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Work Animal Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Animal Caretaker I

Columbia, TN ยท On-site

$13.46/hr

Description Nature of Work This is responsible animal control work assisting with all aspects of the caring and placement of animals taken to the Maury County Animal Shelter. Activities associated ...

Nature of Work This is responsible animal control work assisting with all aspects of the caring and placement of animals taken to the Maury County Animal Shelter. Activities associated with the job ...

Work as a member of the management team for the Animal Care Department. * Coordinate emergency response as a member of the ERT. * Serve as a primary or secondary key holder for 2 lock 2 key species ...

Work as a member of the management team for the Animal Care Department. * Coordinate emergency response as a member of the ERT. * Serve as a primary or secondary key holder for 2 lock 2 key species ...

Work as a member of the management team for the Animal Care Department.Coordinate emergency response as a member of the ERT.Serve as a primary or secondary key holder for 2 lock 2 key species when ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$14 - $18.25/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 ...

Animal Care Specialist

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$14 - $18.25/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 Tennessee salary details

$8

$19

$25

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Tennessee is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.69 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 Tennessee are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Work Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,738 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Caretaker

Belle Meade Animal Hospital

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Come join our Kennel Team at Belle Meade Animal Hospital!

We are looking for team players who want to work as a hands-on animal caretaker in a veterinary hospital. Experience preferred but not required. We are willing to train people with big hearts and good attitudes.

Duties include, but not limited to:

Loving on dogs and cats so that they have a great experience while in our care

Walking, cleaning, feeding animals in our care

Bathing and brushing dogs and cats

Assisting in treatments /administering medications

General animal husbandry

Caring for hospitalized medical and surgical patients.

interacting with and educating clients

Full time and part time positions available. Full time schedule includes rotating weekend shifts. Compensation commensurate on experience. Benefits for full time employees include health insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation, PTO days, discounts on owned pets, paid holidays and retirement plan.

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