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Working Animals Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Clinic Veterinary Assistant

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Animal and Customer Care Associate - Detroit

MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY

Detroit, MI • On-site

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Job Title: Animal and Customer Care Associate
Location: Detroit, MI
Hours: Full-Time; 4 10-Hour Shifts
Who We Are:
Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.
Why Work with Us:
We're a mission-based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we'd love to talk to you. In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
  • Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
  • A positive and collaborative work environment
  • Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Human & Pet Bereavement
  • Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
  • Relaxed dress code
  • Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
  • Animal food discount
  • Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend.
  • Sabbatical Policy
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
  • Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The ACC Associate performs core adoption center work, including processing adoptions and assisting with intakes and euthanasia requests, while providing the highest quality of care for both the people and animals at our shelters. The ACC Associate also works directly with the animals entrusted to Michigan Humane, ensuring the highest quality of care. The ACC Associate is responsible for the daily care and well-being of all animals in the adoption center, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
Responsibilities:
  • Provides excellent customer service by assisting customers, answering questions, and explaining procedures and protocols.
  • Strive to support clients beyond the first need by providing resources for Michigan Humane programs or other community resources.
  • Greet all contacts on the phone and in person in a friendly and professional manner.
  • Assist potential adopters through the adoption process by listening to their needs, helping them match with an animal, and completing all forms and paperwork.
  • Process cash handling activities with regard to adoptions and intakes.
  • Humanely treats and care for all animals entrusted to Michigan Humane.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, dishes, cages, litter pans, and yard areas daily, spot cleaning animal and public areas as needed.
  • Feed, water, walk, socialize and bathe animals according to schedules and established protocols.
  • Assist with caring for the animals by preparing and providing enrichment items and activities to minimize shelter environment stress.
  • Maintain cleanliness in both people and animal areas as well as facility grounds through general upkeep and cleaning, including laundry
  • Restock assigned areas with essential supplies at the end of each shift
  • Obtain lab specimens such as feces and urine.
  • Administer medications and assist with vaccine administration under supervision.
  • Assist with animal handling and/or the restraint of animals when necessary.

Qualifications:
  • Flexible with the ability to thrive in an emotional, fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to show compassion to both animals and people in sensitive situations
  • Possesses good communication skills, diplomacy, and tact at all times.
  • Labor intensive must be able to stand for long periods, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, etc. and lift 50lbs without assistance
  • Must have visual acuity to accurately read animal body language
  • Required weekend schedule
  • High School diploma (or equivalent)
  • 1-3 years of related experience
  • Previous animal experience a plus

Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!