606 Best Animal Care Jobs in Elmhurst, New York (October 2026)

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. With a 90% placement rate, our progressive, life-saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals. We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need. Summary This position works with and supports the Animal Care Team and is responsible for direct supervision of Animal Care Specialists. This includes the monitoring of their daily activities, focusing on gold standard care for all animals in our care. You are responsible for clearly communicating job expectations, job training, and holding staff accountable to the approved procedures. Our ideal candidate enjoys providing coaching and guidance, and you have some previous supervisory experience. You are excited to take on the unique challenges and rewards of working with a large team of dedicated shelter staff and volunteers. You also enjoy sharing your skill and knowledge with others in order to improve quality of care in the shelter, decrease stress, and continually expand the scope of our programs. You are self-motivated and able to work independently. Overall, you are passionate about animal welfare and about the people who make quality care possible, and you are eager to be at the helm of a progressive and expansive program. Required Qualifications High School diploma or GED is required. Minimum 6 months of prior animal handling experience required. Must be forward thinking and anticipate challenges, responding to them quickly and completely. Must be adaptable and receptive to rapidly evolving protocols. Treats animals and people with respect, considering all individuals as potential collaborators with something to offer. Available to modify schedule as needed to meet the needs of the organization. Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs periodically, and nationally for training opportunities. Must be able to lift and move up to 50lbs and stand for long periods of time. Benefits ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities. Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Essential Job Functions Assign work that includes cleaning of primary animal housing, animal rooms, and supplies; laundry; dog walking and animal enrichment. Inspect and evaluate quality of kennel cleanliness, room tidiness, and general carrying out of assigned duties by staff; follow up as needed. Participate in Animal Care staff hiring, including Hiring Info Sessions, evaluations and disciplinary action in cooperation with Care Center Manager and Human Resources. Establish, monitor and measure staff performance goals and provide performance evaluations to Animal Care team. Other Responsibilities Create weekly staff schedules that meet the needs of the Care Center. Circulate through Care Center on an ongoing basis to ensure staff are productive and have the support they need; assist with issues or concerns, real-time. Provide hands on training for new staff that aims to have them meet or exceed minimum standards by the end of their probationary period. Interact with staff in a manner that calls them up to greatness and empowers them to be open and teamwork oriented. Oversee inventory management, ensuring the Animal Care team always has an adequate inventory of supplies. Review and complete Animal Care team payroll records. Ensure that the locations of animals in Shelter Buddy remain accurate and are updated as needed to ensure accuracy. Review, manage, and respond to staff schedules, overtime, leave requests, time and attendance reports. In absence of Care Center Manager, assume all operational responsibilities in managing the Animal Care Center. Upon completion of training and certification, ability to provide emergency euthanasia on an as needed basis. Enthusiastically participate in ACC forums and events including supervisor meetings, trainings, and conference calls, and special events. Collaborate with other organizational leaders to explore new endeavors, reflect on current operations, or otherwise problem solve. Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire. Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor. Preferred Qualifications Minimum 3 years of relevant experience with one year in a role supervising or directing staff as well experience in shelter is preferred. Prior supervisor experience with union staff is a plus. Basic familiarity with computers, MS Word and MS Outlook. Ability to excel in a fast-paced, high stress environment. Is an expert communicator, a people person, and a team player. Demonstrates mentorship qualities and is able to provide intensive support and interaction to a mostly junior staff. Is organized, detail oriented, able to maintain composure when faced with emotional situations including medically and behaviorally compromised animals. Work Environment At ACC it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. ACC houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance. ACC offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet. This position will train at our Queens or Manhattan Care Center locations until the Bronx Care Center is open. Reports To: Care Center Manager Overtime: This is a non-union position and is eligible for overtime. This is a full time job Job Contact Details Name Ilyasah Long-Hamilton Title Recruitment Coordinator

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Dogtopia of Long Island City (LIC)

