25 Animal Rescue Jobs Near Me [#1 Pays $40/Hr]

Who doesn’t love animals? But, do you know there are several animal rescue jobs available these days where you can even earn more than $20/hour?

Yes, it is now very much possible if you have compassion for the animal world and the right skills to enter this field as a pet-care expert or animal rescue agent.

But not every organization is equally rewarding. So, our team has gone through every available position to filter out the legitimate options in the animal rescue industry.

But before that, let’s solve the elementary query first!

 

 

 

What Are The Key Requirements In Animal Rescue Jobs?

Although different positions need different qualifications and skills, there are some general skills you must have to get any work in the field of animal rescue and pet care.

And to get an exceptional animal rescue job salary, you definitely need the following skills.

• Educational Qualifications: You need at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to get a job in animal care. However, many jobs also require at least a graduation degree.
• Technical Abilities: You need to have at least a year of experience handling pets and other animals.
• Physical Abilities: You should have the physical strength to lift at least 50 lbs. without any support.
• Other Skills: You need strong affection and love towards four-legged humane friends, chirping birds, and even venomous creatures in nature.

Besides, you also need to have basic computer proficiency and excellent communication skills to bag any high-paying job in the animal rescue sector.

 

5 Best Types Of Animal Rescue Jobs

There are several high-paying jobs working with animals available these days. But, not every career in animal rescue is equally rewarding and prestigious.

So, we have researched hundreds of professions in this sector to fetch the top five for you!

 

1. Animal Welfare Veterinarian

When I first searched for animal rescue jobs near me, I understood that there was a massive vacuum for a credible animal welfare veterinarian.

They are mainly certified veterinarians who have advanced training. So, you first need to be a pet doctor to pursue further courses.

However, the US Congress has recently acknowledged the posts for a welfare veterinarian since 2012. The first certification exam took place the very next year.

As a welfare veterinarian in the pet-care industry, you can expect around $96k to $100k/year on average. However, advanced degree-holders even fetch up to $180k/year nowadays.

 

2. Animal Lawyer

In simple words, what a criminal or civil lawyer does for us, an animal lawyer does the same for the animals. They protect and work towards the rights of pets and other husbandries.

To become an animal lawyer, you first need to complete your three-year or four-year graduation course in law.

And then, you can pursue further studies or certification programs on animal rights and associated laws.

Right now, an animal lawyer in the USA can comfortably make around $100k to $120k on average. However, you can expect to earn about $50k to $60k/year as a fresher in the industry.

 

3. Wildlife Rehabilitator

If you are looking for wild animal rescue jobs, becoming a wildlife rehabilitator can be the perfect option for you.

Your primary duty will be to ensure preventive care and protect native wildlife to ensure optimum biodiversity.

Your goal will be to rehabilitate wild animals and then release them into the wild again to maintain the correct diversity.

And for that, you need at least a graduation degree with certification courses in animal handling.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect around $23k to $30k/year on average. However, more experienced rehabilitators can even fetch more than $50k/year.

 

4. Animal Control Officer

There are several jobs in animal rescue that works towards the overall well-being of animals.

An animal control officer is one such post that ensures just that. As an ACO, your primary duty will be to protect animals from mistreatment.

From licensing regulations to maintaining proper care procedures for pets and other husbandry, control officers are behind every norm that needs to be followed in the animal sector.

You need at least a high-school degree or GED with proper certification courses to start this career. And as a fresher, you can expect to make around $36k to $40k/year on average.

 

5. Pet Adoption Counselor

A pet adoption counselor has several duties and responsibilities to handle, from monitoring adoption policies to screening adoption candidates.

Besides, they are also the key coordinators in any pet adoption center.

To become one, you need to have at least a graduation degree in either psychology or anything related to the pet kingdom.

Besides, there are several certification courses that you can also pursue.

As a new entrant in this industry, you can typically expect around $24k to $40k/year on average. However, more experienced counselors even make more than $5k/month nowadays.

 

25 High-Paying Animal Rescue Jobs

Even if you have animal handling and pet-care skills, getting high-paying and legit animal rescue jobs in this sector is still hard.

So, our research team has tried and tested every single opportunity to filter out the legit options for you that you can confidently try!

 

1. PETA

Nothing can be more prestigious and rewarding than getting a job at PETA if you are really looking for international animal rescue jobs.

And now, they do provide one of the most rewarding jobs that pay more than $20/hour on average.

For their Community Animal project, this organization is now looking for animal rescue workers and field outreach experts to join their team.

