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Temporary Animal Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

COTA - Travel Contract

Roseburg, OR · On-site

$28.75 - $38.50/hr

Choose from various career paths, including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts ... animal park. Umpqua National Forest is about 30 miles to the east, and Crater Lake National Park is ...

New

Lab Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

$25/hr

... of animal illnesses, injuries, and diseases. Process specimens, retrieve and release test results ... A leader in contingent and permanent workforce solutions, we also provide temp-to-hire staffing ...

Temporary Animal information

What is a temporary animal?

Temporary animal jobs are short-term positions that involve working with animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles can include animal caretakers, veterinary assistants, dog walkers, or animal trainers hired for a specific period or project. Temporary animal jobs are ideal for those seeking hands-on experience, seasonal work, or a flexible schedule while working with animals. They often provide valuable exposure to animal care practices and can be a stepping stone to permanent positions in the animal care field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in temporary animal care roles?

Individuals working in temporary animal care positions often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new work environments and animal care protocols. Since these roles may involve short-term assignments, building rapport with animals and integrating into existing teams can require strong communication and adaptability skills. Additionally, managing varying workloads and learning facility-specific procedures on the fly are common aspects. Staying flexible and maintaining a high standard of animal welfare are key to success in these dynamic roles.

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 typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience handling animals, and basic knowledge of animal health and safety. Familiarity with animal management systems, basic veterinary tools, and cleaning equipment is often required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and compassion for animals are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, maintain facility standards, and support efficient daily operations in animal care environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Animal vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectTemporary AnimalAnimal Care Technician
CredentialsNone required, short-term trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, often certification in animal care
Work EnvironmentTemporary shelters, clinics, or research facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageTemporary staffing agencies, research institutionsAnimal shelters, veterinary practices, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonTemporary Animal vs Animal Care Technician

Temporary Animals are short-term roles often filled through staffing agencies, focusing on immediate needs in shelters or labs. Animal Care Technicians are more permanent, trained professionals responsible for daily animal care. The main difference lies in duration, credentials, and job stability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Animal job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Medical Director - La Pine Animal Hospital

La Pine Animal Hospital

La Pine, OR • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people - providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage - for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience - every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Medical Director to join our team at La Pine Animal Hospital. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Director.
La Pine Animal Hospital in La Pine, Oregon. Our mission is to provide the highest quality care with genuine compassion, to be an advocate for the patient and to foster the human animal bond. We have been a pillar in our community since 1922 and many of our pet owners are truly like family.
Why Join Us:
  • La Pine is one of the most affordable places for housing in Central Oregon and you will have access to incredible outdoor activities right out your back door. It is less than an hour to lava caves, the beautiful Cascade Mountains, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
  • You can hike or bike the nearby trails in La Pine State Park, float or paddle the gorgeous Deschutes River, ski on Mt. Bachelor, golf at one of the multiple first class golf courses, fish the Deschutes or Wickiup Reservoir, and climb at Smith Rock.

Compensation & Benefit Highlights
  • Starting salary of $140k-$150k with generous ProSal plan
  • No negative accrual options available
  • $12,000 annual Medical Director Stipend
  • Generous signing/retention bonuses
  • Relocation assistance provided
  • Full benefits for working 3-4 days per week including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA options), 401k with discretionary employer contribution, PTO with additional PTO for CE, generous CE allowance, VIN & Plumbs membership, and reimbursement for OVMA & AVMA memberships and Oregon veterinary & DEA license fees.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today! For questions or to connect directly, please email your resume to Heather Williams at hwilliams@petvetcarecenters.com
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintaining a high quality of progressive veterinary care
    • Oversees and gives directives regarding medical standards and quality of care
    • Sets policies as they pertain to the practice of medicine
    • Works toward making various services work as one team
    • In conjunction with appropriate leadership team members, recommends additions to the hospital inventory
    • Budgets for new equipment and provides a reasonable cost estimate and return on investment
    • Sees patients and handles clinical practice
    • Ensures positive communication with clients and between doctors, including the proper transfer of patient care responsibilities
    • Reviews patient records for completeness and accuracy and uses them to promote medical excellence
    • Appropriately manages controlled drugs
    • Reviews and approves requests for alternatives to additional drugs and medical supplies
    • Conducts regular doctor meetings
    • Performs other duties as assigned by Manager
  • Handles patient care problems, client complaints, and referral partner issues
  • Manages veterinary, client, and board complaints and recommends resolutions
  • Develops medical policies
  • Assists in ensuring practice compliance with the State Veterinary Medical Practice Act, OSHA, and AAHA standards
  • Monitors DVM performance and production, provides coaching when appropriate
  • Serves as a mentor and role model for all staff veterinarians
  • Leads candidate interviews of potential DVMs
  • Identifies new service opportunities that do not currently exist in the hospital
  • Holds ownership for the revenue and success of the practice through monitoring key performance indicators and works with the Hospital Manager to make adjustments to achieve positive results
  • Helps identify and plan for upcoming challenges in maintaining hospital operations and possible temporary solutions (locum)

Qualifications (Required)
  • Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
  • Current State Veterinary License
  • DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
  • 3-5+ years of experience in a veterinary practice
  • Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
  • Excellent surgical and dental skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
  • Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
  • Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
  • Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
  • May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
  • Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
  • Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent time-management and delegation abilities
  • Exercises sound judgment and demonstrates exemplary decision-making skills
  • Professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with others
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:
  • Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support - including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle - a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range
$140,000-$150,000 USD
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.