Careers in Animal Care, Pet Services, and Kennel Operations
Animal care professionals support the daily health, comfort, and well-being of animals across shelters, veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, grooming salons, pet resorts, research environments, and mobile care services. This category highlights roles for animal caretakers, pet groomers, care technicians, kennel cleaners, and support roles that help maintain safe, clean, and nurturing environments for animals of all kinds.
These positions can be on‑site at shelters or kennels, mobile for grooming services, or hybrid in administrative support roles that coordinate appointments, intake, or adoption processes.
Animal Care Roles You’ll Find Here
Job seekers can explore a wide range of positions, including:
- Animal Caretaker — feeding, enrichment, cleaning, monitoring animal behavior
- Pet Groomer / Grooming Assistant — bathing, brushing, trimming, coat care
- Animal Care Technician / Veterinary Care Technician — assisting with exams, medication, handling
- Kennel Cleaner — sanitation, bedding change, waste management, facility cleaning
- Animal Support Roles — intake support, adoption coordination, front desk assistance
- Sanitation & Facility Maintenance — cleaning routines, equipment disinfection, safety checks
- Kennel Attendant / Boarding Support — play groups, walking routines, record keeping
- Pet Handler / Animal Transport — safe movement, transport logs, behavioral awareness
These roles exist across veterinary clinics, animal shelters, boarding facilities, grooming salons, research labs, and animal welfare nonprofits.
Who These Roles Can Be a Good Fit For in the Disability Community
Animal care jobs can be an excellent match for many people with disabilities who enjoy hands‑on work, routine tasks, and clear procedures.
*Every person’s needs and preferences are unique—these are possibilities, not prescriptions.
These roles may be well‑suited for:
- People with disabilities who thrive with structured routines, such as feeding schedules, sanitation checklists, and kennel tasks.
- Candidates exploring jobs for people with anxiety who may find comfort in caring for animals, predictable workflows, and task‑based responsibilities.
- Neurodivergent job seekers (including autistic people) who excel in step‑by‑step processes, consistent animal‑care routines, and opportunities for quiet, focused work.
- People with physical disabilities who prefer roles with adjustable physical demands—for example:
- Positions emphasizing observation, intake, front desk, adoption coordination, scheduling, or recordkeeping
- Tasks that can be adapted with team lifts, ergonomic tools, wheeled carts, or modified duty (e.g., light sanitation, prep, enrichment setup)
- Grooming support focused on bathing/drying stations with height‑adjustable tables
- Remote or hybrid support (volunteer coordination, inventory tracking, content/communications)
Why Employers Hire Animal Care Talent Through Disability Solutions
Animal care environments require dependable professionals who can follow safety procedures, maintain sanitary conditions, and provide compassionate support. Disability Solutions helps employers improve hiring accessibility, clarify job expectations, and reach a broader talent pool.
Employers benefit from:
- Access to animal caretakers, groomers, technicians, kennel cleaners, and sanitation staff
- Job postings optimized for clear duties, physical expectations, and safety requirements
- Support for accommodations such as modified lifting tasks, alternative schedules, or assistive tools
- Inclusive hiring strategies that strengthen retention and workplace culture
Strong animal care teams rely on patience, consistency, empathy, and reliability — qualities many disabled professionals bring naturally.
Build a Career in Animal Care and Welfare
Animal care roles offer meaningful, hands‑on work that supports the well-being of animals and the communities that serve them. Explore current openings for animal caretakers, pet groomers, care technicians, kennel cleaners, and animal support staff to find the right fit for your skills and interests.
Start your animal care job search today.