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Temporary Animal Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dallas Zoo

Bird Zoologist - Temporary

Dallas, TX · On-site

JOB SUMMARY This is an entry-level position in animal care, following established protocols to ... This is a temporary position projected to end in late November 2026. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ...

Nestle

Pet Caretaker- Contract

Saint Joseph, MO

$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.

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How much do temporary animal caretaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 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.

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. Volunteering at shelters or assisting with animal care tasks can build relevant skills, and some employers may provide on-the-job training. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and proper handling techniques can also improve your chances of securing a temporary position.

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 much money does a temporary animal caretaker make a year?

A temporary animal caretaker typically earns between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and the specific employer. Since the position is temporary, annual earnings may vary and often do not include benefits or long-term job security.

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.

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 behavior, safety procedures, 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.

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 and experience with animals. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, handling skills, and the ability to work in a physically demanding environment are important; some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or safety training.

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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Caretaker jobs? The most popular types of Animal Caretaker jobs are:
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Temporary Animal Caretaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Animal Caretaker job openings in the United States as of July 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.

Part-time Animal Caretaker - Comparative Medicine

Penn State University

Hershey, PA • On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a part time animal caretaker.
  • Sanitize animal facility caging and equipment by the use of operating cage washing equipment.
  • Maintain maintenance logs and daily temperature logs.
  • Set up, operate and service cage washing machines and sterilizing equipment as needed.
  • Load, unload and store food, bedding and other facility equipment.
  • Check cages and other equipment for needed repair. Clean and repair equipment for daily service such as cage washers, autoclaves, bottle filling stations, and bedding dispensers.
  • Assemble caging supplies with properly sterilized feed, bedding and water (acidified or autoclaved) in a manner that assures that they remain sterile throughout the handling process.
  • Follow standardized procedures; assure that animal waste is disposed of properly.
  • Provide animal related equipment to personnel to ensure appropriate schedules are maintained.
  • Maintain various records of supplies used for the purpose of cleaning, sanitizing, repairing and or dispensing of waste materials.
  • Comply with animal facility and Penn State Hershey medical center policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain cage wash rooms, animal rooms and facility hallways in a clean state.
  • Operate battery powered cart and/or University motor vehicle (box truck/pickup truck) as necessary.
  • Comply with animal facility and Penn State College of Medicine policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Attend meeting and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care and uses of animals in biomedical research as assigned by the management staff.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
  • Work with a variety of animals, including handling, restraint, feeding, watering and the general husbandry of the animals.
  • Change cages or pens following aseptic and conventional technician and assure animals are not contaminated when outside of their primary enclosure.
  • Will perform duties within various animal biosafety levels. Will follow posting pre-cautions and wear provided PPE.
  • Record critical facility data on a daily basis which is required by local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

This is an entry level position, some experience in the cleaning or care and handling of animals is preferred. This position requires the knowledge and ability to learn to use various technical animal care and research equipment, including cage washers, autoclaves, class II bio-safety cabinets, ventilated cage rack systems, and micro isolator cages.
This position requires proficient verbal and written English and mathematic skills pertinent to the duties of this position and situations encountered in the animal facility. Demonstrate proficiency for core SOP's. Requires the ability to work independently and in a team setting. Customer-focused attitude and enjoy working with other similarly dedicated persons is a must. Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and requires long periods of standing.
The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions including exposure to noise, dust, chemical, heat and animal waste products. The use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required along with the proper training. Work requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid driver's license.
Shift:
This is a part time temporary position, 40 hours a week, up to 28 weeks.
Shift: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position:
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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