Pet Care Specialist Jobs
Pet Care Specialist jobs are open across veterinary clinics, pet retail, boarding and daycare facilities, and animal shelters, from entry-level attendants to senior and lead specialists, with common specializations in grooming, animal behavior, and veterinary support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Pet Care Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 118+ Pet Care Specialist jobs
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Pet Care Assistant
This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the posting date.
A career at Banfield means you'll find yourself working in the pet healthcare field alongside industry experts with a chance to make a difference in the lives of pets and the clients we serve through client education and effective communication. Work in a fun team environment that offers a clear career path you can pursue if continued growth and learning is your goal.
JOB SUMMARY
The Pet Care Assistant works with the veterinary medical team to provide and prepare for the best medical care of pets, and to ensure this is provided in a happy, welcoming, friendly and efficient manner, influencing clients to return and refer their friends and families.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
- Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
- Prepare the treatment room for examination of pets and all necessary medical item and supplies (e.g. vaccinations, fecal loops, slides, etc.) for the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician. Set up fecals, smears, and skin scrapings as allowed by state rules and regulations.
- Maintain the flow of the Cycle of Service in accordance with position. Provide Client Education regarding preventive care, Optimum Wellness Plans, and basic status of hospitalized pets. Serve as support to the Client Services Coordinator staff on an as-needed basis.
- Hold or restrain pets during examination, treatment, or inoculation.
- Prepare routine in-house laboratory tests (e.g. canine heartworm, feline leukemia, FIV, and canine parvovirus) as allowed by state rules and regulations.
- Monitor the comfort of hospitalized patients. Ensure the comfort of hospitalized patients by "walking", exercising, feeding, and cleaning cages and pet (when approved by the veterinarian or veterinary technician).
- Bathe and dip pets when necessary to treat dermatological conditions (when advised by veterinarian or veterinary technician.
- Clean the surgical suite and instruments.
- Ensure cleanliness of the hospital including but not limited to housekeeping such as laundry, dishes, mopping, cage cleaning, trash collection and removal and instrument cleaning as outlined by hospital protocols
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES
Every associate including the Pet Care Assistant has an important contribution to make to the veterinary team. We’re looking for Pet Care Assistants who are dedicated to their work, have a positive attitude and use our Five Principles :
- Quality – The consumer is our boss, quality is our work, and value for money is our goal.
- Responsibility – As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
- Mutuality – A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
- Efficiency – We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
HIRING QUALIFICATIONS
Capabilities and Experience (can do)
- Ability to multi-task- Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
- Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Organizational ability - Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments. Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.
- Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Translates problems into practical solutions.
- Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service. Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service.
- Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format. Can provide directions.
- Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement.
Attitudes (will do)
- Initiative - shows willingness and aptitude to take appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
- Integrity - Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospitals. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Cooperativeness - Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
- Flexibility - Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is willing to perform all tasks assigned.
- Independence - Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without supervision as appropriate.
Special Working Conditions
- Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.
- Ability to be confident around pets (i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
- Client needs and work volume may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. This position requires special hours including working weekends and evenings.
- Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.
- Requires sufficient ambulatory skills to perform duties while at hospital.
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
- Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Experience, Education and/or Training
- High School Diploma preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x-ray) and exposure to radioactive substances.
- One year of related experience required with customer service preferred.
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose:
A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
The pay range for this role is
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area , with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.
Here at Banfield, w e prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. Check out s ome of o ur “ M eow-velous” benefits:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered .
Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break , recharge your wellbeing , and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays. *
Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection .
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources : When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable. *
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).
If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Pet Care Assistant
This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the posting date.
A career at Banfield means you'll find yourself working in the pet healthcare field alongside industry experts with a chance to make a difference in the lives of pets and the clients we serve through client education and effective communication. Work in a fun team environment that offers a clear career path you can pursue if continued growth and learning is your goal.
JOB SUMMARY
The Pet Care Assistant works with the veterinary medical team to provide and prepare for the best medical care of pets, and to ensure this is provided in a happy, welcoming, friendly and efficient manner, influencing clients to return and refer their friends and families.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
- Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
- Prepare the treatment room for examination of pets and all necessary medical item and supplies (e.g. vaccinations, fecal loops, slides, etc.) for the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician. Set up fecals, smears, and skin scrapings as allowed by state rules and regulations.
- Maintain the flow of the Cycle of Service in accordance with position. Provide Client Education regarding preventive care, Optimum Wellness Plans, and basic status of hospitalized pets. Serve as support to the Client Services Coordinator staff on an as-needed basis.
- Hold or restrain pets during examination, treatment, or inoculation.
- Prepare routine in-house laboratory tests (e.g. canine heartworm, feline leukemia, FIV, and canine parvovirus) as allowed by state rules and regulations.
- Monitor the comfort of hospitalized patients. Ensure the comfort of hospitalized patients by "walking", exercising, feeding, and cleaning cages and pet (when approved by the veterinarian or veterinary technician).
- Bathe and dip pets when necessary to treat dermatological conditions (when advised by veterinarian or veterinary technician.
- Clean the surgical suite and instruments.
- Ensure cleanliness of the hospital including but not limited to housekeeping such as laundry, dishes, mopping, cage cleaning, trash collection and removal and instrument cleaning as outlined by hospital protocols
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES
Every associate including the Pet Care Assistant has an important contribution to make to the veterinary team. We’re looking for Pet Care Assistants who are dedicated to their work, have a positive attitude and use our Five Principles :
- Quality – The consumer is our boss, quality is our work, and value for money is our goal.
