Work in Canada with Animals – Pet Care Jobs for Beginners and Professionals

Turn Your Love for Animals into a Rewarding Career in Canada

Canada boasts one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, fueling a massive and lucrative Pet Care industry that spans from local grooming salons to advanced veterinary hospitals and research facilities. For animal lovers globally, securing a role—particularly one with visa sponsorship—is an excellent entry point into the Canadian job market.

If you love animals and dream of turning your passion into a profession, Canada offers numerous opportunities in pet care and animal-related jobs. From dog walking and grooming to veterinary assistance and animal boarding management, the Canadian pet industry is thriving.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there are roles across the country that provide competitive pay, hands-on experience, and even visa sponsorship for eligible foreign workers. Working with animals in Canada is not only fulfilling but also a stepping stone toward a long-term career in a growing sector.

Why Pet Care Jobs Are in High Demand in Canada

Canada has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, over 58% of households own a pet, creating strong demand for skilled pet care professionals.

The surge in pet ownership has fueled the need for:

• Professional grooming services

• Pet daycare and boarding facilities

• Dog walking and pet sitting services

• Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals

Additionally, Canada’s welcoming immigration policies make it possible for foreign workers to fill labor shortages in pet care services, particularly in urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.

Top Pet Care Jobs for Beginners in Canada

If you are just starting, don’t worry—many positions require no prior experience and provide on-the-job training. Here are some beginner-friendly roles:

1. Dog Walker

Average Pay: CAD $15 – $25 per hour
Role Description: Walk dogs, provide exercise, and ensure safety. Ideal for animal lovers with physical stamina.

2. Pet Sitter / Companion

Average Pay: CAD $16 – $25 per hour
Role Description: Care for pets while owners are away, including feeding, cleaning, and basic companionship. Flexible schedules make this ideal for students or part-time workers.

3. Kennel Assistant / Pet Boarding Staff

Average Pay: CAD $18 – $28 per hour
Role Description: Clean animal enclosures, feed pets, monitor health, and assist boarding facility managers. Great entry-level job for hands-on experience.

4. Dog Grooming Assistant

Average Pay: CAD $16 – $26 per hour
Role Description: Support professional groomers in bathing, brushing, and drying pets. Beginners often train while working under supervision.

5. Pet Store Assistant

Average Pay: CAD $15 – $22 per hour
Role Description: Assist customers, manage pet products, and provide basic pet care advice. A perfect start for beginners looking to gain retail and pet care experience.

Pet Care Jobs for Professionals in Canada

For those with experience or certifications, Canada offers higher-paying positions with career growth potential:

1. Veterinary Technician / Assistant

Average Salary: CAD $35,000 – $55,000 per year
Role Description: Assist veterinarians with procedures, administer medication, and monitor animals’ health. Requires completion of accredited programs or diplomas.

2. Certified Pet Groomer

Average Salary: CAD $30,000 – $50,000 per year
Role Description: Perform professional grooming services, create pet-friendly environments, and advise owners on pet hygiene and care. Certifications like CPG (Certified Professional Groomer) increase earning potential.

3. Animal Shelter Worker

Average Salary: CAD $32,000 – $48,000 per year
Role Description: Work in shelters caring for abandoned or rescued animals, assist in adoptions, and provide medical support under supervision.

4. Pet Trainer / Behavior Specialist

Average Salary: CAD $35,000 – $60,000 per year
Role Description: Train pets for obedience, behavior modification, or assistance tasks. Professional certifications (like CPDT-KA) are recommended.

5. Pet Boarding or Daycare Manager

Average Salary: CAD $40,000 – $65,000 per year
Role Description: Oversee staff, manage animal care schedules, ensure compliance with health regulations, and coordinate with pet owners.

Visa Sponsorship and Work Opportunities for Foreign Applicants

Canada encourages skilled foreign workers to fill labor shortages in various sectors, including pet care and animal services. Many employers offer Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) sponsorship for qualified candidates.

To work legally in Canada, foreign applicants typically need:

• A job offer from a registered employer

• Approval of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable

• A work permit or temporary visa

• Valid passport and medical clearance

• Relevant certifications (for professional roles)

Visa sponsorship ensures that you can live and work in Canada legally while gaining valuable experience in the animal care industry.

Benefits of Working in Pet Care Jobs in Canada

Pet care jobs in Canada offer numerous advantages, including:

• Hands-on experience with animals

• Competitive salaries and overtime opportunities

• Flexible work schedules for part-time and seasonal roles

• Potential accommodation for on-site workers

• Skill development and certification opportunities

• Pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, working in pet care allows you to combine passion with earning potential.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Different roles require varying skills:

For Beginners:

• Physical fitness and stamina

• Love for animals and basic animal handling

• Good communication skills

• Willingness to learn

For Professionals:

• Certified training in grooming, veterinary assistance, or pet training

• Experience in animal care or shelters

• Knowledge of animal behavior and health

• First aid and emergency response skills

• Customer service and management skills (for daycare or boarding roles)

Certifications increase your chances of higher-paying roles and career growth.

Popular Cities for Pet Care Jobs in Canada

1. Toronto, Ontario: Large urban population and high pet ownership rates.

2. Vancouver, British Columbia: Numerous grooming, boarding, and training centers.

3. Calgary, Alberta: Active pet community and dog-friendly neighborhoods.

4. Montreal, Quebec: Pet daycare, grooming, and veterinary opportunities.

5. Ottawa, Ontario: Growing demand for professional pet services and animal trainers.

Choosing the right location can affect your career opportunities, pay scale, and work-life balance.

✨ How to Apply for Pet Care Jobs in Canada

Step 1: Identify Legitimate Job Offers

Use trusted platforms like:

• Indeed Canada

• Job Bank Canada

• Workopolis

• Canada.ca Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Search with keywords like “pet care jobs in Canada,” “animal care jobs with visa sponsorship,” or “pet grooming jobs Canada.”

Step 2: Prepare a Professional Resume

Include:

• Previous animal care experience

• Certifications or relevant courses

• References from past employers or volunteer experience

• Personal statement demonstrating your love for animals and reliability

Step 3: Apply Through Verified Channels

Many employers collaborate with licensed recruitment agencies. Verify their credentials before sharing personal information. Avoid agencies demanding upfront fees for job placement.

Step 4: Secure Job Offer and Work Visa

Once offered a position:

• Ensure the employer provides an official contract

• Confirm any visa sponsorship or LMIA support

• Apply for a Canadian work permit with all necessary documentation

Step 5: Start Your Canadian Animal Care Career

After obtaining a work permit, you can relocate, begin training, and integrate into Canada’s professional pet care community. Many workers leverage this experience to advance into veterinary clinics, pet training schools, or boarding management roles.

Why Choose a Career in Animal Care in Canada?

• The Canadian pet industry is growing rapidly.

• Work offers a blend of passion and profession.

• Beginners have opportunities to learn and grow into professional roles.

• Professionals can specialize and increase their earning potential.

• Visa sponsorship opens doors for international applicants seeking global experience.

Working in Canada with animals is fulfilling, socially impactful, and financially rewarding—especially for those committed to animal welfare.

✅ Final Thoughts

Canada’s pet care sector provides diverse job opportunities for beginners and professionals alike. With visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and growth potential, working with animals in Canada is an ideal career choice.

By targeting the regulated, high-skill end of the animal care industry and proactively addressing legal compliance and licensing, you transform your passion for animals into a sustainable, high-value career investment in Canada.

If you are passionate about pets, willing to learn, and seeking international work experience, start your application today. A rewarding career in animal care awaits!