ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Zoo Veterinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper, Primates

Houston, TX

Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor. * Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research or veterinary records, as ...

Sedgwick County

TEMP Zookeeper - ZOO

Wichita, KS

$20.72/hr

Zoo Job ID: 12877 Pay: $20.72 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive ... Under the direction of veterinarians and/or supervisors administers medications or treatment as ...

New

Dallas Zoo

Veterinary Technician

Dallas, TX

JOB SUMMARY The Veterinary Technician ensures the well-being of collection animals by partnering ... Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. will cover this expense if hired. • Maintain LVT license in good ...

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Veterinary Technician

Omaha, NE · On-site

$18.62/hr

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) is a leader in animal care and its mission is to ... The Veterinary Technician is a key member of our team and will join the Animal Health team ...

Houston Zoo

Zookeeper II, Birds

Houston, TX · On-site

Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral issues to the Zoo Supervisor. * Maintains daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as ...

Sedgwick County

TEMP Zookeeper - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Zoo Job ID: 12877 Pay: $20.72 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive ... Under the direction of veterinarians and/or supervisors administers medications or treatment as ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Assists zoo veterinarians in the evaluation, examination and treatment of zoo animals; administers medications and provides first aid to injured zoo animals or wildlife until veterinary help arrives.

Dallas Zoo Management

Veterinary Technician

Dallas, TX · On-site

Description JOB SUMMARY The Veterinary Technician ensures the well-being of collection animals by ... Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. will cover this expense if hired. • Maintain LVT license in good ...

Sedgwick County

PT Zookeeper - Mammals - ZOO

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.72/hr

Zoo Job ID: 12880 Pay: $20.72 per hour Work Schedule: Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive ... Under the direction of veterinarians and/or supervisors, administer medications or treatments as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsZoo Veterinary Jobs

Zoo Veterinary information

See salary details

$35K

$82.7K

$189.5K

How much do zoo veterinary jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo veterinary in the United States is $82,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a veterinarian work in a zoo?

A zoo veterinarian is a specialized veterinarian who works with a variety of exotic and wild animals in a zoo setting. They typically have training in exotic animal medicine, often hold advanced degrees or certifications, and work closely with zookeepers and conservation teams to ensure animal health and welfare.

How to get a job as a zoo vet?

To become a zoo veterinarian, you need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, complete a veterinary internship or residency in exotic or wildlife medicine, and gain experience working with diverse animal species. Certification from organizations like the American College of Zoological Medicine can enhance job prospects, and strong skills in animal handling, diagnostics, and teamwork are essential.

How much do zoo veterinary assistants make?

Zoo veterinary assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certification and familiarity with medical equipment can also influence pay.

How does a zoo veterinarian typically collaborate with animal care staff and other specialists?

Zoo veterinarians work closely with animal care staff, nutritionists, and wildlife biologists to ensure the health and well-being of the animals. They frequently consult with keepers to monitor animal behavior, coordinate preventive medicine, and develop individualized treatment plans. Collaboration also involves participating in animal enrichment, training sessions, and contributing expertise during breeding programs or animal transfers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for addressing medical challenges and supporting conservation efforts within the zoo.

What are zoo veterinarians?

Zoo veterinarians are specialized veterinarians who care for a wide range of animals living in zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums. Their responsibilities include diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing surgeries, conducting health checks, advising on nutrition, and participating in conservation programs. They also collaborate with zookeepers and other staff to ensure the well-being and proper management of captive animals. Zoo veterinarians often work with both common and exotic species, making their role diverse and challenging.

What is the difference between Zoo Veterinary vs Wildlife Veterinarian?

AspectZoo VeterinaryWildlife Veterinarian
Required CredentialsDVM or VMD, specialized training in exotic and captive animalsDVM or VMD, often with additional wildlife medicine certifications
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, often indoors or controlled settingsFieldwork in natural habitats, wildlife rescue centers, or research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, aquariums, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, conservation groups, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in zoo settingsFocus on wild animal health in natural environments

Zoo veterinarians primarily work in controlled environments like zoos and aquariums, focusing on the health of captive animals. Wildlife veterinarians often work in the field, addressing health issues of wild animals in their natural habitats. Both roles require veterinary degrees and specialized training, but their work settings and daily tasks differ significantly.

Is there a demand for zoo vets?

Zoo veterinarians are in steady demand due to the specialized skills required to care for diverse and often exotic animals. Employment opportunities are available in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation organizations, with a need for advanced veterinary training and experience in exotic animal medicine.

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

To thrive as a Zoo Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, licensure, and expertise in exotic and wildlife animal health. Familiarity with diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, laboratory testing, and specialized zoo veterinary software is typically required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving, and effective communication with both animal care staff and the public are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality medical care to diverse species and ensuring the health and safety of both animals and humans in a zoo environment.
More about Zoo Veterinary jobs
What cities are hiring for Zoo Veterinary jobs? Cities with the most Zoo Veterinary job openings:
What states have the most Zoo Veterinary jobs? States with the most job openings for Zoo Veterinary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Zoo Veterinary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Zoo Veterinary jobs are:
Zoo Veterinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Veterinary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,725 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Veterinary Technologist-Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Veterinary Technologist-Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

$22 - $38.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 998 rated hospitals

Job description

A Veterinarian Technologist assesses animal health and provides timely treatments in a herd health style of medicine under the supervision of veterinarians. This position will administer treatments, collect samples, manage databases, and perform surgeries.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Execute routine tasks/processes within area (e.g., Vet services: assessment of lab animal health cases, emergency health condition triaging; Research services: breeding colony maintenance, sample collection and processing,), with limited guidance.
  • Perform assigned procedures within area (e.g., necropsy, euthanasia; PK/PD projects & surgical procedures) as applicable.
  • Troubleshoot, report, and record any issues with equipment/processes within area.
  • Monitor own delivery for compliance with overall guidelines and SOPs.
  • Inform relevant stakeholders (e.g., researchers, veterinarians) of findings and unusual observations/occurrences in a timely manner.
  • Maintain relevant documentation (e.g., medical records, process logs, files, billing reports) as applicable for own area.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and the institution.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
  • High School Diploma

Minimum Experience:
  • High school diploma/GED with 4+ years of experience in a professional animal care facility (e.g. zoo, veterinary clinic, laboratory animal facility) OR Associate's degree in Lab Animal Science, Biology, Toxicology, or Agricultural with 2+ years experience OR Bachelor's degree and no prior industry experience.
  • Prior experience within area preferred (e.g., animal handling and restraint; animal health monitoring; operation and sanitization/sterilization of equipment; sample collection).
  • Some experience working with software tools to maintain documentation/records.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
  • Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) - American Association for Laboratory Animal Science within 18 months.

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $22.00 - $38.50 per hour for the role of Veterinary Technologist-Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

Apply