1

Working With Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lead Pet Stylist

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 ...

Prior experience working with animals preferred. * Customer service attitude * Organizational skills * Team oriented Skills and Knowledge: * Solid communication skills * Compassion * Interpersonal ...

Description Position Overview: This role will also involve working on a modern day ... Moving animals with a sort board * Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting ...

Lead Pet Stylist

Grimes, 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 ...

Mobile Pet Groomer

Grimes, 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 ...

This role will also involve working on a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean sow farm. This ... Moving animals with a sort board * Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting ...

Showing results 21-40

Working With Animals information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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:

Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,402 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Canine Coach

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description

Position: Ensure a safe, fun, and stimulating environment for dogs in our care. You will be responsible for supervising playtime, providing basic care, and fostering positive interactions among dogs and staff. Ensuring a consistent, structured daycare routine. You will assist at the front desk to check dogs in and out of daycare, communicating with the owners as needed. 


Key Responsibilities:

  • Supervision: Monitor dog playgroups to ensure safety, proper behavior, and engagement among all dogs.
  • Activity Coordination: Organize and participate in play activities, ensuring dogs receive adequate exercise and stimulation.
  • Health and Safety: Conduct regular health checks on dogs, monitor for any signs of distress or illness, and respond appropriately to emergencies.
  • Basic Care: Provide feeding, watering, and basic grooming as needed, and ensure the cleanliness of play areas and facilities.
  • Behavior Management: Identify and address any behavioral issues, using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
  • Communication: Maintain open communication with pet owners about their dogs' activities, behavior, and any concerns.
  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with other staff members to maintain a positive and efficient daycare environment.
  • Customer Service and computer skills: checking dogs in and out of day, communicating with owners in a professional manner


Job Type: Part-time


Benefits:

  • Employee assistance program
  • On-the-job training
  • Paid training


Requirements

 Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; experience with dogs preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of dog behavior and handling techniques.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
  • Must be physically fit and able to handle dogs of various sizes and energy levels.
  • CPR and First Aid certification for pets is a plus or willingness to obtain.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry dogs as needed.
  • Capability to engage in physical activities, including walking, running, and bending.

Experience:

  • Prior experience working with animals preferred.
  • Customer service attitude
  • Organizational skills
  • Team oriented

Skills and Knowledge:

  • Solid communication skills
  • Compassion
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Physical stamina
  • Trustworthiness
  • Effective problem-solving