this contract position provides services to Nestle in the USA on a temporary basis in connection with a specific assignment.

Woodland Park Zoo

Animal Keeper (Various)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$38.25/hr

Temporary, full-time, and part-time opportunities may be available UNION: Represented OPENINGS ... Dependable Animal Caregiver: You are attentive to animals' daily needs, routines, and surroundings ...

Fort Worth Zoo

Temporary Bird Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Zoo Animal Caretaker To maintain and care for a variety of animals within the Zoo; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities relative to the assigned area of ...

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Temporary Animal Caretaker information

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How much do temporary animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary animal caretaker in the United States is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a temporary animal caretaker do?

A Temporary Animal Caretaker is responsible for providing daily care to animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or research facilities for a limited period of time. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic medical treatments. This role often supports permanent staff during busy periods or staff shortages and requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle a variety of animals safely.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary animal caretakers, and how can they be managed?

Temporary Animal Caretakers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new animal routines, managing a variety of species with different care needs, and building trust with animals in a short period. To manage these challenges, it’s important to carefully review care instructions, maintain clear communication with permanent staff, and approach each animal with patience and consistency. Being flexible and proactive in problem-solving will help ensure both animal well-being and a smooth transition during temporary assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary animal caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Animal Caretaker, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, care routines, and hygiene practices, often supported by prior experience or relevant training. Familiarity with cleaning equipment, feeding protocols, and sometimes animal management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and compassionate communication are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain safety standards, and support smooth daily operations in animal care facilities.

How can I become a temporary animal caretaker?

To become a temporary animal caretaker, you typically need to have a genuine interest in animals, relevant experience or training in animal care, and the ability to work flexible hours. Many positions require basic knowledge of animal handling, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as pet first aid. Applying to shelters, zoos, or wildlife centers that offer temporary or seasonal roles is common, and previous volunteer work can improve your chances.

How to be a temporary animal caretaker with no experience?

To become a temporary animal caretaker with no experience, focus on demonstrating a genuine interest in animal welfare and willingness to learn. Many positions provide on-the-job training, so having basic knowledge of animal needs and safety procedures can help; obtaining certifications like pet first aid can also be beneficial. Prior experience is not always required, but reliability and a caring attitude are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a Temporary Animal Caretaker?

To be a Temporary Animal Caretaker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with animals, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures is also important, and some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or handling.
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Temporary Animal Caretaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Animal Caretaker job openings in the United States as of August 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 $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Animal Caretaker NA-03

United States Army Installation Management Command

Fort Irwin, CA • On-site, Remote

$18.89 - $22.04/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary
This position is located at: Paws & Claws Kennel - Fort Irwin, California.
Join the team at Paw's and Claws Pet Kennel offering our furry friends a comfortable and caring home away from home! With exceptional customer service and passion for animals, Paws and Claws supports our military families with loving care.
This is an open continuous announcement. All qualified applicants will be forwarded to management on a weekly or as needed basis.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Receives and shelters animals brought to the veterinarian clinic for treatment, temporary care or disposal. Observes animals and notifies supervisor
    of abnormal appearance.
  • Feeds animals taking care to measure food portions according to feeding instructions. Keeps records on animals in the facility. Assists other workers to restrain and treat animals.
  • Cleans and disinfects animal feeding utensils and pen areas. Maintains stock of cleaning materials and other items used. Mows grass and cleans
    yard of animal litter. Clears drains in runs. Empties garbage.
  • Performs assigned tasks independently. Exposed to unpleasant odors and noises, animal bites, scratches and contagious diseases. May he required to wear protective equipment.
  • Frequently lift and carry items and animals weighing over 70 pounds. Ability to handle animals and clean work areas.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
  • Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
  • Subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks in accordance with AR 215-3, para.2 to include a Tier 1 background investigation.
  • Shifts may include working, morning, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • May require a pre-employment physical.

Qualifications
Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.
A qualified candidate must possess the following:
Candidates must:
1. Be physically able to lift and carry heavy items weighing over 70 pounds.
2. Stand and walk for long periods of time.
3. Be able to follow complex written instructions.
4. Be able to maintain animal care records.
To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, address, phone number, email, etc.) for professional and personal references on your resume.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Area of Consideration
  • This job is open to candidates WORLDWIDE. (Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration.)

Manual Application Option
  • If you are unable to apply online, you can complete a paper application. To get started, contact servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the Agency Contact Information section (at the bottom of this announcement) to request a copy of the application form.
  • Be sure to submit your completed application form, along with your resume and any required supporting documents, no later than 12:00 PST (Noon) by 09/15/2026 to ensure timely processing.
  • Important: Incomplete applications, including missing responses to questionnaire items may result in an ineligible rating.

PCS Costs:
  • Payment Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.

Incentives and Bonuses
  • Incentives will not be paid.

Allowances and Differentials
  • This job falls under the Federal Wage Schedule (FWS) pay system. FWS employees earn overtime pay for working more than 8 hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week whichever gives the employee more benefit. Regular full-time, regular part-time, and regularly scheduled flexible employees may receive Sunday premium pay for working on Sundays. Employees may also be eligible to receive extra pay if the majority of their scheduled hours falls after 3:00 PM.

Important Information Regarding Access to Certain Federal Facilities:
  • Access to certain federal facilities may require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license/ID (marked with a star) or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) from WA, MI, MN, NY, or VT. See https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for details.

Your Application may be Considered for Multiple Opportunities:
  • After you apply, your application remains valid for 90 days and may be referred to hiring officials as new vacancies arise. Additional referrals may occur for up to 90 days after the closing date.

Termination of Spouse Employment Preference
  • Refusal of a military spouse to participate in established recruitment procedures for a Regular Full-Time (RFT) or Regular Part-Time (RPT) position (for example, interview, and so forth) is considered a declination of employment and is a basis for termination of Spouse Employment Preference (SEP) entitlement for the current Permanent Change of Station (PCS) of the sponsor.

Discover Your Path to Success
  • Before you apply, take a moment to explore our Applicant Information Kit, your go-to guide for understanding our hiring processes and making your application stand out.
  • Inside you will find helpful tips, insights, and everything you need to feel confident and prepared.
  • Click this URL to view the kit: https://publicfileshare.chra.army.mil/Applicants/NAF_Applicant_Information_Kit.pdf.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) can offer numerous advantages. Army NAF employment can provide a sense of pride and fulfillment, as you'll be supporting communities comprised of military and civilian personnel, and their families, which contributes to the Department of Defense's overall mission. We offer a wide range of career opportunities, including jobs in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and more. Many employees have opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs to help towards career advancement. As an Army NAF employee, you'll have access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers, libraries, and many other amenities.
Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance, participation in 401k and retirement plans, and paid personal time off and federal holidays. NAF flexible employees, working in the United States or a U.S. citizen or spouse or child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan. Some flexible employees may also be eligible to receive health insurance.
For a slideshow presentation regarding these benefits, please click the link below.
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