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

Animal Research Technician

Everett, WA · On-site

$22.25 - $36/hr

We provide structured, hands-on training for individuals who are comfortable working with animals, attentive to their well-being, and eager to learn. About the Role As an Animal Research Technician ...

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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

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$13

$24

$36

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Seattle, WA is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $28.17 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 Seattle, WA?

For Working With Animals jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Working With Animals jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Working With Animals job openings:

Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,374 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Animal Research Technician

Altasciences

Everett, WA • On-site

$22.25 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Altasciences rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Your New Company!
At Altasciences we all move in unison to assist and work in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of new drug therapies to get them faster to people who need them. No matter your role, we all play an important part and you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. By living our values of Employee Development, Customer Focus, Quality and Excellence, Respect and Integrity, we look to foster a passionate and collaborative work environment and we are looking for talented and enthusiastic people, like you, to join our growing team! Whether you're a recent college graduate or seeking your next career opportunity, it's time to discover your future at Altasciences.

We are better together and together We Are Altasciences.

Do you have hands-on experience caring for animals through FFA, 4-H, a veterinary clinic, kennel, grooming salon, boarding facility, farm, shelter, or similar setting? At Altasciences, you can build on those skills while supporting research that contributes to the development of new therapies. No previous laboratory experience is required. We provide structured, hands-on training for individuals who are comfortable working with animals, attentive to their well-being, and eager to learn.

About the Role

As an Animal Research Technician, you will work directly with research animals and support nonclinical/preclinical studies. You will observe animal health and behavior, assist with daily care, perform trained study procedures, collect samples and data, and help ensure animals are treated humanely and respectfully at all times.

What You'll Do
  • Handle and interact with research animals safely, calmly, and humanely.

  • Observe animals closely and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, activity, or overall well-being.

  • Support animal husbandry activities, including feeding, watering, sanitation, enrichment, and maintaining clean animal areas, as needed.

  • Perform study-related procedures in accordance with protocols, SOPs, training, and GLP requirements.

  • Collect biological samples, including blood and urine, after completing required training.

  • Administer test materials and treatments using approved routes and techniques after qualification.

  • Assist with anesthesia, sedation, catheter placement, and other technical procedures after training.

  • Record animal observations, procedures, and study data accurately and on time.

  • Prepare equipment, supplies, and study materials for scheduled procedures.

  • Operate research equipment such as infusion pumps, glucometers, thermometers, and other instruments.

  • Communicate animal observations and study updates to veterinary, animal care, technical, and scientific teams.

  • Participate in cross-training and ongoing skill development across animal research functions.

What You'll Need to SucceedRequired
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Comfort working directly with animals in a hands-on environment.

  • Compassion for animals and a strong commitment to humane care and animal welfare.

  • Ability to notice and communicate changes in animal appearance, behavior, or condition.

  • Ability to follow detailed written procedures and safety requirements.

  • Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.

  • Effective communication, reliability, and teamwork skills.

  • Basic computer proficiency.

Experience That Can Help You Succeed

Previous laboratory or research experience is not required. We welcome applicants with animal care or handling experience gained through:

  • FFA or 4-H animal science, livestock, veterinary science, or related programs.

  • Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary assistant roles.

  • Kennels, boarding facilities, dog daycares, shelters, or rescues.

  • Pet grooming or bathing roles.

  • Farms, stables, livestock operations, or other animal care settings.

  • Animal science, veterinary technology, agriculture, biology, or related coursework.

If you enjoy working with animals and want to turn that experience into a meaningful scientific career, we would love to hear from you!

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Altasciences is unable to provide sponsorship, sponsorship transfers, or visa support for this position now or in the future.

What We Offer

The pay range estimated for this position is $22.25 - $36.00 per hour. Please note that hourly rates/salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, prior relevant experience, skills, education, certification, location as well as internal equity and market data.

Benefits

Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work. Altasciences' Benefits Package Includes:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • 401(k) with Company Match

  • Paid Vacation and Holidays

  • Paid Sick Leave

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Free Parking

  • Free Lunch Daily, Monday-Friday

  • Telehealth Services

  • Training and Development Programs

  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

  • Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities

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MOVING IN UNISON TO DELIVER A BIG IMPACT WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Altasciences is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other protected grounds under applicable legislation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process are available upon request. Join us at Altasciences!


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