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Working Animals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Worker

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18.45 - $23.38/hr

Assists with euthanasia of animals. Qualifications * High school diploma or general education degree and six months of experience working with animals is desirable -or- equivalent combination of ...

Kennel Worker

Urbana, IL

$18.45 - $23.38/hr

Assists with euthanasia of animals. Qualifications * High school diploma or general education degree and six months of experience working with animals is desirable -or- equivalent combination of ...

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Working Animals information

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How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for working animals in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain high-level consultants or contractors. These positions typically require advanced education, certifications, and significant experience, often working in demanding environments or on a project basis.

What is the job called when you work with animals?

A person who works with animals is often called an animal caretaker, zookeeper, or animal trainer, depending on the specific role. These jobs typically require knowledge of animal behavior, safety protocols, and sometimes specialized certifications or training. The work environment can include zoos, farms, shelters, or research facilities.

What are some of the 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 are working animals?

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 thrive as an Animal Trainer working with working animals, and why are they important?

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Working animals, such as service or therapy animals, do not typically earn income directly. However, careers related to training, handling, or managing working animals—like professional dog trainers or equine specialists—can sometimes reach high earnings through private clients, certifications, and experience, especially in specialized or high-demand areas. Most of these roles require skills, experience, and sometimes certifications but not necessarily a college degree.

What is a good job for working with animals?

A good job for working with animals is a veterinary technician, animal trainer, zookeeper, or animal shelter worker. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, proper handling skills, and sometimes certifications or training in animal care. They often involve working in environments such as clinics, zoos, farms, or shelters and may require physical stamina and patience.
More about Working Animals jobs
What cities are hiring for Working Animals jobs? Cities with the most Working Animals job openings:
What states have the most Working Animals jobs? States with the most job openings for Working Animals jobs include:
Infographic showing various Working Animals job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Intern, Animal Caregiver, Black Beauty Ranch - Fall 2026 (6 openings)

Humane World for Animals

Murchison, TX • On-site

$13.39/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

September 7, 2026 - November 27, 2026
$13.39 per hour working 40 hours per week. Housing provided!
When applying, you will be asked to submit a cover letter, resume, completed Essential Capabilities document, and three letters of recommendation/references with your application.
Please specify in your cover letter if you have a specific area of interest (equine, farm animals, wildlife, and/or primate).
Humane World for Animals, a global leader in animal advocacy and protection has Animal Care Internships (6) available for Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch (CABBR) in Murchison, TX. The sanctuary provides a permanent home to more than 700 domestic and exotic animals, with over 40 species.
Animal Care interns will primarily learn about and perform various animal husbandry duties alongside the staff while gaining valuable ranch experience and knowledge about Black Beauty Ranch (BBR) and Humane World for Animals. The internship is for 12 weeks during Fall 2026 (September 7 - November 27), working approximately 40 hours a week. If selected, interns must commit to the full 12-week session.
Responsibilities:
  • Learn how to properly care for various species of animals including knowledge of proper diet, operant conditioning, and enrichment for various species;
  • Learn the care and husbandry challenges of the animals in our care;
  • Learn basic medical care procedures and documentation;
  • Knowledge of BBR and how the program area fits into the larger picture of animal protection;
  • Exposure to the operations of an animal care center;
  • Knowledge of various animal protection issues;
  • Knowledge of animals' habitats;
  • Develop a structured mentor/mentee relationship;
  • Strengthen networking and time management skills including how to prioritize assignments and multi-task;
  • Opportunity to either research and present an educational presentation on a preselected topic, or complete a working project for one of BBR's departments (must be approved by supervisor);

Intern in our equine, wildlife, farm or primate department, performing the following responsibilities:
  • Prepare diets and feed/water in measured amounts using diet instructions (for larger pastures, this requires driving a ranch truck); keep track of animal feedings on forms and feeding board;
  • Clean enclosures which may include raking, weeding, sweeping platforms, and climbing ladders up to 8 feet;
  • Learn to identify animals as individuals;
  • Observe and monitor health and well-being of animals and maintain detailed observation records as directed;
  • Provide behavioral enrichment and stimulation on a daily basis;
  • Complete general housekeeping tasks: use appropriate cleaning and disinfecting agents, sweep, mop, and wipe down counters of work areas, ensure proper removal of garbage and compost, launder towels and bedding as needed, empty and wash/sanitize dishes daily, keep food storage areas and work areas neat and tidy, and wash carriers or caging;
  • Maintain equipment through regular cleaning of vehicles and equipment used in outside work.

Qualifications and Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age;
  • Must have reliable transportation and arrive on time for shifts;
  • Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) test; Tetanus & preexposure rabies vaccinations recommended but not required;
  • Must have a driver's license and an excellent driving record;
  • Must wear closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes;
  • Must be able to learn and follow guidelines and policies of Humane World and BBR, and follow directions given by staff;
  • Must submit the required paperwork and pass a background check before being assigned;
  • Should have a phone for easy communication, access to a computer and ability to login into an online volunteer communication site to receive updates;

Necessary knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • Able to meet the requirements outlined in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and able to maintain professionalism in attitude and appearance;
  • Able and willing to follow all safe animal handling protocols;
  • Able to work closely with the BBR staff;
  • Attentive to detail with a commitment to accuracy;
  • Able to work well independently and as part of a team;
  • Able to learn, follow directions, and make appropriate suggestions;
  • Possess a strong personal work ethic;
  • Willing to take initiative on a variety of projects and change priorities;
  • Must be organized and tidy, as interns are responsible for keeping the surrounding grounds clean and trash-free;
  • Able to understand Humane World and BBR's policies, mission, and positions regarding animal protection issues and able and willing to appropriately and accurately represent those policies when interacting with the public or otherwise representing the organization;
  • Volunteer experience or prior internship working with and/or handling equine, farmed animals, or wildlife is helpful.

This full-time position is located in Murchison, TX. On-site housing provided.
When completing the application please use the additional documents section to upload your cover letter, resume, completed Essential Capabilities document, and three letters of recommendation/references.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE
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