You need to have at least a graduation degree or diploma to be eligible. Besides, you also need to have adequate skills in pet handling.

You also need to have sufficient physical ability to lift at least 50 to 80 lbs.

 

2. ASPCA

If you talk about the protection and welfare of the whole animal kingdom, you talk about ASPCA.

This USA-based organization now has more than 1k active workers and volunteers spreading across the nation.

You can now also join the behavioral science team of ASPCA as an animal behaviors specialist.

Besides, they now also have openings for their shelter and veterinary services throughout the United States.

In both these roles, you can typically expect around $20 to $25/hour on average.

However, this organization does provide medical insurance and other additional facilities to all their full-time employees.

 

3. Animal Rescue Fund (ARF)

Nothing can be more rewarding than getting animal rescue transport jobs if you are a true animal lover.

And now, the East Hampton-based company, the Animal Rescue Fund, has huge vacancies for these roles.

For the last 45+ years, this charitable organization has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of dogs and cats in need.

They also provide food, shelter, and necessary medical attention to all their shelter animals.

And now, you can also become a part of their team as a pet-care staff. Besides a basic pay of $20+/hour, you will also get weekend offs, health insurance, and 401(k) matching.

 

4. The Humane Society

From fur traders to trophy animal hunters, all the people involved in animal cruelty and animal suffering are in a direct feud with The Humane Society.

Like many other organizations, this group also works for the well-being of the animal kingdom.

Right now, they are looking for passionate animal care experts to join their team to take care of thousands of rescued animals from all over the United States.

And they are also offering a generous compensation of $20+/hour.

You can also join the team as a volunteer where you can help them in 60 different fields in the pet-care sector.

 

5. Lollypop Farm

If you are based in Greater Rochester and looking for animal rescue jobs, you need to take a look at the current openings at Lollypop Farm.

It is one of the best and easiest jobs to make more than $100/day on average. This organization now offers two primary positions; animal care attendant and veterinary resource coordinator.

You can expect around $15 to $20/hour as an attendant where you need to clean, feed, and enrich the sheltered animals.

And as a veterinary coordinator, your primary role will be to give proper guidance to pet adoption families.

 

6. Zoetis

The largest animal health company in the world, Zoetis, is now looking for new members to join their animal management team.

They are primarily looking for their research site in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

So, you need to be either from the United States or should be ready to relocate to grab this opportunity.

Besides, you also need at least a graduation degree or equivalent in science to become eligible.

You need at least two to four years of industry experience in any managerial position to get selected. And for the current openings, you can typically expect around $15 to $20/hour.

 

7. Pet Supplies Plus

For a very long time, Pet Supplies Plus has had numerous openings in animal rescue jobs.

And now, you can also become a part of their expanding team of animal-care experts if you are from the United States.

Your primary duty will be to give proper care and medical attention to the sheltered animals.

Besides, you also need to provide complete guidance for any animal protection and also to solve basic queries regarding any animal adoption.

You can expect around $15 to $20/hour on average for this role. Besides, you’ll also be entitled to get several other additional benefits.

 

8. Willow Domestic Violence Center

The renowned Willow Domestic Violence Center is now looking for energetic candidates to join as pet program advocates.

So, if you are looking for collaborative and dynamic work in the animal-care sector, it is definitely the best organization to hop for.

Your primary duty will be to make a successful and love-bounded bridge between pet and their owners. And by that, you’ll encourage new pet owners to adopt more loving animals.

As a fresher, you can typically expect around $15 to $20/hour on average. However, this is a part-time position where you can invest up to 20 hours each week.

 

9. Petco

If you are looking for animal rescue jobs in the United States, you better try your luck at Petco.

This fantastic organization is now looking for veterinary assistants to join their team of animal care experts.

Your primary duty will be to perform various tasks related to sheltered and rescued cats and dogs. Besides, you also need to work as a mediator between rescued pets and adoption families.

Right now, this company pays around $15 to $20/hour on average for their veterinary assistants.

But yes, you’ll get several other add-on benefits if you take it as a full-time profession.

 

10. SeaWorld

We all love to see our favorite dolphins, orcas, and belugas play at SeaWorld, isn’t it?

And now, this prestigious company is also looking for suitable candidates for their marine animal rescue jobs.

You need at least a graduation degree in either biology or any marine mammal-related subject to become eligible.

Besides, you also need to have at least six months of experience handling marine animals.

As a fresher, you can expect to make around $25 to $30/hour as an aquatic animal expert. Besides, you will receive several other additional benefits as well.

