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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army Medical Command

$15 - $16/hr

Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events. * Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments. * Physical ...

Innovetive Petcare

Kennel Technician

High Point, NC · On-site

$12.50/hr

Kennel work * Animal boarding/daycare * Veterinary or animal care settings * Comfort working with dogs, cats, and small mammals/exotics Career Growth Opportunity This role is a great stepping stone ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

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 ...

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Animal Care Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Animal Care Specialist (This position's primary focus is on the cats within the shelter; however ... Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure a unified approach to the animals' care and ...

Cleveland Clinic

Research Manager AH

Cleveland, OH

$79K/yr

In this role, you will provide daily oversight of personnel and animal operations, lead special projects as assigned, and take responsibility for training and developing team members. Work Leaders in ...

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Work Animal information

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$9

$21

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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 are work animals?

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 jobs can I do with animals?

Work animals are used in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, therapy, farming, and entertainment. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, and knowledge of animal behavior and handling. Common tools include leashes, harnesses, and safety equipment, and work environments can range from outdoor fields to urban settings.

What is a good job for working with animals?

A good job for working with animals is a veterinary technician, zookeeper, animal trainer, or pet groomer. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, relevant certifications, and the ability to work in environments such as clinics, zoos, or pet care facilities.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs related to work animals are rare and typically involve specialized roles such as equine trainers, animal behavior consultants, or working with service or therapy animals, which may pay up to several thousand dollars per day for experienced professionals or specialized services. These roles often require extensive training, certifications, and experience, and income can vary based on location, client base, and project scope.

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 highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal-related job is often that of a marine mammal trainer or veterinarian specializing in exotic animals, with salaries reaching over $70,000 annually. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and experience working in aquariums, zoos, or wildlife organizations.

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:
What job categories do people searching Work Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Work Animal jobs are:
Work Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03

Animal Health Assistant (Developmental) NF-02/03

U.S. Army Medical Command

West Point, NY • On-site, Remote

$40K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summary
This position is located at the West Point Veterinary Treatment Facility.
Incentives and Bonuses
  • Incentives will not be paid.

Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • May assist veterinarian to prepare for and during surgical procedures, to include preparing surgery packs, scalpel blades, and suture material, monitoring a patient using an anesthetic machine.
  • May serve as scrubbed surgical assistant. Continuously informs medical staff of the changes in general condition of patient during surgical procedures.
  • Prepares and administers vaccinations, oral and topical medications to patient as prescribed by the veterinarian. Prepares and dispenses prescription medication according to veterinarian instructions.
  • Applies knowledge of common topics to assist clients in solving common husbandry problems.
  • Applies knowledge of preventive care, disease prevention, lifestyle risks, and veterinary care to provide individualized wellness counseling to clients.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Direct Deposit and Social Security Card is required.
  • Meet qualification/eligibility/background requirements for this position.
  • Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-Verify) check.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Ability to work occasional Saturdays for special events.
  • Must not have an aversion to animals, blood, bodily fluids, animal tissues, strong odors, needles, or sharp instruments.
  • Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Ability to lift animals and supplies up to 45 pounds, and on occasion greater than 45 pounds with the help of others. Long periods of standing, walking, restraining, kneeling, and reaching, etc.
  • Physical Requirements (applicable to all levels): Must have use of fingers; Both hand and both legs are required; Position requires exposure to intermittent excessive noise.
  • A successful background investigation submission to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) must be met no later than 30 calendar days after entry on duty or placement in the position for internal candidates.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability determination.
  • Must be able to receive all mandated immunizations to work in a direct-patient capacity and/or veterinary environment IAW AR 40-562 chap 4-1.

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.
Additional information
Area of Consideration:
  • This job is open to candidates who are within the Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement defined as West Point, NY and surrounding area within 50-mile radius; in addition to, you are considered eligible if one of the following applies: 1) you live outside of this area and are able to commute to work on a daily/as needed basis, 2) you are able to relocate yourself on your own expenses, 3) you are an involuntarily separated military member, or 4) you are a military spouse/family member relocating to this installationEligibility begins 30 days before the military sponsor's reporting date at the new duty location.
  • (Military Spouse Preference (MSP) and Involuntarily Separated Military Preference (ISMP) eligible candidates are included in the area of consideration).

Manual Application Option
  • If you are unable to apply online, you can complete a paper application. To get started, contact servicing NAF Human Resources representative or office listed in the Agency Contact Information section (at the bottom of this announcement) to request a copy of the application form.
  • Be sure to submit your completed application form, along with your resume and any required supporting documents, no later than 11:59 PM EST on 06/10/2026 to ensure timely processing.
  • Important: Incomplete applications, including missing responses to questionnaire items may result in an ineligible rating.

Salary Information:
Salary is pro-rated based on a 40 hour work week and will be determined based on grade level qualified.
Hourly rate/ salary is:
NF-02 $19.19ph
NF-03 $21.33ph ($44,520pa)
PCS Costs
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.

Allowances and Differentials
  • This job is part of a pay-banded system. Sunday premium pay for regularly scheduled employees and night differential pay may be authorized by the Garrison Commander.
  • Non-foreign overseas allowances, cost of living (COLA), and differentials will not be paid, contingent upon eligibility.

Discover Your Path to Success
  • Before you apply, take a moment to explore our Applicant Information Kit, your go-to guide for understanding our hiring processes and making your application stand out.
  • Inside you will find helpful tips, insights, and everything you need to feel confident and prepared.
  • Click this URL to view the kit: https://publicfileshare.chra.army.mil/Applicants/NAF_Applicant_Information_Kit.pdf

Scheduling Information:
Below defines the employment category for this position:
  • Flexible/Intermittent (00 guaranteed hours per week however may be scheduled to work between 0-40 hours per week based on mission needs). Flex employees are not entitled to leave or benefits however, there is no upper limit to the number of hours a flexible employee may work (subject to overtime obligation and work scheduling requirements).
  • Work schedule to be determined after hire.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) can offer numerous advantages. Army NAF employment can provide a sense of pride and fulfillment, as you'll be supporting communities comprised of military and civilian personnel, and their families, which contributes to the Department of Defense's overall mission. We offer a wide range of career opportunities, including jobs in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and more. Many employees have opportunities for professional development, including training, education, and certification programs to help towards career advancement. As an Army NAF employee, you'll have access to some on-base facilities, including fitness centers, libraries, and many other amenities.
Regular full-time and part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in health and life insurance, participation in 401k and retirement plans, and paid personal time off and federal holidays. NAF flexible employees, working in the United States or a U.S. citizen or spouse or child of a U.S. citizen working for a NAFI in a foreign area, are eligible to participate in the NAF 401(k) plan. Some flexible employees may also be eligible to receive health insurance.
For a slideshow presentation regarding these benefits, please click the Review Our Benefits link below.
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