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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Caretaker

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Animal Caretaker

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Animal Care Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Monitor and oversee the daily work activities of the Animal Care staff. * Ensure all staff are properly trained, receive ongoing skill development, and follow proper handling techniques for animals ...

Animal Experience Manager

Golden, CO · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will work with a team of animal welfare professionals who work hard, care deeply, and are 100% dedicated to the well-being of our shelter animals. * We strive for a healthy work-life balance, and ...

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Animal Caretaker

Pawleys Island, SC · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Work schedule that includes days, weekends and holidays as necessary. Part time positions available ... Clean and disinfect animal enclosures and feed bowls; maintain facility standards. * Observe ...

Showing results 21-40

Work Animal information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 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.

More about Work Animal jobs

What cities are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities with the most Work Animal job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Work Animal jobs?

The most popular types of Work Animal jobs are:

What states have the most Work Animal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Work Animal jobs include:

Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03

US Department of the Army

Camp Pendleton, CA • On-site

$44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 490 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This position is located at the Camp Pendleton Veterinary Treatment Facility.
Incentives and Bonuses
  • Incentives will not be paid.
Qualifications:Resumes must be two pages (or less). Resumes should clearly demonstrate the applicant's relevant experience, skills, knowledge and abilities as they pertain to this position.
A qualified candidate must possess the following:
Animal Health Assistant (Developmental), NF-02:
- Work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the above duties which could have been gained at a pet store, farm work, animal shelter etc. Basic requirements include knowledge of approved restraint techniques of animals in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.); and knowledge of proper vaccines and syringe handling.
Animal Health Assistant (Full Performance), NF-03:
- A minimum of six (6) months demonstrated experience directly related to the duties required in the position that must have been gained through practical application in a Veterinary Medical setting and which demonstrates the knowledge, clinical skills, and abilities essential to perform successfully in accordance with the guidelines of the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association or equivalent (e.g. VMSB - Veterinary Medical Standardization Board etc.). Demonstrated experience include: proficiency in basic medical terminology; utilizes correct sterile techniques; apply appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian; determine preventive wellness plan to include required medical treatments and vaccinations requirements based on patient medical history; utilize in-house laboratory equipment to perform diagnostics tests; conduct routine maintenance on in-house laboratory equipment; completes lab request form for reference laboratories; prepares samples for shipment to outside laboratories.
In addition to the above qualifications, candidates who possess the following qualifications will be considered "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified":
NF-02 - Candidates that possess demonstrated experience including proficiency in basic medical terminology; application of appropriate restraint techniques to perform a variety of routine medical and diagnostic procedures (to include proper radiological techniques); proficiency in recording medical history and treatment in ccSOAP (Chief Complaint Subjective Objective Assessment Plan); explains product information and/or treatment plan to clients as directed by the Veterinarian.
NF-03 - Possess or have the ability to reactivate/obtain a registration, license, or certification as a veterinary assistant or higher through an accredited program (e.g. as identified on the www.NAVTA.net website Possess basic supply management experience which includes: ordering supplies, maintaining sufficient stock levels, completing monthly inventory counts and documenting expiration dates of in stock medications and vaccines.
The information provided on your resume should be clear and specific. You will be rated based solely off of the information provided within your resume. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience and the duties performed.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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Benefits

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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