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Animal Rescue Coordinator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Foster and Rescue Manager Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 Summary: LifeLine ... Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by working with the Volunteer Coordinator to ...

Animal Rescue Coordinator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$23

$36

How much do animal rescue coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue coordinator in Decatur, GA is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Coordinator vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Rescue CoordinatorAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling and rescueHigh school diploma; basic animal care training
Work EnvironmentField rescues, shelters, community eventsAnimal shelters, kennels, adoption centers
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, shelters, NGOsAnimal shelters, municipal facilities
Primary FocusRescuing, assessing, and coordinating animal careFeeding, cleaning, and caring for animals in shelter

Animal Rescue Coordinators focus on rescuing animals from emergencies and coordinating their care, often working in the field. Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily care and maintenance within shelters. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ in scope and work environment.

What does an animal rescue coordinator do?

An Animal Rescue Coordinator is responsible for organizing and overseeing the rescue, transport, and care of animals in need, such as those abandoned, injured, or affected by disasters. They work closely with animal shelters, veterinary staff, volunteers, and sometimes law enforcement to ensure animals receive proper treatment and are placed in safe environments. Their duties often include coordinating rescue operations, managing foster programs, maintaining records, and educating the public about animal welfare. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a passion for helping animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal rescue coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Coordinator, you need knowledge of animal welfare, strong organizational skills, and usually experience or education in animal care or a related field. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, basic first aid for animals, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or rescue operations are typical requirements. Compassion, crisis management, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating rescues and interacting with the public and partner organizations. These abilities ensure smooth rescue operations, animal safety, and successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders in often urgent situations.

What are some common challenges animal rescue coordinators face when managing multiple rescue cases simultaneously?

Animal Rescue Coordinators often juggle several rescue cases at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing urgent cases, coordinating with various agencies, and managing limited resources like transport and foster homes. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential to ensure that each animal receives timely care and that all stakeholders are kept informed. Additionally, coordinators must stay adaptable, as emergencies can arise unexpectedly and require quick decision-making to achieve the best outcomes for the animals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,389 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Animal Services - Join RCAS

Rockdale County, Georgia

Conyers, GA • On-site

$16.86 - $26.85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Rockdale County Animal Services (RCAS)

We are building a talent pool of qualified individuals with a background in animal care, control, or shelter operations to support our growing team. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in animal services and a passion for serving both animals and the community. Positions may include Animal Services Officers, Kennel Assistants, and administrative support roles. Join us in making a meaningful impact—where compassion, professionalism, and public service come together.


Our Vision

A future where our citizens and government work together so that every creature is compassionately cared for and has a safe place to call home.

Our Mission

Rockdale County Animal Services division educates, enforces, and assists Rockdale County citizens and visitors with animal needs through a tactful, dignified, discreet, caring, and protective manner. As part of the mission of RCAS, the division will strive to become a “no-kill” agency.

Our Core Values
  • Health of Animals: RCAS values the welfare of the animals in our care and those in the community and will act in a caring and kind way.
  • Quality of Life: RCAS desires a high quality of life for Rockdale County citizens and pets and will work to create an enjoyable and positive environment for the community.
  • Cooperative accountability: RCAS will be accountable to each other and to serve Rockdale Citizens, and will seek accountability from those who serve with us, so that we can reach the goals we set.
  • Care, Cleanliness, professionalism: We want to run an operation that is organized, clean, professional, and focused on care.
  • Efficient use of tax dollars: We will analyze new ideas and programs to ensure that they align with the county’s financial goals. But we will also fight hard for additional financial resources when we believe there is a strong need.

About Us

RCAS responds to about 3,800 animal-related complaints per year. This number continues to grow as our service hours have increased. We house around 1,500 animals a year. These animals include dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, pigs, rabbits, bearded dragons, snakes, cows, horses, and many more species.

Our fully staffed team consists of 15 dedicated professionals:

  • 1 Deputy Director

  • 1 Field Supervisor

  • 1 Kennel Supervisor

  • 1 Administrative Coordinator

  • 2 Kennel Assistants

  • 9 Field Officers

Most staff work 4–10-hour days, with day and night shifts available. We are open to the public and respond to routine complaints 7 days a week.


Animal Control Officers (soon to be titled Animal Services Officers)

Role Overview:
A professional who ensures the safety and well-being of both humans and animals. Officers are responsible for responding to stray, injured, or aggressive animals. They investigate reports of animal cruelty, animal fighting, and often deal with concerns of animal hoarding. They focus on educating the public on proper and responsible animal ownership while enforcing local ordinances and state laws. They handle bite cases, rabies exposures to humans and domesticated animals, and set up testing or quarantines for these incidents.

Ideal Candidates:
Caring and compassionate towards animals and people. Able to communicate with the public and help build a positive relationship between the division and the community. Wanting to make a difference in not only the lives of animals but also the way the community views the animal shelter.


Kennel Assistants

Role Overview:
A professional who is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the animals housed at the animal shelter. The responsibilities include feeding, watering, cleaning, vaccinating, medicating, taking pictures, posting to social media and other websites, offering animal enrichment, working with potential adopters, working with owners on reclaiming their pets, working with rescue groups and humane societies to “pull” animals from the shelter. Attending off-site adoption events in the community as well as attending educational events at schools, senior centers, businesses, and other locations. Often giving tours of the shelter and speaking with visitors about what we do. The focus of the Kennel Assistant is to ensure the animals are clean, happy, and cared for while at our shelter.

Ideal Candidates:
Caring and compassionate towards animals and people. Able to communicate with the public. Knowledge of animal behavior and handling. A person who wants to make a difference in animals' and people's lives, but that is realistic that “they cannot save them all”.