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Work Animal Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Specialist

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, its ... Maintain stock of animal care essential items (food, treats, toys) * Deliver feedings, outdoor ...

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 ...

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 Caretaker

Raymond, OH ยท On-site

$17.33/hr

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 ...

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 Caretaker

Raymond, OH 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 Caretaker

Raymond, OH 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 ...

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

Beachwood, OH ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Work Animal information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Ohio is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $23.75 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 Ohio are hiring for Work Animal jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Work Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,624 per year, or $20 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

Cincinnati Animal CARE

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

$16.83/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Animal Care Specialist
Reports to Medical Operations Manager
Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE
At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.
Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.
This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it's incredibly rewarding.
We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.
If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we'd love to have you join us.
About the Role
We are looking for an Animal Care Specialist to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC's mission.
In this position, you will:
  • Care for our hospitalized, resident, and surgical patients.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Your day-to-day may include:
  • Maintain stock of animal care essential items (food, treats, toys)
  • Deliver feedings, outdoor exercise, and in-kennel enrichment for patients
  • Provide clinic yard, walks, playgroup, and in-kennel enrichment
  • Ensure cleanliness of kennels, bowls, linens, toys, and crates for all patients
  • Follow proper cleaning procedures and use appropriate products and chemicals to mitigate the risk of disease spread
  • Animal care dishes, laundry, and other assignments as requested by shift leads or management
  • Contribute to the overall cleanliness of several clinic spaces and clinic trash removal
  • Follow feeding plans, weight monitoring, symptom monitoring, and other medical protocols to monitor and/or report on patient status
  • Restrain and provide other forms of patient management for medical procedures, surgeries, and exams
  • Collaborate with Animal Care Leads to advance animal welfare within the Medical Department
  • Like all employees at CAC, this individual may be assigned additional duties at the request of their supervisor
  • Work alongside of and collaborate with our dedicated volunteer staff to ensure daily responsibilities and ongoing projects are optimal and high functioning.
  • Supporting additional organizational needs as they arise

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role
We're looking for someone who:
  • Is passionate about CAC's mission and animal welfare
  • Brings a positive, team-first attitude
  • Communicates openly and professionally
  • Takes ownership and solves problems proactively
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
  • Can balance compassion with accountability
  • Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn

Qualifications
Preferred/Required:
  • A true team builder who makes everyone feel welcome,
  • Comfortable handling dogs, cats, pocket pets, and other animals with a variety of temperaments and socialization levels,
  • Embodies unwavering commitment to CAC's values, positive workplace culture, and animal care.
  • Strong verbal communication skills,
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure,
  • Willingness to learn medical procedures and protocols to advance ability to assist within the department,
  • Ability to clearly explain surgical discharge instructions and recovery expectations to fosters and adopters,
  • Ability to follow oral instructions.
  • Ability to maintain composure and professionalism during high stress and often challenging medical situations

Why Join CAC?
At CAC, you'll be part of more than just a workplace. You'll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.
We offer:
  • The opportunity to make a real difference every day
  • A mission-driven, supportive team culture
  • Growth and development opportunities
  • Competitive benefits package
  • A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community

Compensation & Benefits
  • Pay: Minimum pay of $16.83 after successful 90 day training period. $15.75 during training period.
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Professional Development Assistance
  • Life Insurance

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
  • Exposure and handling unvetted animals and their waste is frequent.