How much does a Animal Care Attendant make?
Animal Care Attendants earn a solid salary, with many finding rewarding work in the field. On average, these professionals can expect to make around $32,214 per year. This amount offers a good foundation for those who enjoy working with animals.
Looking at specific salary ranges, most Animal Care Attendants fall between certain figures. A smaller percentage earn less, while others make more based on experience and location. Here are some typical salary points:
- 22.55% earn around $22,550 per year
- 35.93% earn around $27,893 per year
- 51.45% earn around $33,236 per year
- 85.58% earn around $41,250 per year
- 97.32% earn around $46,593 per year
What are the highest paying cities for a Animal Care Attendant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $46,874
In San Francisco, providing care for animals is a rewarding role, especially in renowned animal shelters and pet care centers. The city offers a variety of opportunities to work with a range of animals, from dogs and cats to exotic pets.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $45,750
Vallejo provides a community-oriented environment where one can care for animals in various settings. Working in local pet clinics and shelters allows for meaningful interactions with both pets and their owners, fostering a caring community.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $43,813
In Denver, animal care attendants find fulfilling work in a city known for its love of pets. The city's many pet-friendly businesses and animal welfare organizations offer diverse opportunities to care for both domestic and wild animals.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $43,591
Los Angeles offers a vibrant scene for animal care professionals. The city's numerous animal shelters and veterinary practices provide a chance to make a difference in countless pets' lives, from puppies to parrots.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $43,569
San Jose provides opportunities in both urban and suburban settings for those caring for animals. The city's pet care facilities and animal control services are in constant need of dedicated professionals to support their missions.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $43,450
Seattle's pet-friendly culture makes it a great place for animal care attendants. The city boasts many pet shops, grooming salons, and animal shelters where one can provide excellent care and companionship to a variety of animals.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $43,338
San Diego offers beautiful surroundings for those who care for animals. The city's numerous animal rescues and veterinary clinics provide a chance to help pets in a sun-drenched environment, from the coast to the canyons.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $43,239
In Anchorage, animal care attendants play a crucial role in the community, especially given the city's vast outdoor spaces. Many local shelters and veterinary clinics need dedicated professionals to care for pets and wildlife alike.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $42,469
Honolulu offers a unique setting for animal care professionals, with a focus on both domestic pets and local wildlife. The city's animal shelters and veterinary practices need compassionate care to support a diverse range of animals.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $42,064
Fresno provides a welcoming environment for animal care attendants, with a mix of urban and rural settings. The city's animal shelters and veterinary services offer a chance to care for a variety of pets in a supportive community.
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What are the best companies a Animal Care Attendant can work for?

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Manatee County Government
Average Salary: $48,695
Manatee County Government provides a rewarding environment for Animal Care Attendants. They offer positions across various locations in Manatee County, ensuring hands-on care for animals in shelters and rehabilitation centers.
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San Diego Humane Society
Average Salary: $42,250
At the San Diego Humane Society, Animal Care Attendants play a crucial role in animal welfare. They support various programs and care for animals at shelters throughout San Diego County.
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Maui Humane Society
Average Salary: $39,125
The Maui Humane Society offers fulfilling roles for Animal Care Attendants. They work with animals in shelters and conduct rescue operations across Maui, offering a unique island experience.
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Best Friends Pet Care INC
Average Salary: $38,533
Best Friends Pet Care INC provides a supportive environment for Animal Care Attendants. They focus on pet care and have locations across multiple states, offering diverse experiences.
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LifeLine Animal Project
Average Salary: $36,556
LifeLine Animal Project values Animal Care Attendants who are passionate about animal welfare. They operate shelters and rescue programs in Southern California, providing meaningful work.
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Animal Rescue League of Boston
Average Salary: $36,182
The Animal Rescue League of Boston hires Animal Care Attendants to care for animals in shelters and foster homes. They have multiple locations in the Boston area, offering various opportunities.
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Charles River Laboratories
Average Salary: $35,426
Charles River Laboratories offers positions for Animal Care Attendants who focus on scientific research. They have facilities in several locations, providing specialized animal care.
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VCA Animal Hospitals
Average Salary: $34,393
VCA Animal Hospitals provides a professional setting for Animal Care Attendants. They have numerous locations nationwide, offering varied experiences in veterinary care.
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NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY
Average Salary: $34,000
The NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY seeks Animal Care Attendants dedicated to animal welfare. They operate shelters and rescue programs throughout Nevada, offering impactful work.
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SPCA of Texas
Average Salary: $33,720
SPCA of Texas offers roles for Animal Care Attendants to support their mission of animal welfare. They have multiple facilities across Texas, providing varied opportunities.
How to earn more as a Animal Care Attendant?
Seeking to increase your earnings as an Animal Care Attendant? This field offers various ways to boost your income while providing essential care to animals. By focusing on specific strategies, it is possible to enhance your value and secure higher compensation.
One key factor is gaining specialized certifications. Certifications in areas such as veterinary assistance, exotic animal care, or animal behavior can set you apart from others. These certifications demonstrate a higher level of expertise and willingness to take on more complex responsibilities. Another way to increase earnings is by acquiring additional skills. Learning to administer medications, perform basic medical procedures, or operate specialized equipment can make you more versatile and valuable to employers. Taking on a supervisory role can also lead to higher pay. By stepping into roles such as team leader or shift supervisor, you can earn higher wages for your increased responsibilities.
To further boost income, consider seeking positions in higher-paying environments. Working in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or research facilities often comes with higher salaries compared to animal shelters or pet stores. Additionally, pursuing opportunities in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living can lead to better compensation packages. Lastly, advancing to a management position within animal care facilities can significantly increase earnings. With experience and the right qualifications, you can move into roles such as facility manager or director of animal care.
Here are five factors to consider for increasing your earnings:
- Obtain specialized certifications.
- Acquire additional skills.
- Take on supervisory roles.
- Seek positions in higher-paying environments.
- Advance to management positions.