 

11. Threshold Giving

You can get several high-paying jobs without paying any upfront fee.

Among those, Threshold Giving is the one that not only assures this opportunity but also gives you scope to work with beloved animals.

Threshold Giving has already collected and distributed more than $1.5 million in emergency relief funds to animal welfare organizations around the nation.

You can also join this organization as an animal rights advocate to join the drive.

Right now, they are assuring around $20/hour on average to all their animal care experts. You are also entitled to receive additional benefits and bonuses.

 

12. Lansing Veterinary Hospital

If you are looking for animal rescue jobs in America, you should try your luck at the Lansing Veterinary Hospital, as it has frequent openings for passionate people and animal lovers.

Right now, they have requirements for the kennel attendants. You should have at least a high school degree or equivalent to apply for this position.

Besides, you should also have at least a year of experience in the animal sector. You can expect to make around $9 to $12/hour on average as a starter.

However, this company also assures timely bonuses, incentives, and several other benefits on top of that.

 

13. Hometown Veterinary Care

As the name suggests, Hometown Veterinary Care specializes in taking medical and overall care of lovely animals.

Located in the Waterville area in the USA, it has close to four years of operational experience.

You can now also become a part of their animal-loving team. And for that, you just need a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, this company prefers candidates with previous experience in this field.

You are expected to get around $15/hour on average, excluding bonuses and incentives. However, this company has profit-sharing programs for all its workers.

 

14. Sparboe Farms

If you are looking for animal rescue jobs in the kettle and husbandry segment, you better try your hands at Sparboe Farms.

This organization mainly takes care of hens. So, you’ll be responsible for taking care of them.

From feeding them to taking medical care, from ensuring safety to taking care of the tools, you need to do almost everything related to hens.

And for that, you can expect around $12 to $15/hour on average. However, this company also pays a fixed $2/hour attendance incentive to all their employees.

 

15. VCA Animal Hospitals

Believe it or not, the VCA Animal Hospitals Trust now operates more than 1k animal care facilities and hospitals in the USA and Canada.

And now, they are again planning to extend their coverage to help save the animals.

You can now also become a part of this team as an Animal Care Attendant to give proper hospital services to the animals in need.

And for that, you just need a high school degree with an animal handling certificate.

Besides, you can also join this company as a certified veterinarian and technician if you have the proper license and certifications.

 

16. Xanterra Travel Collection

If you are looking for legit animal rescue jobs that also give you a chance to explore some natural wonders, you better drop your resume at the official portal of the Xanterra Travel Collection.

You can join their team to guide and explore the Grand Canyon National Park.

And you’ll mainly need to interact with the pet dogs of the travelers and tourists visiting this natural phenomenon.

Right now, this company pays around $12.25/hour for new entrants. However, you do need to carry at least 50 lbs and can walk dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.

 

17. Oaklawn Animal Hospital

There are several jobs in animal rescue and rehabilitation in the United States.

Among those, the animal care expert’s position at the Oaklawn Animal Hospital is probably the most lucrative one.

An AAHA-certified hospital, OAH is a rare-breed partner in the Cranston area of the USA.

And now, they are looking for animal care attendants to join their team. You mainly need to take care of the animals and their cages.

You need to complete at least your high school education to apply for this position. Besides, at least a year of industry experience is also necessary.

 

18. Encore Vet Group

There are now several remote animal rescue jobs available that primarily work with doggos and pooches.

And if you are looking for these opportunities, you better try your luck at the Encore Vet Group.

This organization is now looking for passionate Kellen attendants on a full-time or part-time basis.

Your primary duty will be to take care of the dogs at the kennel and also to fulfill their medical needs.

And for that, you can expect around $15 to $20/hour on average. Besides, this company also provides paid leaves, medical insurance, and 401(k) matching.

 

19. Aspetuck Animal Hospital

If you want to work in the animal care and pet care segment, you can definitely contact Aspetuck Animal Hospital in the USA, as this organization is now looking for credible and experienced kennel technicians.

There is no special requirement to get this job, although they prefer candidates with previous experience with pets.

You also need to lift at least 40 lbs during the medical procedures of the animals.

Besides a basic pay of around $15/hour, you’ll also get complete life and medical insurance. Moreover, they now also offer 401(k) benefits.

 

20. Wildlife Conservation Society

There are several animal rescue jobs in the conservation field around the globe. And among those, the Wildlife Conservation Society is probably the most trusted name.

You can now also become a part of their team of animal experts.

