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Working Animals Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinarian

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$141K - $231K/yr

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES :  Knowledge in evaluating animals for abuse, cruelty ... Working with companies of all sizes in the private, non-profit and government sectors to provide ...

Animal Health Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$41K - $56K/yr

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions: * Work is predominantly ...

Animal Health Technician

Arizona City, AZ · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions: * Work is predominantly ...

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions * Work is predominantly ...

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions * Work is predominantly ...

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions * Work is predominantly ...

Involved in and will perform humane euthanasia of animals when required, in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and established protocols Working Conditions * Work is predominantly ...

Performs daily observations and examinations of animals under the care of Pima Animal Care Center ... Minimum one (1) year experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter. * Minimum one (1) ...

Experience working with animals in a research setting * Evidence of effective communication skills, both verbal and written * Evidence of critical thinking and detail oriented skills * Experience ...

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Working Animals information

What is a working animal?

Working animals are animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks or services for humans. These roles can include herding livestock, pulling carts or plows, providing transportation, assisting people with disabilities, performing search and rescue, or even detecting drugs and explosives. Common examples include horses, dogs, donkeys, and oxen. Working animals have played a significant role in human societies throughout history and continue to be important in many industries and communities today.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to work with working animals?

To excel as an animal trainer for working animals, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and relevant animal care practices, often supported by a high school diploma or animal science coursework. Familiarity with positive reinforcement tools, clicker training systems, and animal handling equipment is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and observational skills are crucial soft skills that help build trust and ensure effective training. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, well-being, and optimal performance of working animals in professional settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with service or therapy animals, and how can these be managed?

Professionals who work with service or therapy animals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals’ training and behavior standards, ensuring their health and well-being, and fostering effective communication between the animal and handler. It’s also common to navigate public misconceptions and access issues when bringing animals into various environments. Managing these challenges involves ongoing education, regular health check-ups for the animals, and strong teamwork with both human and animal partners. Support from experienced colleagues and continuing professional development are also valuable in overcoming these daily obstacles.

What is the difference between Working Animals vs Search and Rescue Dogs?

AspectWorking AnimalsSearch and Rescue Dogs
Required CredentialsBasic training, certifications vary by taskAdvanced training, certifications in search and rescue techniques
Work EnvironmentFarms, farms, urban areas, specialized environmentsDisaster sites, wilderness, urban search zones
Employer & IndustryAgriculture, transportation, service industriesEmergency services, rescue organizations

Working Animals encompass a broad range of animals trained for various tasks across industries, while Search and Rescue Dogs are specifically trained to locate missing persons in disaster or wilderness scenarios. Both roles require specialized training, but Search and Rescue Dogs undergo more intensive certification processes and operate primarily in emergency environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify their unique functions and training requirements.

What careers let you work with working animals?

Careers involving working animals include roles such as animal trainer, equine veterinarian, livestock handler, search and rescue dog handler, and zoo keeper. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, and hands-on experience working directly with animals in various environments like farms, shelters, or training facilities.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Working Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Purpose:

This position supports individuals and families navigating crises and challenges involving companion animals such as animal illness or injury, pet loss, housing instability, and the prospect of having to surrender their pet(s). This position helps prevent pet surrender by providing individuals and families with access to veterinary or social resources using a trauma-informed, client-centered, and evidence-based approach. With a focus on supporting the human-animal bond, the Veterinary Social Worker supports community members in making informed, compassionate decisions that value both the human and animal experience.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide support to community members in situations including but not limited to pet surrender or rehoming, animal illness or injury, end-of-life decisions, loss of an animal, housing or food instability, and access to veterinary care.
  • Assist families in navigating complex emotions such as guilt, grief, fear or anger related to their companion animal.
  • De-escalate emotionally charged interactions and support constructive communication between community members and shelter staff.
  • Connect community members to resources such as low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance, temporary foster or boarding options, housing and social services, and crisis support programs.
  • Collaborate with the community to expand available resources and bridge human and animal services.
  • Help design programming that addresses the social determinants impacting pet retention and supports the human animal bond
  • Represent HSSA in a professional and positive manner
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in social work (MSW)
  • License with the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to independently practice social work (LCSW)
  • Experience and/or training in crisis intervention, grief counselling, or community-based social services
  • Experience working with underserved populations
  • Experience and/or training in animal services or a related field

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Additional coursework or certification in Veterinary Social Work from an accredited university
  • Bilingual proficiency in written and oral English and Spanish

Performance Factors and Skills:

  • Strong collaboration and communication abilities
  • Commitment to community engagement, equity and humane care
  • Strong client-centered and culturally responsive practice
  • Alignment with HSSA’s mission, values, and standards of professionalism

Working Conditions:

Public-facing role with frequent interaction with community members in crisis. Combination of shelter-based, community-based, and office work. Exposure to emotionally challenging situations involving illness, loss, and trauma. Exposure to animals of various sizes and temperaments. Exposure to zoonotic diseases, loud noises, and outdoor weather conditions is common.

Benefits Include:

  • Medical insurance beginning on the first of the month following your start date.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including Paid Sick Time, accruing at 4.61 hours per pay period. Approved PTO usage may begin after 60 days of employment.
  • Eleven (11) paid holidays per year.
  • 8 hours of paid birthday leave per year.
  • Life insurance, beginning 12 months after your start date, provided at no cost.
  • Eligibility to participate in the HSSA 401(k) plan beginning the first of the month following your start date.
  • Employer matching contributions after one year of employment, provided you are at least 21 years old and have worked 1,000 hours during that year. HSSA currently matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%.
  • Access to supplemental insurance through AFLAC, beginning the first of the month after your start date if you elect this benefit.
  • Eligible employees receive six (6) weeks of paid parental leave
  • Special discounts for employees and in some cases their family members for adoptions and clinic services