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Working Animals Jobs in Portland, TX (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

... working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. • Prefer 1+ years of experience, but not required. • Ability to meet the physical demands of the ...

Petco

Sales Associate

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... and working as part of a team in a fast-paced, purpose-driven retail environment. What You'll Do Pet First * Support the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco ...

Petco

Sales Associate

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... and working as part of a team in a fast-paced, purpose-driven retail environment. What You'll Do Pet First * Support the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco ...

Petco

Sales Associate

Corpus Christi, TX

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... and working as part of a team in a fast-paced, purpose-driven retail environment. What You'll Do Pet First * Support the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco ...

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All JobsWorking Animals JobsWorking Animals Jobs in Portland, TX

Working Animals information

See Portland, TX salary details

$6

$11

$15

How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for working animals in Portland, TX is $11.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $12.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Portland, TX are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities near Portland, TX with the most Working Animals job openings:

Working Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Portland, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $23,185 per year, or $11.1 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

National Veterinary Associates

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

National Veterinary Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 56 rated veterinary

Job description

The veterinary assistant is the entire team's primary support. Every department relies on their significant role in aiding with a variety of services to provide excellent client and patient care.

Job Description Overview:

. Assist with patient care and treatment

. Monitor hospitalized pets / Monitor/aid in caring for animals after surgery

. Maintain inventory and stocking

. Restrain animals during blood draws and nail trims

Aiding with routine diagnostic tests (i.e. Taking radiographs, running bloodwork, reading fecal)

Maintain & sterilize surgical instruments/equipment

Clean/Disinfect cages, kennels, exam and treatment areas of hospital

Administering medications under Veterinarian/Vet Tech supervision

Feeding/bathing animals

Answering phones

Customer service

Helping clients with their pets

Qualifications:

Must be 18yrs old or older

Must be a self-starter, able to multitask and a team player.

Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.

Prefer 1+ years of experience, but not required.

Ability to meet the physical demands of the job. Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.). Should be able to lift 40lbs on own.

. Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent or squatting position.

. Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.

If you are passionate about animals and are interested in joining a team of highly devoted animal advocates, our hospital may be the right fit for you.

What National Veterinary Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996

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