1

Work Animal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

MI · On-site

  • PTO

Salary - 50 -65k DOE** We're seeking a Small Animal Vet with a passion for delivering outstanding ... Ultrasound Plus, a comfortable, work-free Team Room!! What Makes Us Different: We believe in ...

New

Small Animal Veterinarian - Troy, MI

Troy, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Small Animal Veterinarian -- Troy, MI A progressive small animal practice is seeking a ... work-life balance. Responsibilities * Provide high-quality medical, diagnostic, and surgical care ...

Small-Animal Veterinarian - Troy, MI

Troy, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Small-Animal Veterinarian -- Troy, MI A progressive small animal practice is seeking a ... work-life balance. Responsibilities * Provide high-quality medical, diagnostic, and surgical care ...

Small- Animal Veterinarian - Troy, MI

Troy, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Small-Animal Veterinarian -- Troy, MI A progressive small animal practice is seeking a ... work-life balance. Responsibilities * Provide high-quality medical, diagnostic, and surgical care ...

Be Seen First

Animal Research Technician (Temporary to Permanent)

Mattawan, MI · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The technician performs basic skills independently and continues to work under supervision to gain ... Train in on-boarding skills which may include animal handling, husbandry, observations, basic ...

Showing results 41-60

Work Animal information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 is a work animal?

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 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 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 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 August 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.

OPEN INTERVIEWS - Animal Care Companions

Veterinary United

Oxford, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Veterinary United rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Animal Care Companion - OPEN INTERVIEWS
Job Description

Want to experience being a part of our PAWSOME team?! Immediate openings available.

WE ARE HOSTING OPEN INTERVIEWS on Wednesday 8/19/26 between 10:00am-3:00pm.

Please bring your love for animals and resume to our Oxford Canine Club located at 845 S. Lapeer Road for an on-site interview.


Experience what the world of Veterinary Medicine has to offer! If you BELIEVE Veterinary Medicine is more than just a job and want to experience a positive culture focused on the patient, the client and the team, then keep reading!

Veterinary United is looking for a Veterinary Support Team/Animal Care Companion like YOU to join our team as we work towards changing veterinary medicine for the better! We BELIEVE in changing veterinary medicine through our ecology, teamwork, positivity, and culture, and providing the best individual and complete care to our patients.

Job Duties:

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and common areas to maintain a sanitary environment.
  • Wash and sanitize food and water bowls.
  • Launder bedding and towels used by the animals.
  • Walk, exercise, and play with animals to provide physical activity and mental stimulation.
  • Greeting and assisting clients dropping off or picking up their pets.
  • Provide updates to pet owners on their animal’s condition and behavior during their stay.
  • MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR SUNDAYS

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs without restriction.
  • Must be comfortable working around potentially reactive animals.


Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to Walk, Stoop, Reach, Kneel, and Run as needed.
  • Must be comfortable cleaning/scrubbing the kennels multiple times daily


The Treats:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Discounted Pet Care
  • Discounted Pet Day Camp and Resort Stays
  • SO MUCH MORE!

What Veterinary United employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom