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Working With Animals Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

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 ...

Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa

Lead Pet Stylist

Clive, 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 ...

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Livestock Caretaker

Decorah, IA · On-site

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 ...

WFR

Livestock Caretaker

Decorah, IA · On-site

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 ...

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Working With Animals information

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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.

Livestock Caretaker

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Decorah, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Overview:

This role will also involve working on a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean sow farm. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to learn the ins and outs of the swine industry and gain practical knowledge.


Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Ensuring all animals are receiving proper feed, water, and ventilation
  • Shipping and receiving animals
  • Treating animals
  • Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
  • Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving
  • Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
  • Moving animals with a sort board
  • Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
  • Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots
  • Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
  • Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
  • Pen management, culling, sorting
  • Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
  • Testing via blood/saliva samples as needed
  • Understand & follow WFR’s biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility
  • Understand & follow WFR’s animal welfare policy
  • Understand & follow WFR’s handbook and procedures
  • Work respectfully with a diverse team of 15-18 employees
  • Maintain PQA+ certification

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • No previous experience required. Must have willingness to learn.

Qualifications

  • Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
  • Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
  • Strong prioritization and organizational skills
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat & kneel
  • Capable to do repeated actions
  • Effectively communicate with team members

Work Environment

  • Schedule: Must work scheduled days and hours, will work weekends and extra hours as needed. Must work full time, a minimum of 80 hours each pay period.
  • Environment: indoors and outdoors, dusty environments, hog farm. Nosie level is usually moderate to loud.
  • Travel: Requirements are limited. May have to travel occasionally for meetings, supplies, etc.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

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