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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 Care Specialist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$16.83/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Care Specialist Reports to Medical Operations Manager Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal ... This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it ...

Animal Care Specialist

Ridgewood, NY · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Care Specialist Who We Are ACC is one of the nation's largest open-admission animal shelters ... Benefits ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that ...

Animal Care Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Care Specialist Who We Are ACC is one of the nation's largest open-admission animal shelters ... Benefits ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that ...

Animal Care Specialist

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$16.83/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Animal Care Specialist Reports to Medical Operations Manager Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal ... This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it ...

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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 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 Care Technician - Work-Study

Missouri State University

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Missouri State University rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

524th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Position Title
Animal Care Technician - Work-Study
Student Status
Work Study Required- You are required to be a Federal Work Study Recipient to hold this position.
Work Location
Springfield Campus
Department
School of Agricultural Science and Conservation
Hiring Range
$15.00
Sponsorship Information
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Department/Employer Operating Hours
8:00 - 5:00 M-F, hours vary on weekends and holidays
How many hours per week are required?
Minimum 6 hours
Description of Primary Duties
The Animal Health Technician assists in following established practices and procedures to provide routine animal care and husbandry related to teaching animals housed at the Small Animal Education Center. The Animal Health Technician will help with routine cleaning and maintenance of supporting areas of the animal housing. Will assist with making enrichment and providing daily exercise to animals. May be asked to distribute husbandry supplies. Will assist with office tasks such as scanning, printing, and filing documents, data entry for records, and taking inventory of supplies. Will help to maintain a clean and enjoyable working environment.
Required Qualifications
Individuals applying for this job must provide proof of work study award letter. Individuals must be available to work at least one weekend a month and some holidays as assigned. Individuals are preferred to be from an animal science related discipline (i.e., Agriculture, Biology, Biomedical Sciences). A background check, online training, enrollment in the Occupational Health and Safety Program and obtaining applicable immunizations at Magers Health and Wellness Center are required. A means of reliable transportation is required. Individuals are encouraged to be available to work some hours during school breaks.
Required Certifications
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
Proof of work study award is required.
Reliable transportation is required.
Enrollment in the Occupational Health and Safety Program and obtaining applicable immunizations at Magers Health and Wellness Center are required.
The Small Animal Education Center is located at the Darr Agricultural Center -
2401 S Kansas Expy Springfield, MO 65807.
Contact Information
LacySukovaty@missouristate.edu
Disclaimer
Disclaimer for off campus positions only.
#STU
Equal Opportunity Statement
Non-Discrimination Statement
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.
Posting Detail
Open Date
08/03/2026
Close Date
08/25/2026
Posting Number
20260100STU

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