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Working Animals Jobs in Barrie, ON (NOW HIRING)

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 near Barrie, ON are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities near Barrie, ON with the most Working Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Barrie, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Barrie, ON • On-site

CA$22 - CA$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) - Make a Difference Every Day

Do you want to be part of a team where your skills are valued, your compassion makes a real impact, and your love of animals is shared every single day?

At Allandale Veterinary Hospital, we're not just a clinic-we're a community. Whether it's supporting local rescues, sending veterinary teams abroad, or making our patients feel safe and comforted, we show up with heart in everything we do. If you're a dedicated RVT looking to grow in a fast-paced, supportive environment, we'd love to meet you.

Why Choose Allandale?

We are a 13-doctor practice known across Barrie and beyond-some clients travel hours to see us. We are proudly AAHA- and CVO-accredited, and a Cat Friendly Practice with staff trained in Fear-Free handling. We're also deeply committed to our community and global outreach, working with organizations like The Global Alliance for Animals and People and local groups such as the Barrie Food Bank and numerous rescue partners.

What You'll Love About This Role:

You'll work alongside a team of highly skilled professionals who are as passionate about continuous learning as they are about patient care. Every day brings variety, challenge, and opportunity-plus lots of furry affection.

What We're Looking For:
  • RVT license in good standing

  • Graduate of a 2-3 year Veterinary Technician/Technology program

  • 2-3 years' experience working with small animals

  • Proficiency in safe handling restraint techniques

  • Strong communication skills and a love for client education

  • A calm, compassionate presence with patients

  • The ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment

  • Emergency/critical care experience is an asset

  • Flexibility to work rotational shifts

You're the Right Fit If You:
  • Love what you do and bring positive energy to your team

  • Thrive in a collaborative, team-first culture

  • Are passionate about personal and professional growth

  • Have exceptional client service skills and emotional intelligence

  • Want to work where you feel valued and supported

What We Offer:
  • A collaborative, team-focused environment

  • Career development support and CE allowance

  • Competitive wages (starting wage $22.00 - $30.00 depending on experience and skill set) and comprehensive benefits package.  

  • Staff discounts on services and products

  • Opportunities to be involved in community outreach and global initiatives

  • A practice that genuinely cares-for pets, clients, and our people


If you're ready to work somewhere that values your passion and celebrates your contributions, apply on this site or send your resume to careers@allandalevet.com-we can't wait to meet you.

Note: We are growing, so this position is for a current vacancy

We are committed to fostering an open and inclusive environment where everyone belongs, our people feel comfortable and confident to be themselves and reach their full potential regardless of age, race, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, marital and family status, religion or other belief, culture, sexual orientation, or disability.


NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US