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Working Animals Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Customer Care Coordinator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals ... Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!) * Paid Time Off ...

Customer Care Coordinator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals ... Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!) * Paid Time Off ...

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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 Michigan are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Working Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Associate Veterinarian - Grayling Hospital for Animals

Mission Pet Health

Grayling, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

General Information
Ref #
47741
Department
Veterinarian
Job Site
Grayling Hospital For Animals
Date Published
02-09-2026
Pay Class
Full-Time
Working Arrangement
On-site
Base Min.
$ 120000
Base Max.
$ 150000
Description & Requirements
Company Overview
Welcome to Grayling Hospital For Animals, an integral part of the Grayling community dedicated to small animal care excellence. We are proud to be an AAHA Accredited practice, signifying our commitment to the highest standards of veterinary medicine. Our exceptional care is reflected in our 4.6-star Google rating, demonstrating the deep trust we have built with our clients. If you are a passionate professional looking to join a team where you can truly do your best work while making a profound difference in patient lives, this opportunity is waiting for you in Northern Michigan.
As a member of our wider hospital network, you benefit from a culture deeply focused on professional growth. We understand that career development is essential to your success, which is why we offer programs designed to help all teammates reach their goals, whether that means becoming a credentialed technician, moving into a leadership position, or expanding your clinical skills. We believe that when we invest in your future, the entire hospital benefits, providing you with the necessary support and resources to grow exponentially within the veterinary field.
Our focus is on providing high-quality small animal medical care supported by excellent protocols and technology. To ensure you always have the necessary resources, our practitioners maintain access to robust internal specialty consultation channels, allowing us to collaboratively manage complex cases and continuously elevate the standard of care we offer. When you join the teammates at Grayling Hospital For Animals, you are joining a practice dedicated to utilizing education, mentorship, and collaboration as the foundation for excellent patient outcomes.
Grayling, Michigan, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and unparalleled access to the outdoors. Situated in the heart of Northern Michigan, you will find yourself surrounded by state forests, lakes, and the famed Au Sable River. This is an ideal locale if you value work-life balance and enjoy hiking, fishing, paddling, or skiing right outside your door. Join a close-knit community where you can build deep roots while enjoying a lifestyle rich with four-season recreational opportunities.
Job Description
What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like
  • Build Lasting Relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
  • Practice Your Best Medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
  • Educate and Empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
  • Collaborate and Grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.
Who We're Looking For
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
  • A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
  • A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude. #AVMA

Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Generous Compensation
Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.
Total Wellbeing
Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.
Financial Health
Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.
Commitment to Growth
Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.
The Power of a Network
Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.
Peace of Mind
Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.
About Mission Pet Health
Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values - Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.