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Working Animals Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Attendent

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Previous experience working with animals or in a kennel environment preferred. * Ability to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments safely and humanely. * Strong attention to detail and ...

Kennel Attendent

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Previous experience working with animals or in a kennel environment preferred. * Ability to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments safely and humanely. * Strong attention to detail and ...

General Helper

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Working Conditions: • Exposure to animals, noise, and dirt • May require weekend or holiday availability for animal care • Ability to perform physical work and work outdoors in varying ...

Observes animals in custody for indications of disease. * Provides maintenance, general cleaning ... Oversees and trains volunteers working directly with the kennel technician. Minimum Training and ...

Kennel Technician

Warrensburg, MO · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Previous experience working with animals (professional or volunteer) preferred. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling is a plus. Ability to follow detailed instructions and hospital ...

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Working Animals information

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 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 cities in Missouri are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Working Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Nature and Level of Work

The requirement for this position will require the Animal Care Worker to Perform routine, manual work involving feeding, watering and custodial duties for a large number of equine (Horses) and/or food animals used in controlled research projects.

The Equine Animal Care Worker position will be distinguished from other animal caretakers through responsibilities for large food animals and horses.  The Work will be subject to close checking for conformance with instructions and sanitary procedures.

The Equine Animal Care Worker will be required to work alone with large food animals and Horses. Most assignments are performed without continuing review of work methods, other functional contacts include co-workers, students, researchers and clients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Feed and care for animals. Prepare, mix, and weigh food for animals. Administer special diets and water animals. Ensure that caged animals have adequate food and water supply and that other animals proceed to designated feeding locations. Lift bales of hay with weight up to 70 pounds.

  • Maintain orderliness and observe strict sanitary precautions. Clean cages, rooms, stalls, barns, adjacent areas and various equipment used in animal care and experimentation. Remove and replace bedding, sweep or wash floors, load waste material and transport to field or pile for disposal or future use. Perform minor maintenance associated with animal quarters (i.e., mend fence, re-hang gate, etc.)

  • Dispose of dead animals. May euthanize animals in accordance with standardized procedures and under close supervision of properly trained personnel.

  • Provide information and assistance to clients using knowledge of animals and procedures.

  • May handle and tame young animals and animals to acclimate to human contact.

Supervision Received

Under close supervision, receive oral and written instructions daily covering special assignments or changes in work routine.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Pay Rate: $15.00

Location: Columbia,  Missouri

Hours: 7am - 4pm