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Work Animal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and ... Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing work ...

Be Seen First

The work involves cleaning and maintaining animal areas inside and outside property of thefacility, interacting with the public and other visitors to the shelter, handling incoming and current ...

Be Seen First

The work involves cleaning and maintaining animal areas inside and outside property of thefacility, interacting with the public and other visitors to the shelter, handling incoming and current ...

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Positive attitude and ability to work with a team * Must enjoy working in close contact with ...

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI ยท On-site

$17.33/hr

Work Environment Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually ...

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key ... Positive attitude and ability to work with a team * Must enjoy working in close contact with ...

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI ยท On-site

$17.33/hr

Work Environment Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester Hills, MI ยท On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Rochester Hills, MI ยท On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Animal Care Specialist

Canton, MI ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Animal Care Specialist

Canton, MI

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

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Work Animal information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Michigan is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are work animals?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What jobs can I do with animals?

Work animals are used in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, therapy, farming, and entertainment. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, and knowledge of animal behavior and safety protocols. Common environments include farms, zoos, rescue organizations, and service settings.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a work animal or related roles, high-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 weekly without a degree are rare and typically involve specialized skills or experience. Examples include certain freelance or contract positions such as animal trainers, equine specialists, or working in the entertainment industry, where income depends on skill level, reputation, and workload. Most high-paying roles in this field require hands-on experience, certifications, or licensing rather than formal degrees.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as animal trainer, veterinarian, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific skills, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, farms, or shelters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Work Animal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What is the best paying job that involves animals?

The highest paying jobs involving animals include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, animal researchers, and zoo directors, with veterinary surgeons often earning the most due to required advanced degrees and certifications. These positions typically require extensive education, clinical experience, and sometimes management responsibilities, and they often involve working in clinical, research, or institutional environments.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Work Animal jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Work Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,161 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Animal Caretaker - Part-time

Animal Caretaker - Part-time

Allegan County

Allegan, MI โ€ข On-site

$17.83/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County's natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as "Best in Class Winner" among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the "Impact Award" from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!
Job Summary
Responsible for the overall care and well-being of the animals housed at the Allegan County Animal Shelter. The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal intake, keeping an inventory of animal food and shelter supplies and keeping records of animal care activities.
Starting Wage: $17.83 per hour - part time position
Responsibilities and Duties:
  1. Handle general care tasks such as feeding and kennel cleaning of the animals
  2. Assist in restraining animals for veterinary management
  3. Create intake paperwork for all animal intakes
  4. Create Kennel Card for all new animal intakes
  5. Provide intake vaccination/prevention for animals
  6. Keep records of animal feedings, treatments, and other updates
  7. Keep up daily laundry and cleaning for animal health per state mandates
  8. Engage in play activities and exercise with the animals
  9. Maintain a clean and healthy environment
  10. Provide weekly inventory list for animal food and shelter supplies

Education / Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Previous experience in animal care or related field preferred

Qualifications:
  • Passion for helping and treating animals
  • Ability to interact with animals in a calm, non-threatening manner
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing work priorities
  • Detail-oriented, Self-motivated as well as Team-oriented

*Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for THC) in order to be hired for this position.