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Working Animals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Worker

Davie, FL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. * Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis. * Approaches his/her job duties ...

Kennel Worker AF

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$16.37 - $20.46/hr

... working relationships with other City employees, elected officials and the public; Organize, coordinate and complete tasks to meet scheduled deadlines. Lift/carry 50-70 pounds including animals, bags ...

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Working Animals information

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$8

$13

$18

How much do working animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals

Memphis, TN • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Who we are:

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals is Hiring a Veterinary Technician/ Assistant!

Position Details

Role: Veterinary Technician / AssistantStatus: Full-timeSalary: Negotiable and based on experienceSchedule: 3.5-4 days/week (34-38 hrs); 2 Saturdays/month; rotating Saturday PM + Sunday hospitalized care shifts. 

Benefits Highlights

Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support for veterinary technician licensing, and referral bonuses

Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; PTO; and employee pet discounts

Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, professional development opportunities, and uniform allowance

Lifestyle Perks You'll Appreciate: Paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, and employee discount programs

Looking for a Career Where Compassion and Teamwork Matter?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals is seeking dedicated Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians who are passionate about caring for pets and the people who love them. As a six-doctor practice, we understand that exceptional veterinary medicine starts with a strong, supportive team. Our mission is to enhance pet health while fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

If you embody Respect, Integrity, Accountability, and Compassion, we invite you to join a hospital where your contributions truly make a difference.

Why Our Team Loves Shelby Center Hospital for Animals

  • Supportive six-doctor practice with a collaborative team culture
  • Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education
  • Quarterly team reward bonus program
  • Tuition support for veterinary technician licensing
  • Meaningful work caring for pets and supporting their families
  • Leadership that values teamwork, accountability, and compassion
  • Opportunities to learn and expand your technical skills

What You'll Do

  • Deliver exceptional patient care and client service while educating clients on hospital services and best practices
  • Assist veterinarians with appointments, surgical procedures, dentistry, and treatments
  • Evaluate patients and communicate changes in condition or client concerns to veterinarians
  • Perform technical skills including blood collection, laboratory testing, IV catheter placement, treatments, and radiography
  • Admit, discharge, medicate, feed, walk, and monitor hospitalized patients
  • Safely handle and restrain animals of all sizes
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked hospital environment
  • Stay current on medications, protocols, and veterinary best practices
  • Thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining excellent patient care standards

The Extras You'll Actually Feel

  • A team that supports your success and celebrates your growth
  • Opportunities to develop new skills and advance your veterinary career
  • A workplace culture built on respect, accountability, and compassion
  • Meaningful relationships with clients, patients, and coworkers
  • Leadership committed to helping team members succeed

Benefits You Can't Beat

Financial Benefits

  • 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan (full-time and part-time)
  • Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
  • 529 Savings Plan (full-time and part-time)
  • Tuition Support Program for Veterinary Technician Licensing (20+ hours per week)
  • Referral bonus program (full-time and part-time)

Wellness Benefits

  • Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)
  • Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and dependent life insurance (full-time only)
  • Paid Time Off / Sick Leave (full-time and part-time)
  • Free or discounted laboratory work for up to four employee pets
  • Pet discounts on services and products
  • Pet food discount program

Workplace Benefits

  • Quarterly Team Reward Bonus Program
  • Continuing education allowance
  • Uniform allowance
  • Professional development opportunities

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Six paid holidays (full-time only)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discount program

Join Our Team!

If you're ready to join a team that values compassion, teamwork, and high-quality patient care, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Shelby Center Hospital for Animals family.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at Shelby Center Hospital for Animals and Vetcor. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees. Every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to various ways to understand and engage with the world. That's why we're committed to a workplace culture where employees are comfortable being their authentic selves, feel a complete sense of belonging, and are empowered to reach their highest potential.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME