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Working With Animals Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Previous experience with animals preferred * Customer service attitude * Organizational skills * Team oriented, enjoys working as part of team * Solid communication skills All Full Time Team Members ...

Must be comfortable working with animals and pets * Active role: walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs.) Why Choose Silverado? * Fortune Magazine Best Workplace in Aging Services * Certified Great ...

Bather, Petsense

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$10.50 - $13/hr

Must be comfortable working with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. Ability to demonstrate patience and compassion for animals and confidence in pet handling. Education: High school diploma or ...

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Working With Animals information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Tennessee is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee? For Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Working With Animals jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Working With Animals job openings:
Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,973 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

$15 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Veterinary Practice Partners rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Northgate Animal Hospital is hiring full-time Veterinary Assistants to provide skilled care to our patients and exceptional service to our clients. Our ideal candidate has experience in animal care, client communication, and veterinary procedures, with a passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners.

Our hospital is growing, and we're excited to expand our team! We're looking for a dedicated veterinary professional who's passionate about providing exceptional client and patient care. As our client base continues to grow, this is a great opportunity to join a supportive, collaborative, and thriving team environment. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

What to Expect

All the benefits you deserve-medical, dental, vision, and retirement.

  • Paid time off. Take the time you need to recharge.
  • Employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.
  • 401(k) with a generous company match to help you invest in your future while you care for pets today.
  • Employee referral bonus. Earn $1,000 when you refer a new team member to one of our 180+ partner hospitals across the country.
  • No weekend hours!

Salary: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour, determined by the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule: Enjoy a four-day work week with shifts from 7:20 AM to 5:45 PM, Monday through Friday. No weekend hours!

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
  • Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately
  • Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces
  • Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples
  • Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian
  • Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed
  • Maintain accurate medical records
  • Communicate with pet owners about their pets' care, treatment plans, and follow-up visits
  • Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting.
  • Technical know-how in areas such as disinfection, administering medication, and using diagnostic equipment.
  • Physical ability to handle animals safely and compassionately.

About Northgate Animal Hospital 

We're focused on making sure our hospital has the right tools to allow our doctor and medical staff the ability to provide excellent service and care. In addition to diagnostic and preventative services, our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment!

#VETASST


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