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Working With Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

HOLDEN FARMS INC

Herdsperson

Garnavillo, IA · On-site

$18/hr

If you seek a challenging and rewarding career and enjoy working with animals, check out Holden Farms today! Description: Reports to the Sow Farm Manager and is responsible for daily care, health and ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Patient Care Attendant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working with animals and wants to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital. Schedule : Part-time opportunity. What You'll Do * Provide ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Patient Care Attendant

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working with animals and wants to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital. Schedule : Part-time opportunity. What You'll Do * Provide ...

Bark & Play

Dog Daycare Attendant

West Burlington, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

No problem! We're happy to welcome individuals who are new to the field but have a passion for working with animals. Why Bark & Play? At Bark & Play, we believe in creating a safe and enjoyable ...

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Mobile Pet Groomer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$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 ...

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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 Sep 9, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,402 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Herdsperson

Garnavillo, IA • On-site

HOLDEN FARMS INC
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about HOLDEN FARMS INCexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Holden Farms strives to be the nation's most progressive, innovative, and collaborative pork producer. At Holden Farms, we pride ourselves on teamwork, personal growth, and opportunity. If you seek a challenging and rewarding career and enjoy working with animals, check out Holden Farms today! 

Description: Reports to the Sow Farm Manager and is responsible for daily care, health and maintenance for all pigs at designated work site. 

Hours: Generally - Monday-Friday 6:30am-4:00pm; times may vary based on business needs 

                Rotating Weekend and Holiday Schedule Required.

Compensation: Hourly, competitive based on experience, quarterly bonuses, plus we offer an excellent benefits package

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Daily pig care 
  • Sorting 
  • Monthly maintenance, such as cleaning dryer vents, greasing anchor bearings, and bait.
  • Ordering feed 
  • Understand and follow for Holden Farms Biosecurity Program 
  • Power Washing farrow rooms and hallways.
  • Pig movement. 
  • Castration 
  • Feeding and checking waters
  • Perform heat detection on sows. 
  • Breed sows through artificial insemination.
  • Conduct pregnancy checks.  
  • Monitor and treat sows as needed by administering vaccines and medicines.  
  • Cleaning facilities and minor maintenance 
  • Keeping detailed and accurate records 
  • Other site maintenance as needed.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Strong interest in working with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop. 
  • Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude  
  • Strong prioritization and organizational skills 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Dependable and able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat and kneel.   
  • Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 9+ hrs./day. 

Benefits Available for Full-time Positions: 

  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Life Insurance 
  • 401(k) + Company Contribution 
  • Profit Sharing 
  • Short Term Disability/Long Term Disability
  • Paid Holidays
  • PTO 
  • Free Hog Yearly 
  • Much More! 

No previous experience working with pigs is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.






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