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Zoo Vet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Administrative Assistant, Vet Clinic

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Performs accurate and timely medical data entry including but not limited to laboratory ...

Houston Zoo

Administrative Assistant, Vet Clinic

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Performs accurate and timely medical data entry including but not limited to laboratory ...

houstonzoo

Administrative Assistant, Vet Clinic

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Performs accurate and timely medical data entry including but not limited to laboratory ...

houstonzoo

Administrative Assistant, Vet Clinic

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Performs accurate and timely medical data entry including but not limited to laboratory ...

North Carolina

Veterinary Technician

Asheboro, NC · On-site

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Veterinary Technician. The Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians and Vet Tech ...

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Zoo Vet information

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$25K

$189.7K

$239.5K

How much do zoo vet jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo vet in the United States is $189,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,500.00 and $219,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a zoo vet do?

A zoo vet, or zoo veterinarian, is a specialized veterinarian who cares for the health and well-being of animals living in zoos and wildlife parks. Their responsibilities include diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, developing nutrition plans, and helping with breeding programs. They also conduct health checks, monitor animal behavior, and work closely with zookeepers to ensure the animals' habitats are safe and enriching. Zoo vets often participate in conservation and research efforts to protect endangered species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo vet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Vet, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, specialized training in exotic and wildlife species, and relevant state licensure. Experience with diagnostic imaging, anesthesia equipment, and specialized wildlife medical records systems such as ZIMS is often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help Zoo Vets collaborate with keepers and other specialists while ensuring animal well-being. These competencies are essential for providing high-quality care to diverse species and maintaining the health of zoo populations.

What are some common challenges zoo vets face when treating a diverse range of animal species?

Zoo Vets regularly encounter unique challenges due to the wide variety of species under their care, each with distinct anatomy, behaviors, and medical needs. Diagnosing illnesses can be complex, as many exotic animals mask symptoms and require specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge. Additionally, procedures often involve collaboration with zookeepers and may require creative approaches to anesthesia and restraint to minimize animal stress. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential, as new cases and species are frequently introduced into the zoo environment.

How do I become a zoo veterinarian?

To become a zoo veterinarian, you need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary college, gain experience in exotic animal medicine, and often complete internships or residencies focused on wildlife or zoo animals. Certification from the American College of Zoological Medicine or similar organizations can enhance job prospects, and strong skills in animal handling, diagnostics, and teamwork are essential.

How hard is it to get a job as a zoo vet?

Becoming a zoo veterinarian is competitive and requires extensive education, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and specialized training in exotic animal medicine. Candidates often need experience through internships or work with wildlife or exotic animals, along with strong clinical skills and certifications. The job market is limited, and positions are highly sought after, making persistence and a solid professional background essential.

Is there a demand for zoo vets?

Zoo veterinarians are in steady demand due to the specialized nature of caring for diverse animal species and the need for qualified professionals with veterinary degrees and experience in wildlife medicine. Employment opportunities are often available in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation organizations, with competition for positions being moderate to high depending on location and experience. Strong skills in diagnostics, anesthesia, and animal handling are essential for success in this field.
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What states have the most Zoo Vet jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Vet jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Vet jobs?

For Zoo Vet jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Zoo Vet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Vet job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $189,657 per year, or $91.2 per hour.

Petting Zoo Attendant

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

Hattiesburg Convention Commission
Traveler Accommodation • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Hattiesburg Convention Commissionexternal

$12.50 - $15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate the petting zoo and wallaby walkthrough, enforce rules, and report issues to animal keepers.

  • Assist with cleaning animal holdings, exhibit maintenance, and zoo grounds upkeep.

  • Participate in guest interactions and educational programs, including animal presentations and experiences.

Job description

 

Job Description: Petting Zoo Attendant (Part-Time)

DEPARTMENT: Zoo Education

LOCATION: Hattiesburg Zoo

SHIFT: Maximum 24 hours per week on a schedule requiring a mix of weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays as required.

REPORTS TO: Volunteer Coordinator

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator, performs scientific work in the care of zoo animals and the maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities. Participates in the aesthetics and maintenance of the various exhibits and participates with guest interactions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reports any abnormal animal behavior or issues to the animal care supervisor. 
  •  Assists the animal keepers with the cleaning of animal holdings, exhibit maintenance and general zoo grounds upkeep. 
  • Operates the petting zoo and wallaby walkthrough. Enforces all rules associated with each area and reports any issues to the animal keeper in charge of the run that day. 
  • Assists with zoo events that may include animal presentations, event setup and teardowns, or other tasks that may be associated with the event. 
  • Cleans (disinfects as scheduled) and checks integrity of animal exhibits and structures daily to ensure safety and welfare of animals, guests, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.   
  • Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance to exhibits, reports maintenance concerns they can not be easily addressed to the manager, makes recommendations to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of facilities; assists in the completion of approved changes.
  • Thoroughly cleans feed troughs, bowls, and other containers; unloads and replenishes hay; unloads food shipments.
  •  Assists in the presentation of educational programs and participates in daily guest interactions. This may include sloth experiences, giraffe feedings, birthday parties or field trips.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
  • Occasionally assistance may be needed outside of the Animal Care Department. The culture in which we work promotes reasonable assistance in other departments when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Work Experience: 

 Actively pursuing a degree in a relatable field to animal care or one year’s experience in another zoo, vet clinic or similar profession preferred.

 Essential Job Qualifications 

  •  Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.
  •  Current TB test
  •  Work outdoors in all types of weather and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).

Knowledge and Skills 

  • Strong work ethic, self-motivated, committed to the vision of the Hattiesburg Zoo.
  •  Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
  •  Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the general public.
  •  Friendly with public and courteous to visitors, able to provide keeper chats and public encounters in a friendly manner.
  •  Basic knowledge of behavioral management and operant conditioning and how they apply in a zoo setting.