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Working With Animals Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Assistant

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Genuine passion for working with animals, including those that may be stressed, frightened, ill, or in pain. * Previous veterinary or animal care experience preferred (1+ year), but not required.

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All JobsWorking With Animals JobsWorking With Animals Jobs in Renton, WA

Working With Animals information

See Renton, WA salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Renton, WA is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.00 and $27.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of working with animals, high-paying roles such as specialized animal trainers, veterinary technicians with advanced skills, or private exotic animal caretakers can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience, certifications, or working in affluent or private settings. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or extensive experience rather than formal degrees. Most entry-level animal-related jobs tend to pay less, but specialized or private sector roles can reach higher income levels.

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 are good careers that work with animals?

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

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, and why are they important?

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.

How do I get started working 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 animal handling, communication, and observation. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and a genuine interest in animal care.

What jobs can you do with animals?

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

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 job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Working With Animals jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Working With Animals job openings:
Working With Animals jobs near you

Animal Care Internship: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium - Asian Forest Sanctuary

Parks Tacoma

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$2.5K/mo

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description SESSION LENGTH: 40 hours/week for 12 weeks, September through December 2026 LOCATION: Asian Forest Sanctuary, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM is the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest. The 29-acre zoological park was established in 1905, and attracts over 800,000 visitors a year. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more.

The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is operated by Parks Tacoma. OUR MISSION - Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.

To learn more visit pdza.org. Our Animal Care internship is designed to provide instruction in the following areas: habitat maintenance, nutrition and diets, environmental enrichment, public presentation/interpretation, species natural history, training, and husbandry. This Internship will take place in the Asian Forest Sanctuary, and is a unique opportunity for interns to work alongside zookeepers and gain valuable on the job training

Essential Duties Under the guidance of experienced Staff Biologists, interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of expertise, including, but not limited to: Daily Animal Care: Cleaning and general maintenance of exhibits and holding areas Animal Observation and Record-keeping: Nutrition and diets. Diet preparation. Appropriate vitamin supplementation.

Environmental enrichment. Implementation and analysis. Animal Training: Understanding and practicing the principles of animal training (reinforcement, operant conditioning, benefits of training).

Public Presentation: Sharing to guests the stories and natural history of the animals in our care. Project Completion: Interns will be expected to design, budget and implement a small project. Safety: Learning and consistently demonstrating safe work practices, including maintaining situational awareness while working in a rotational area with dangerous animals.

Minimum Qualifications We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please consider the breadth of your life experience when interpreting our listed duties and qualifications. Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certification.

Must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career towards the care and protection of wild life. Paid or volunteer experience working with animals. Examples may include, but are not limited to, zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, laboratories, or other related facilities.

This is an in-depth program requiring a 40 hour per week commitment, for a minimum of 12 weeks. Eligible candidates must be able to commit to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks. Additional Information Physical Demands: Interns must be capable of the physical requirements required to work with animals, specifically: Lifting and carrying heavy objects or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pushing, climbing, walking, kneeling and crouching to work with and feed animals. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools. Hazards: Exposure to potentially dangerous and sick animals.

Exposure to animal bodily fluids/products. Chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation and noise. Contact with dissatisfied visitors.

Environment: Indoor and outdoor environment throughout the year Adverse weather conditions. Cold water while interacting with animals and cleaning exhibits. Confined or dark work areas.

Internships are limited-term programs, with stipend payments generously provided by The Zoo Society. Stipends are considered taxable income and should be reported to the IRS on your tax return. Interns are not classified as employees of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, The Zoo Society or Parks Tacoma.

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