Your primary duty will be to work as a mediator between animals and people living in protected or semi-protected areas to maintain harmony and biodiversity.

And for that, you do need to have at least a graduation degree in biology.

Right now, this company is offering around $15/hour on average. However, they do have options for regular incentives and yearly bonuses as well.

 

21. All Creatures Animal Hospital

Since 2003, All Creatures Animal Hospital has provided excellent care and protection to animals in need.

And now, you can also become a part of their animal rescue and care team in the United States.

This organization offers complete flexibility of work. However, you need to have sufficient expertise and experience to handle pets and kettle animals daily.

The final hourly payout will depend on your qualifications and experience. But yes, they do offer comprehensive medical and vision insurance, maternity benefits, and 401(k) matching.

 

22. Charles River Laboratories

For the last 70 years, Charles River Laboratories has invented several new and groundbreaking drug therapies that revolutionized the world of modern medicine.

And for that, they frequently need harmless animal testing. So, if you are looking for animal rescue jobs in the medical industry, you should better try this company.

As an animal handler, your core responsibility will be to take care of the caged animals in the laboratory.

Right now, they offer a base pay of around $15 to $20/hour on average. But you do need to have at least two years of experience to get selected for this role.

 

23. Idaho Humane Society

You will be surprised to know that the Idaho Humane Society is one of the most prominent animal care organizations in the world that is entirely community-supported.

This open-door facility took care of 20k animals each year.

Now, they are looking for passionate people and animal lovers in their team to take care of the caged, sheltered, and adopted animals.

Your fundamental duty will be to clean and feed the animals. This company is currently offering a base payout of $10/hour to all their new entrants.

However, they also provide timely incentives and yearly bonuses.

 

24. Paws & Claws Pet Sitting

If you are a legal citizen of the United States, Paws & Claws Pet Sitting has a lucrative offer for you to work as an animal care expert in their pet adoption facility.

Besides professionals, they are also open to students. So, if you are looking for a part-time opportunity, it is definitely the best option to hop for.

But yes, you do need to have first-aid training for pets along with your CPR certification.

Right now, this company is offering around $10 to $12/hour on average. However, you do need to commit at least six months of your time from the date of joining.

 

25. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Are you afraid of venomous animals like snakes and scorpions? Then, these animal rescue jobs at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve are not suitable for you.

This organization is now exclusively looking for credible candidates to join their team as venomous animal staff.

Although you don’t need any specific qualifications or educational background, you need three recommendation letters from a licensed veterinarian and certified venomous propagator.

From food preparation to distribution, from medical care to cage shifting, your responsibility will be to provide complete care for the venomous animals.

 

Animal Rescue Jobs – FAQs

Q. How Do I Get A Job In Animal Rescue?

First, you need to prepare yourself physically and educationally for the job. You need to have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

And then, you also need to have the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. at once. Besides, many companies also want you to have at least six months to a year of experience in the respective field.

And then, you can directly apply for jobs in animal rescue.

 

Q. How Much Do Animal Rescue Workers Make A Year?

According to our estimate, you can typically expect to make around $25k to $50k/year on average as an animal rescue worker.

However, this yearly package can cross even $100k/year if you are a certified veterinarian, venomous propagator, or wildlife conservationist.

And if you take it as a part-time job, you can expect around $15 to $20/hour on average.

 

Q. What Jobs Can I Get Helping Animals?

You’ll mainly get a job as a pet handler or animal caretaker at first if you are looking for an entry-level job in the animal care field.

However, you can also work as a certified veterinarian or wildlife conservationist if you have the required educational qualifications.

But yes, you can start volunteering in any animal rescue center without any expertise or degree.

 

Q. What Jobs Are There In the Animal Rescue And Rehabilitation Field?

Depending on your educational qualification and technical abilities, several jobs are available in the animal rescue and rehabilitation field.

If you are already a high-school pass-out, you can start working as a pet handler or pet care expert.

Besides, you can also work as an animal advocate if you want to protect the rights of animals and wants to stop cruelty against them.

 

Animal Rescue Jobs – Conclusion

Although all the animal rescue jobs are equally important and prestigious, not every job will suit you.

So, it is better to select the area of work depending on your preferences and skillsets. But yes, there are several jobs that pay $40/hour or more available in this sector.

Besides taking a job, you can also start your own animal creche or a rescue center if you have sufficient space in your house.

Moreover, you can also begin volunteering in any animal rescue center if you want to work with sheer compassion toward the animal world.

So, that’s all for today, folks! Feel free to leave your feedback and comment in the comment box below!

 

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