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Volunteer Large Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Volunteer Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$73K - $119K/yr

The Volunteer Manager oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of Maricopa County ... Come apply to one of the largest animal shelters in the nation and help us make a difference! About ...

The Volunteer Manager oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of Maricopa County ... Come apply to one of the largest animal shelters in the nation and help us make a difference! About ...

Volunteer Coordinator

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Santa Fe Animal Shelter seeks creative and mission-driven leadership to help center volunteerism ... Confident public speaking skills in front of small and large groups * Proven relationship builder ...

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Volunteer Large Animal information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer large animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer large animal in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer large animal?

Volunteer Large Animal positions involve assisting with the care, feeding, and maintenance of large animals such as horses, cows, goats, or llamas at farms, sanctuaries, or animal shelters. Volunteers may help with daily chores, grooming, cleaning enclosures, and sometimes assisting with rehabilitation or public education programs. These roles are ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal welfare and want hands-on experience working with large animals. Training and supervision are typically provided to ensure both volunteer and animal safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer large animal?

To thrive as a Volunteer Large Animal Caregiver, you generally need basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn, though formal qualifications are often not required. Familiarity with safety protocols, animal restraint equipment, and sometimes basic first aid is beneficial. Patience, strong communication, and a compassionate attitude help volunteers work effectively with animals and staff. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure animal welfare, safety, and smooth operations in animal care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer large animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer large animal caretakers often encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing physically demanding tasks, and adapting to varying weather conditions. To address these challenges, volunteers receive thorough training in animal handling, safety protocols, and proper use of equipment. Open communication with staff and fellow volunteers is encouraged to ensure safety and support, and most organizations provide mentorship opportunities to help new volunteers build confidence and skills over time.

What is the difference between Volunteer Large Animal vs Volunteer Equine?

AspectVolunteer Large AnimalVolunteer Equine
CertificationsBasic animal care, first aidBasic animal care, first aid
Work EnvironmentFarms, ranches, rescue centersStables, riding centers, rescue facilities
Industry UsageBroad large animals including cattle, goats, horsesPrimarily horses and ponies

Volunteer Large Animal roles involve caring for various large animals like cattle, goats, and horses, often in farm or rescue settings. Volunteer Equine focuses specifically on horses and ponies. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but Volunteer Large Animal offers a broader scope of species, making it ideal for those interested in multiple large animals.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Large Animal jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Large Animal job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Large Animal jobs?

The most popular types of Large Animal jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Large Animal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Large Animal jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Large Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Veterinary Technician I - Large AnimalJob Group:MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor's degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician within one year of the start date.Job Description:

Are you passionate about animal health and ready to build hands on experience in a large animal hospital setting? The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is seeking Veterinary Technicians to join our Large Animal Hospital.

We are hiring for multiple roles across ICU and Food Animal services, supporting 24 hour patient care in a collaborative academic teaching environment.

Current Openings:

  • Equine ICU
  • Food Animal

Why Join Our Team:

  • Work in a leading veterinary teaching hospital.
  • Gain hands on experience with complex and high acuity cases.
  • Learn from board certified specialists and experienced clinicians.
  • Contribute to training future veterinarians.
  • Build advanced technical and clinical skills.

Position Details:

  • On call requirement: Yes, including weekends and holidays, typically 3 to 5 shifts per month supporting equine and food animal ICU and surgical care.
  • Work environment: On site, hands on clinical setting within the Large Animal Hospital.
  • Residency requirement: Must live within a reasonable distance to meet on call expectations.
  • Ability to work with and safely handle large animals in a physically active clinical environment.

These roles support high quality patient care while contributing to the teaching mission of the hospital.

What You Will Do:

  • Perform advanced technical procedures and assist in surgical, medical, and diagnostic care for large animal species under faculty and clinician direction.
  • Provide patient care including monitoring vitals, administering medications, and supporting recovery for hospitalized and critical patients.
  • Assist with ICU cases and ongoing treatment plans to ensure continuity of care.
  • Demonstrate and teach proper restraint techniques, diagnostic procedures, and clinical skills to veterinary students and house officers.
  • Collaborate daily with clinicians, residents, interns, and students to coordinate patient care and hospital operations.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot medical equipment, manage inventory, and ensure clean, organized, and safe workspaces.

Work Environment:

These roles support different areas within the Large Animal Hospital:

  • Equine ICU roles focus on intensive care and monitoring of hospitalized equine patients.
  • Food Animal roles involve working with a wider variety of species and a higher volume of patients in a fast paced clinical setting.

About the Department:

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is home to a leading Large Animal Hospital that supports clinical care, teaching, and research across equine and food animal medicine. The hospital provides comprehensive services for a wide range of large animal species and plays a key role in training veterinary students, interns, and residents.

Team members work closely with board certified specialists, house officers, and students in a hands on clinical environment, contributing to both patient care and the educational mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience placing catheters in large animal patients.
  • Experience administering medications via IV, IM, SQ, or oral routes.
  • Experience monitoring anesthesia or assisting with surgical procedures.
  • Experience collecting and processing diagnostic samples including blood, urine, and fecal samples.
  • Experience with large animal handling and restraint techniques (equine and or food animal species)


Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:7601aOriginal Posting Date:July 7, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19578

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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