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Work Animal Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,161 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Production Animal Veterinarian- West Michigan Veterinary Service

West Michigan Veterinary Service

Coopersville, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

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.
Job Title: Production Animal Veterinarian
Location: Coopersville, Michigan
Practice: West Michigan Veterinary Service
About Us
West Michigan Veterinary Service is a well-established, progressive mixed-animal practice with a strong emphasis on production animal medicine. We proudly serve the agricultural community in and around Coopersville, MI, providing high-quality veterinary care to Small Animals, Equine, Dairy Cattle, and other livestock operations. Our team is dedicated to supporting producers through modern, efficient, and compassionate veterinary services.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated Production Animal Veterinarian to join our team. This role focuses on herd health, preventative medicine, diagnostics, and client education, working closely with local producers to optimize animal health and farm productivity.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide medical and surgical care to production animals, primarily dairy cattle, horses, and occasionally small animals
  • Develop and implement herd health and preventative care programs
  • Perform routine and emergency farm calls
  • Conduct diagnostics, pregnancy checks, and reproductive services
  • Maintain accurate medical records and treatment protocols
  • Build strong client relationships and offer consultative support to producers
  • Collaborate with team members to deliver high-quality, efficient care

Qualifications
  • DVM or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary school
  • Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in the state of Michigan
  • Strong interest in production animal medicine
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation

Why Coopersville?
Coopersville offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere with easy access to Grand Rapids and the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Enjoy a high quality of life with strong community ties and a thriving agricultural region.
How to Apply
Email your resume to Emily Lunsford at elunsford@petvetcarecenters.com
Join West Michigan Veterinary Service and make a meaningful impact in the agricultural community!
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
  • Competitive salary and Production Bonus - no negative accrual option available
  • 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

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
  • Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
  • Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
  • Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
  • Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

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 400 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.