ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Working With Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Lead Pet Stylist

Grimes, IA

$250 - $500/day

If you're reliable, have a strong work ethic, and love working with animals, we want you on our team! Ready to Join? If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, don't wait! Apply now and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorking With Animals JobsWorking With Animals Jobs in Iowa

Working With Animals information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Iowa is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does working with animals involve?

Working with animals can include a variety of roles such as veterinary care, animal training, animal shelter work, wildlife conservation, and research. Professionals in this field may care for animals' health, train them for specific tasks, or work to conserve endangered species. The work environment can range from clinics and zoos to laboratories and the wild. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring behavior, and sometimes educating the public about animal welfare. The job can be physically demanding but is often rewarding for animal lovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career working with animals?

To thrive in a career working with animals, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and, for some roles, certifications or degrees in animal science or veterinary technology. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes first aid or animal CPR certification is typical. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and effective communication with team members or pet owners. These skills and qualities are vital for promoting animal health, safety, and positive human-animal interactions in various professional settings.

What are some common challenges faced when working with animals in a professional setting?

Professionals working with animals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, physically demanding tasks, and emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals. Adapting quickly to each animal's unique temperament and needs is essential, as is following strict safety and hygiene protocols. Teamwork is also crucial, as animal care roles frequently require close collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other specialists to ensure the well-being of the animals.

What is the difference between Working With Animals vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectWorking With AnimalsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification neededCertification or training often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, farms, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet industry, farmsVeterinary hospitals, research facilities, shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving animalsDetails about animal care responsibilities and qualifications

Working With Animals is a broad term covering various roles involving animal interaction, while Animal Care Technicians focus specifically on providing medical and daily care in veterinary or shelter settings. Both roles require a passion for animals, but Animal Care Technicians often need specific training or certification. The choice depends on your desired work environment and career goals.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals, gain relevant experience through volunteering at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain necessary certifications such as animal first aid or pet CPR, and develop skills in handling and caring for different species. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These roles often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments such as clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What careers can I have with working with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer, and veterinary technician. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What is the job called when you work with animals?

A job involving working with animals is typically called an animal caretaker, zookeeper, veterinarian, animal trainer, or pet groomer, depending on the specific duties. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, proper handling skills, and sometimes certifications or licenses. The work environment can include zoos, veterinary clinics, farms, or pet stores.

What are popular job titles related to Working With Animals jobs in Iowa?

For Working With Animals jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Working With Animals jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Working With Animals job openings:

Working With Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,402 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Animal Care Assistant

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Temporary

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Animal Rescue League of Iowa rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

768th of 773 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Animal Care Assistant

Care for shelter animals while they wait for loving homes.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking compassionate and dependable Animal Care Assistants to join our team in a temporary, part-time role through November 2026. This position provides daily care for shelter animals while helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This is a great opportunity for someone with animal care, shelter, kennel, veterinary, pet care, boarding, farm, or hands-on animal handling experience who enjoys meaningful work, staying active, and making a direct difference for animals every day.

Schedule
  • Temporary, part-time position expected to continue through November 2026
  • Monday through Saturday availability needed
  • 7am to 7pm - shift times vary depending on location
  • Opportunities for continued employment may be available based on organizational needs and individual performance after November
About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do
  • Provide daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals, including feeding, watering, walking, exercise, and enrichment.
  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal living spaces, dishes, laundry, and shared areas.
  • Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavior changes and report concerns promptly.
  • Document animal care information accurately in Shelter Buddy and other systems.
  • Support positive interactions with adopters, volunteers, visitors, and team members.
  • Assist with general facility cleaning and daily operational needs.
  • Follow animal handling, safety, sanitation, and organizational procedures.
What We’re Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Previous experience working with animals strongly preferred.
  • Animal shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, pet care, boarding, farm, or similar experience highly desirable.
  • Previous customer service experience preferred.
  • Dependable, observant, compassionate, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfort working with animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical needs.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees at the ARL are part of a mission-focused culture where their work directly supports animals, pet owners, and the community. Benefits and employee offerings may include:

  • Veterinary benefits
  • Opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful community impact
  • 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter environment and may require frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, cleaning, and safely handling animals throughout the shift. Candidates must be able to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The role may involve exposure to pet dander, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, strong odors, zoonotic diseases, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As an Animal Care Assistant, your work helps animals stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for adoption. From cleaning kennels and providing enrichment to noticing changes in an animal’s wellbeing, your attention and care directly support better outcomes for animals in need.

If you are dependable, compassionate, and looking for meaningful hands-on work with animals, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.

What Animal Rescue League of Iowa employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom