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Working Animals Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nashville Zoo

Lorikeet Keeper

Nashville, TN

... animals and guests * Model the Zoo's image and code of professional ethics in words and actions at all times * Maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of Nashville Zoo guests, working with ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Working Animals jobs in Tennessee?

For Working Animals jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working Animals jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Working Animals jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Working Animals job openings:

Working Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Kennel Assistant - McGehee Clinic for Animals

SuVeto

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Suveto rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

McGehee Clinic for Animals, part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is looking for an experienced full-time Kennel Assistant to join our Team!
Located in Memphis, TN, McGehee Clinic for Animals is an AHAA accredited practice. We are a four-doctor practice, one of which is a member of the ABVP. We are a family-oriented clinic and have many employees that have worked here over 10 years. We have been voted Best Veterinary Clinic in Memphis over seven times in recent years.
Our Kennel Assistants provide daily care for animals and assist with kennel maintenance. The main objective is to maintain a safe and clean environment for our furry guests.
Additionally, this means interacting with our clients as they pick up and drop off their pets. Working with dogs is a lot of fun, but this job is extremely demanding and requires someone who understands dog behavior and has excellent dog handling skills.
Candidates must be organized, able to communicate clearly with staff and owners, work independently and have a passion for dogs of all sizes and personalities. Candidates must be knowledgeable about dog behavior and body language and able to redirect dogs that are exhibiting inappropriate behavior in a safe manner.
This is a Full-Time position.
The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal care and be responsible for:
- Providing daily care for animals including feeding, watering, and exercising
- Cleaning and sanitizing kennels, cages, and animal living areas
- Monitoring the health and well-being of animals
- Assisting with bathing and grooming as needed
- Administering medications under the direction of veterinary staff
- Interacting with pet owners and providing excellent customer service
Requirements:
- Experience in animal handling or related field preferred but not required
- Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical tasks
- Knowledge of basic animal care practices
- Strong communication skills and customer service orientation
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment
- Participate in weekend rotations, working shifts every other weekend
- Must be reliable
Benefits
Our employment package for full-time employees includes paid time off, paid holidays, medical, dental and vision insurance, pet care discounts, 401K with a true match up to 4%. In addition, all full-time hospital team members receive VSOP® grants, SUVETO'S VETERINARY STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN, at no cost to team members. VSOP® is an ownership program that tracks the value of the entire Suveto organization.
McGehee Clinic for Animals, part of the Suveto network of hospitals, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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