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Work Animal Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Astrix Inc

Animal Technician

Plano, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Pay Rate Low: 18.00 | Pay Rate High: 25.00 Rapidly growing Biotech Manufacturer is seeking a Animal Technician near Dallas, TX! This is a great opportunity to work with an innovative company that has ...

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All JobsWork Animal JobsWork Animal Jobs in Texas

Work Animal information

See Texas salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in Texas is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.27 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 are popular job titles related to Work Animal jobs in Texas?

For Work Animal jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Work Animal jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Work Animal jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Work Animal job openings:

Work Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,790 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Chief Animal Technician, Animal Resource Center

204000 - Animal Resources Center

Dallas, TX • On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report , we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
Works autonomously to provide advanced animal husbandry techniques with respect to the care and management of specialized colonies of animals. Areas include quarantine, isolation, biohazard, conventional, or barrier-sustained areas.
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
  • PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
  • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
  • Paid Time Off, available day one
  • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
  • Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
  • Education
    High School Diploma or GED or
    Vocational school
  • Experience
    Six (6) months experience as a Senior Animal Technician, or equivalent experience
Preferred
  • Licenses and Certifications
    (ALAT) ASSIST LAB ANIMAL TECHNOLOGIST By the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Upon Hire
JOB DUTIES
  • Participate in care and management of specialized animal programs such as breeding colonies, the conditioning the stabilizing of animals, and barrier-sustained animals; maintain accurate and complete records for monitoring and surveillance of such programs.
  • Maintain computer databases. Assist in specialized monitoring and surveillance programs. Review, comprehend, and comply with all SOPs and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific area. Maintain accurate departmental animal housing or support area record keeping.
  • Euthanize and dispose of animal carcasses following established procedures.
  • Assist in SPF (specific pathogen free) animal colony maintenance and production; utilize sterile techniques to maintain health status of animals.
  • Participate in providing training of Animal Technicians and Animal Care Attendants through program directed by Animal Resource Center.
  • Prepare required reports to faculty and supervisors relative to animal colonies, equipment and supply needs, and facility use.
  • Maintain required attendance level and adherence to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels in order to ensure that assigned duties are completed. May provide direction and guidance to several Animal Technicians. Ability to work weekends as assigned.
  • Perform tasks of Animal Care Attendant, Animal Technician and Senior Animal Technician as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

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