- Responsibility – As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
- Mutuality – A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
- Efficiency – We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
HIRING QUALIFICATIONS
Capabilities and Experience (can do)
- Ability to multi-task- Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
- Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Organizational ability - Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments. Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.
- Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Translates problems into practical solutions.
- Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service. Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service.
- Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format. Can provide directions.
- Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement.
Attitudes (will do)
- Initiative - shows willingness and aptitude to take appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
- Integrity - Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospitals. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Cooperativeness - Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
- Flexibility - Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is willing to perform all tasks assigned.
- Independence - Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without supervision as appropriate.
Special Working Conditions
- Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.
- Ability to be confident around pets (i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
- Client needs and work volume may often require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. This position requires special hours including working weekends and evenings.
- Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently.
- The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.
- Requires sufficient ambulatory skills to perform duties while at hospital.
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
- Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Experience, Education and/or Training
- High School Diploma preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x-ray) and exposure to radioactive substances.
- One year of related experience required with customer service preferred.
WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Banfield Pet Hospital complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.
We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity enables us to live our Purpose:
A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
The pay range for this role is
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area , with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.
Here at Banfield, w e prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. Check out s ome of o ur “ M eow-velous” benefits:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered .
Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*
Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.
Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break , recharge your wellbeing , and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays. *
Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*
Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection .
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.
Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.
Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*
Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources : When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*
Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.
Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.
Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*
Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*
Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*
Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*
Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable. *
Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).
See All 118+ Pet Care Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Pet Care Specialist JobsPet Care Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Banfield Pet Hospital44
- Kennelwood Pet Resorts7
- K9 Resorts6K
- Spectrum Brands6
- PetVet Care Centers6
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pet care specialist jobs.
- One or more years of hands-on experience handling dogs, cats, or other companion animals
- Ability to safely restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments during care or treatment
- Pet first aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain it within 90 days of hire
- Strong knowledge of animal behavior, body language, and stress signals across common species
- Experience with feeding schedules, medication administration, and kennel sanitation protocols
- Clear and professional communication with pet owners regarding their animal's care and health
Tips for Your Pet Care Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each setting
A veterinary clinic and a pet boarding facility want different things. Highlight patient handling and medical support for clinical roles, and emphasize high-volume animal care and customer communication for daycare or retail positions. One generic resume won't do both well.
List every relevant certification you hold
Pet first aid, CPR, Fear Free certification, and grooming credentials all carry real weight with hiring managers. Put them in a dedicated section near the top of your resume so they're visible before a recruiter reads your work history.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists pet care specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by species and specialty, not just title
Job postings for exotic animal care, equine handling, or feline-only clinics rarely surface when you search only 'pet care specialist.' Use species names and specialty terms to find openings that match your hands-on experience and avoid applying to roles outside your wheelhouse.
Prepare a handling story for interviews
Interviewers for pet care roles almost always ask how you've managed an aggressive or anxious animal. Walk in with a specific, real example that covers how you read the animal's behavior, what technique you used, and what the outcome was. Vague answers won't hold up.
Negotiate schedule before you negotiate pay
Boarding facilities and emergency clinics run nights, weekends, and holidays. Confirm the exact shift rotation during the offer stage, not after you accept. Knowing your schedule upfront lets you evaluate the role fully and avoids surprises in the first week.
Pet Care Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most pet care specialists?
The companies hiring the most pet care specialists right now include Banfield Pet Hospital, Kennelwood Pet Resorts, and K9 Resorts, with the largest share of openings in Minnesota, Florida, and Tennessee, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. High-volume hiring tends to cluster around large veterinary group practices and national pet retail and boarding chains.
How many pet care specialist jobs are remote?
About 6% of pet care specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those roles concentrated in pet health coaching, customer support for veterinary telehealth platforms, and animal behavior consulting. The vast majority of positions require on-site, hands-on work with animals and are not compatible with remote arrangements.
How do you become a pet care specialist?
Start by gaining direct experience with animals through volunteering at a shelter, working as a kennel attendant, or completing an internship at a veterinary clinic. Earn a pet first aid and CPR certification, then pursue additional credentials in grooming, animal behavior, or veterinary assisting depending on your target specialty. Build a work history that shows consistent, safe animal handling across different environments and temperaments.
Can you get hired as a pet care specialist with little or no experience?
Yes, many entry-level pet care specialist roles at boarding facilities, animal shelters, and pet retail stores hire candidates with no formal work history if they can demonstrate genuine animal handling ability and a reliable work ethic. Volunteering at a local shelter, fostering animals, or completing a short pet first aid course before you apply signals commitment and gives you concrete examples to discuss in interviews.
What does the pet care specialist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen to confirm your availability and basic experience with animals. An in-person interview typically follows and almost always includes a practical component where you interact with or observe an animal so the hiring manager can assess your handling technique and comfort level. Expect behavioral questions about managing aggressive animals, following sanitation protocols, and communicating with concerned pet owners.
Where can I find and apply to pet care specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to pet care specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to each listing that fits. Migrate Mate pulls together positions from veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, shelters, and pet retail employers in one place so you don't have to search site by site.
See All 118+ Pet Care Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Pet Care Specialist Jobs