1

Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Animal Shelter Manager

North Haven, CT ยท 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Work Animal information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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.

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, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Care Attendant

Grace Park Animal Hospital

Morrisville, NC โ€ข On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Grace Park Animal Hospital is looking to expand their Animal Care Team. If you love animals and enjoy working with people, consider joining us! We are looking for compassionate, energetic individuals who love animals, have a strong attention to detail, and who work well on a team.


About Us

Grace Park Animal Hospital is focused on creating a supportive, team-oriented culture. We want to work with people who enjoy their job, the people they work with, and who feel a sense of accomplishment after a challenging day. That’s why we are looking for compassionate, empathetic people who value the human-animal bond as much as we do and will work with us to fulfill our mission of providing exceptional care to pets and the people who love them.


About the Job

Animal Care Attendants are responsible for the overall care of patients utilizing kennel services at Grace Park Animal Hospital. If you love working hard and love being around animals, then you will love working at Grace Park Animal Hospital! As an Animal Care Attendant, you will:

  • Provide compassionate and humane care to all patients
  • Provide food, water, and medications to patients
  • Clean and sanitize kennels and yards, as well as perform janitorial duties throughout the hospital
  • Observe, record, and report patient’s attitude and activity
  • Monitor and play with pets during day camp and individual play time, as well as monitor during potty breaks
  • Provide basic spa services for patients, such as bathing, nail trims, ear cleanings, etc.


What You Need to Get the Job Done (Minimum Qualifications)

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of working a 11+ hour shift standing, squatting, walking, lifting and carrying 50 lbs unassisted- this is a very active job, requiring you to be standing and moving around during throughout your shift.
  • Ability to work around substances such as animal saliva, blood, urine, fecal material, vomit, etc.
  • Comfortable and able to work both indoors and outdoors during all seasons
  • Comfortable and able to work with all breeds, temperaments, and sizes of dogs and cats
  • Able to work rotating holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as 2-3 weekends per month


What We’re Offering

  • Competitive salary, commensurate with your skill level
  • Bonus compensation based on hospital production
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employer paid premiums
  • 401(k) plan with a 4% company match
  • Discounted pet care