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Working Animals Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Naturalist

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Experience working with children and families. * Experience caring for live animals or willingness to learn. * Experience working with volunteers is a plus. Education Bachelor's degree in ...

Pet Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with animals and providing top-notch grooming services. Qualifications: A minimum of 1 year grooming experience is required with knowledge of breed ...

Pet Groomer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with animals and providing top-notch grooming services. Qualifications: A minimum of 1 year grooming experience is required with knowledge of breed ...

Showing results 41-60

Working Animals information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for working animals in Silver Spring, MD is $14.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.16 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Working Animals jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Working Animals jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working Animals jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Working Animals jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Working Animals jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Working Animals job openings:
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,670 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

$25 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Seeking a Veterinary Assistant
North Oatlands Animal Hospital is hiring a full-time Vet Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!
What to Expect
As you join our mission to create a better world for animals and the people who love them, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:
  • All the benefits you deserve-medical, dental, vision, retirement-plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.
  • Paid time off. Catch your breath with paid holidays and PTO.

Salary: $25-$33/hr based on experience and skillset.
Schedule: Will work full-time hours Monday-Saturday.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
  • Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately
  • Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces
  • Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples
  • Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian
  • Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Communicate with pet owners about their pets' care, treatment plans, and follow-up visits
  • Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment

Qualifications:
  • 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 handle animals safely and compassionately.

About North Oatlands Animal Hospital
At North Oatlands Animal Hospital & Reproductive Center you can count on superior care and excellent service. We aim to assemble an expert team of veterinary professionals to provide the best possible healthcare for our patients. We have state of the art veterinary facilities and a clean, comfortable, efficient, environment. In addition, we maintain AAHA-accreditation. Does this sound like the place for you?
#VETASST

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