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Working Animals Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Communicate with the animals' owners, (as required) and be aware of any medical needs observed during your training or walk. Requirements: * Prior experience working with dogs is preferred

Veterinary Assistant

Hopewell, NY · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting. * Technical know-how in areas such as disinfection, administering medication, and using diagnostic equipment. * Physical ability to ...

Sales Associate

Batavia, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sales Associate

Henrietta, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sales Associate

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sales Associate

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sales Associate

Henrietta, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Sales Associate

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Kennel Supervisor

Fairport, NY

$17 - $18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This role is perfect for someone who loves working hands‑on with animals and takes pride in creating a clean, safe, and comforting environment for pets while their families are away. What You'll Do ...

Guest Services Associate

Fairport, NY · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Experience working in Google Apps, Facebook, and using online information systems strongly ... Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life ...

Guest Services Associate

Fairport, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Experience working in Google Apps, Facebook, and using online information systems strongly ... Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life ...

Showing results 21-40

Working Animals information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for working animals in Rochester, NY is $13.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $15.19 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 Rochester, NY are hiring for Working Animals jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Working Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,318 per year, or $13.6 per hour.

Part Time Dog Trainer

Ruff Day Resort

Webster, NY • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Ruff Day Resort is looking for an experienced Dog Trainer. He/she will work with dogs and puppies of all ages in our facility and in some client settings.
The ideal person for this position understands the safety and priority of the animals in their care. He/she should be an independent and reliable self-starter with lots of energy and a passion for dogs. AKC certifications are preferred to certify dogs and puppies with STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen and more.
Responsibilities:
  • Exercise - Walk, run, or jog the clients' dogs to provide daily exercise/training. If requested, bring the dog to a dog park/stores for social interaction.
  • Social Media - Videos are required for client education, skills in Instagram and TikTok are required
  • Other services - Pick up after the animals during the walk. Check the dogs' food and water supply, and if needed, provide food and water to the animal after the daily walk. Communicate with the animals' owners, (as required) and be aware of any medical needs observed during your training or walk.

Requirements:
  • Prior experience working with dogs is preferred
  • Compassion, patience, and reliability
  • The ability to walk, run, pull, push, bend or reach
  • The ability to lift up to 35 pounds
  • Capable of handling all sizes of canines from small to large
  • Social Media Skills are required in video and photo

Feel free to stop in with your resume and speak to a manager.