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Working With Animals Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS · On-site

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

S degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals; OR Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution. Supplemental Information ...

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with animals and want exposure to a veterinary hospital environment. What You'll Do * Care for boarding and hospitalized ...

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers ...

Must be passionate about working with animals. Responsible for the maintenance of the Animal Care facility; feeds, cleans, cares for, and disposes of animals; cleans out animal stalls, sweeps, cleans ...

Sow Supervisor

Utica, MN · On-site

$80K/yr

If you seek a challenging and rewarding career and enjoy working with animals, check out Holden Farms today! The Sow Farm Supervisor reports to the General Manager in the Sow division and supervises ...

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Kennel Attendant

Granger, IN · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Working with animals is fulfilling and makes it fun to get up and go to work everyday! Our attendants are expected to: * Show up on time and be reliable. * Communicate and work well with others.

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Working With Animals information

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How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 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.
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What cities are hiring for Working With Animals jobs?

Cities with the most Working With Animals job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Working With Animals jobs?

The most popular types of Working With Animals jobs are:

What states have the most Working With Animals jobs?

States with the most job openings for Working With Animals jobs include:

Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Animal Keeper

Garden City, KS • On-site

City of Garden City (KS)
Public Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$18.93 - $23.08/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide care for animals by preparing diets, feeding, cleaning, and maintaining habitats and related structures.

  • Perform daily observations of animals to monitor health and behavior, and assist with medical treatments and veterinary procedures as needed.

  • Communicate with visitors for educational, behavioral, and safety purposes, and assist with training and documentation related to animal care.


Job description

Description The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Animal Keeper with the Lee Richardson Zoo. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds and facilities, as well as some clerical responsibilities. Examples of Duties Provides care (prepares diets for, feeds and cleans) for animals and maintains habitats, related structures, and surrounding non-public areas.

Perform daily observation of animals to identify normal and abnormal behaviors related to husbandry/health issues; coordinate with senior staff on animal training programs to facilitate husbandry behaviors. Communicate questions or concerns regarding medical/health issues of specimens in collection to supervisor. Assist with treatment as directed including administering medication.

Provides behavioral and psychological enrichment for animals. Communicate with visitors as needed for educational (delivers public talks/demos) and behavioral/safety purposes. Disposes of trash and debris in zoo.

Maintains landscaping and grounds for and around habitats. Services and maintains tools and equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, includes opening and closing of facilities. Follows all safety rules and regulations, policies and procedures.

Attends regular safety meetings. Assists with training for new keepers or seasonal staff as assigned. Documents observations and information on animal health, behavior, diet, enrichment, and facilities for department records.

Assists with veterinary procedures if needed. Performs basic health care procedures (hoof trims, etc.) as assigned. Typical Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and equipment

Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Knowledge of animal diet preparation, general biology, and behavior. Knowledge of maintenance methods and materials.

Ability to receive, understand, and carry out verbal and written instruction, direction, and assignments. Ability to perform physical work activities in varying weather conditions. Ability to communicate and cooperate with city employees and to deal with the public in an effective and positive manner.

Education, Certification and Experience: Valid Kansas driver's license required. A.S. degree in one of the life sciences with at least two years of full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution; OR B.S

degree in one of the life sciences with experience working with animals; OR Five years full-time, paid experience working with animals in an accredited institution. Supplemental Information Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside with indoor work in cages, barns and compounds housing animals.

Weather conditions include extreme, moderate and temperate cold and heat; snow, ice, fog, rain, sleet, hail, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions. Works with chemicals as required. Surfaces: Sand, gravel, dirt, asphalt, concrete, rock, clay, indoor & outdoor ponds and waterfall.

Some chemicals and medication involved. Physical Characteristics: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, carry, shovel, rake, scoop, sit, stand, see, hear, drive, tug, speak and sweep.