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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Shelter Manager

North Haven, CT · On-site

$48K - $53K/yr

Work closely with the Adoption Coordinator to oversee adoptions * Work closely with the Medical ... Proven experience in animal shelter management or a related field * Strong leadership skills with ...

Animal Shelter Manager

North Haven, CT · On-site

$48K - $53K/yr

Work closely with the Adoption Coordinator to oversee adoptions * Work closely with the Medical ... Proven experience in animal shelter management or a related field * Strong leadership skills with ...

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 ...

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 What We Offer This role is a great stepping stone for ...

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 ...

Animal Care Attendant

Norco, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

We believe in work-life balance, team cohesiveness, and opportunities for professional growth. What ... in animal behavior, handling, husbandry, and basic pet first aid, including medication ...

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Work Animal information

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$21

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How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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 safety protocols. Common environments include farms, zoos, rescue organizations, and service 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a work animal or related roles, high-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 weekly without a degree are rare and typically involve specialized skills or experience. Examples include certain freelance or contract positions such as animal trainers, equine specialists, or working in the entertainment industry, where income depends on skill level, reputation, and workload. Most high-paying roles in this field require hands-on experience, certifications, or licensing rather than formal degrees.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as animal trainer, veterinarian, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific skills, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, farms, or shelters.

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 best paying job that involves animals?

The highest paying jobs involving animals include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, animal researchers, and zoo directors, with veterinary surgeons often earning the most due to required advanced degrees and certifications. These positions typically require extensive education, clinical experience, and sometimes management responsibilities, and they often involve working in clinical, research, or institutional environments.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 17% Full Time, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lead the Team That Cares for Our Patients

At Riverview Animal Clinic, our mission is simple: Exceptional Patient Care - for each client and patient, each and every time. We're looking for an experienced, compassionate, and organized Animal Care Supervisor to lead our Boarding & Animal Care team and help us live that mission every day.


If you're someone who loves animals, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and knows how to bring out the best in a team - we'd love to meet you.


What You'll Do

As Animal Care Supervisor, you'll be the operational heart of our boarding department, leading a team of kennel attendants while rolling up your sleeves right alongside them. Your day-to-day will include:

  • Leading your team - scheduling, training, coaching, and building a culture of professionalism and compassion
  • Caring for our patients - overseeing feeding, medications, enrichment, and monitoring for every animal in our care
  • Keeping things running smoothly - managing SOPs, supply inventory, sanitation protocols, and facility upkeep to AAHA standards
  • Serving our clients - being a trusted point of contact during check-in, check-out, and everything in between
  • Thinking ahead - preplanning for high-volume periods, identifying workflow improvements, and keeping the team efficient and prepared


What We're Looking For

Required:

  • 1-2 years of experience in a kennel, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or similar setting
  • At least 1 year in a supervisory or management role (hospitality/hotel leadership experience considered)
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Strong communication skills and sound judgment around animal behavior and safety
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently and safely handle animals of all sizes and temperaments

Preferred (not required):

  • Fear Free or low-stress handling certification
  • Experience developing SOPs or training materials
  • Familiarity with veterinary practice management platforms
  • Post-secondary coursework in animal science, vet tech, business, or hospitality


Schedule & What to Expect

This is a working supervisory role - you'll be in the mix with your team every shift. The schedule includes:

  • Saturday availability (required)
  • Rotating Sunday and holiday shifts shared equitably with the team
  • Possible early morning or evening shifts based on boarding needs


Why Riverview?

We're a team that leads with compassion, communicates honestly, and takes genuine pride in the care we provide. You'll work alongside a collaborative veterinary medical team and practice leadership that supports your growth and values your leadership.


Ready to join us? Apply today and bring your passion for animals and people to a team that shares it.

Riverview Animal Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.