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Work Animal Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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

Roseburg, OR ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/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 ...

$20 - $25/hr

Where and When You'll Work Support is requested wherever and whenever the need arises. By joining ... Animal Care and Handlers may often take rotations at our Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH.

Lab Animal Tech 1

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$18.06 - $26.20/hr

Lab Animal Tech 1 Job no: 536861 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Eugene, OR Categories: Research/Scientific/Grants Department: AqACS Classification: Laboratory Animal Technician 1 Appointment ...

$25/hr

It's hard work that takes a special person, but there is no better feeling than knowing you personally and directly improved outcomes for an animal. Who We Are The ASPCA's (American Society for the ...

Animal Care Technician

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$16.50/hr

We strive to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding work environment, with a focus on productive ... You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body ...

Animal Care Technician

West Linn, OR ยท On-site

$16.80/hr

We strive to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding work environment, with a focus on productive ... You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body ...

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Work Animal information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Oregon is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.44 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 job categories do people searching Work Animal jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Work Animal jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Work Animal jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Work Animal job openings:
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,291 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Companion Animal Caretaker

The Asher House Sanctuary

Salem, OR โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Employment Status: Full-time or On-Call
Location: Salem, Oregon
Schedule: 4 days / 10 hour shifts / 1 weekend day will be required (Saturday or Sunday)
Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 hourly
Benefits: Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, PTO, Paid Federal Holidays, 401k
Who We Are:
The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in need, with a commitment to end animal suffering and promote humane treatment. Through community education, advocacy, and hands-on care, we work toward a more compassionate world for animals.

Job Description:
As a Companion Animal Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their behavioral health and enrichment. Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and enhance the behavioral aspects of companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care for the animals. Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement behavior management plans and enrichment activities to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals. This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.

*
Note:
Please read the full job description and required qualifications. Only candidates that meet all criteria will be considered for the position.
Responsibilities
Daily care includes:
  • Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment.
  • Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
  • Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
  • Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for the animals, including animals that may be in insolation and quarantine.
  • Prompt communication around animal supply levels/inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment/supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
  • Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
  • Ensure animals are always supervised.
  • Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
  • Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
  • Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.
Behavior Assessment:
  • Conduct behavioral assessments of animals to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for enrichment.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of each animal's behavioral profile.
Enrichment Planning and Implementation:
  • Design and implement behavior enrichment programs tailored to the individual needs and species-specific behaviors of animals.
  • Create and introduce a variety of stimulating activities, toys, and environmental enhancements to promote natural behaviors.
Training and Positive Reinforcement:
  • Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to train animals in cooperation with veterinary procedures, handling, and basic commands.
  • Collaborate with staff to address and modify undesirable behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.
Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress for each animal.
  • Communicate behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.
Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
  • Stay current on best practices in animal welfare.
  • Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • 1-2 years experience working with dogs (REQUIRED)
  • Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Excellent observational and analytical skills.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.
  • A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history.
The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.