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

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Veterinary Assistant

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

This role involves direct interaction with animals and clients, ensuring smooth clinical procedures within standard clinic hours. Responsibilities * Provide care and comfort to animals during ...

Veterinary Assistant

Kent, WA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. • Prefer 1+ years of experience, but not required. • Ability to meet the physical demands of the ...

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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Working With Animals information

See Renton, WA salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,779 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Kent, WA


National Veterinary Associates
Veterinary Services • 10K+ employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated veterinary

People enjoy working here


$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The veterinary assistant is the entire team's primary support. Every department relies on their significant role in aiding with a variety of services to provide excellent client and patient care.

Job Description Overview:

. Assist with patient care and treatment

. Monitor hospitalized pets / Monitor/aid in caring for animals after surgery

. Maintain inventory and stocking

. Restrain animals during blood draws and nail trims

Aiding with routine diagnostic tests (i.e. Taking radiographs, running bloodwork, reading fecal)

Maintain & sterilize surgical instruments/equipment

Clean/Disinfect cages, kennels, exam and treatment areas of hospital

Administering medications under Veterinarian/Vet Tech supervision

Feeding/bathing animals

Answering phones

Customer service

Helping clients with their pets

Qualifications:

Must be 18yrs old or older

Must be a self-starter, able to multitask and a team player.

Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.

Prefer 1+ years of experience, but not required.

Ability to meet the physical demands of the job. Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs.). Should be able to lift 40lbs on own.

. Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent or squatting position.

. Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.

If you are passionate about animals and are interested in joining a team of highly devoted animal advocates, our hospital may be the right fit for you.

  • Compensation
    • Base hourly rate of $18.00 - $19.00 DOE

National Veterinary Associates logo

About National Veterinary Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

National Veterinary Associates, based in Agoura Hills, CA, US, is a leading provider in the veterinary healthcare industry. Established in 1996, it operates independently owned veterinary practices across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. With a passion for pet health, National Veterinary Associates supports over 1000 veterinary hospitals and pet resort entities. Though their website, nva.com, doesn't explicitly describe their mission, it is evident that their aim is to empower veterinarians with the resources they need to provide high-quality, compassionate pet care services. They have made remarkable strides in advancing veterinary medicine, which is a testament to their industry influence and commitment.

Industry

Veterinary services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

Year founded

1996


What National Veterinary Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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