Long Island City, Queens

DO NOT CALL THE STORE(S), PHONES MUST REMAIN OPEN FOR CLIENTS ONLY We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Canine Coach. As a Canine Coach at Dogtopia, you will play a crucial role in providing care and support for the dogs in our facility. Maintaining a clean playroom and a safe environment for the dogs under our care. If you have a passion for animals and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you! Responsibilities: • Provide daily care and attention to animals in our facility -Maintain healthy, fair play with the dogs -Monitor the dogs carefully while executing your cleaning tasks/duties • Assist with feeding, grooming, and exercising dogs, • Monitor the health and well-being of animals and report any concerns to the appropriate staff, • Clean and maintain kennels, cages, and common areas -Execute end-of-shift cleaning tasks effiecently and effectivley -Prevent and stop dog scuffles • Assist with animal restraint during medical procedures or grooming sessions, • Provide a safe environment for the dogs, • Interact with customers and provide excellent customer service, • Maintain accurate records of animal care and behavior Experience: • Previous experience in dog training, pet care, or a related field is preferred, • Knowledge of animal behavior and handling techniques, • Familiarity with basic obedience training methods, • Experience working in a kennel or veterinary setting is a plus, • Ability to handle heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks, • Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with customers in a professional manner If you are passionate about working with animals and providing exceptional care by ensuring a clean and safe environment, please submit your application today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Overview Join our dynamic pet care team as a Dog Groomer, where your passion for animals and talent for pet styling will shine! In this energetic role, you’ll provide top-quality grooming services that keep dogs looking and feeling their best. Your expertise in animal handling, grooming techniques, and customer communication will ensure every pet leaves happy and healthy. This paid position offers a rewarding opportunity to combine your love for animals with professional growth in a lively, supportive environment. Duties Perform comprehensive grooming services including bathing, brushing, hair trimming, pet coat styling, and nail trimming to meet each dog’s specific needs. Handle dogs safely using animal restraint techniques and ensure their comfort throughout grooming procedures. Provide pet care by monitoring health indicators, checking for skin issues, and communicating any concerns to pet owners or veterinary staff. Assist with veterinary-related tasks such as basic veterinary technician or assistant duties when needed, including animal handling and supporting veterinary procedures. Engage with pet owners by explaining grooming processes, offering advice on pet coat maintenance, and addressing any questions or special requests. Maintain cleanliness of grooming stations and equipment to ensure a hygienic environment for pets and staff. Support kennel operations and pet sitting duties as required, including heavy lifting of supplies or animals when necessary. Experience Prior experience in pet grooming is essential, with a strong background in dog handling and animal restraint techniques. Veterinary experience or background as a veterinary technician or assistant is highly desirable, providing insight into animal health and care. Familiarity with animal handling across various species such as equine (horses) or companion animals enhances versatility. Proven customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and deliver exceptional client satisfaction. Knowledge of pet nail trimming, coat styling, and general animal care practices is required to ensure professional service delivery. Experience working in kennels or pet sitting environments demonstrates reliability and adaptability in animal care settings. Ability to perform heavy lifting safely while maintaining high standards of animal safety and comfort. Embark on a fulfilling career where your skills make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners! Pay: $200.00 - $450.00 per day Benefits: Flexible schedule Work Location: In person

We are seeking an experienced dog walker to provide attentive, loving care for dogs on the Upper East Side. The schedule is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with multiple breaks throughout the day. This role involves spending most of the day on your feet and requires punctuality, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of dog behavior and needs. • At least one year of professional dog-walking experience, with references., • Strong communication skills with clients, • Ability to remain punctual and professional, • Genuine passion for animal care, • Legal authorization to work in the United States, • Availability to commit to at least six months, • English proficiency This is a full-time contract position paying from $750 per week. Strong performance may lead to increased responsibility, additional earning opportunities, and potential progression into a team leader role. Please briefly describe your relevant professional experience, experience caring for pets, and what would make you an excellent dog walker. Applicants able to start within the next week are encouraged to apply through the platform.

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