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

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Animal Rescue Coordinator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$23

$36

How much do animal rescue coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings:
Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings in Decatur, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,389 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Community Cat Coordinator

Community Cat Coordinator

Lifeline Animal Project Inc

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

LifeLine Animal Project rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position: Community Cat Coordinator

Department: Community and Client Services

Reports To: Community Support Supervisor

Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody RD Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

The Community Cat Coordinator position involves coordinating cat intake processes and population management across departments, ensuring the well-being of cats and kittens through behavior assessments, enrichment programs, and appropriate placement. It requires strong communication with the public and internal teams, hands-on care for cats (including feral handling), support for diversion efforts, and administrative responsibilities such as reporting, training, and inventory management.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous --

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Animal Care and Handling:

  • Support and assist with cat intakes and diversion, including stray intakes, friendly finders, and owner surrender conversations.
  • Assess behavior and level new cat intakes. Monitor and document behavior changes.
  • Skillfully and safely handle fractious and/or feral cats with compassion.
  • Coordinate with Animal Care Attendants in the movement of animals when needed under guidelines set by management.
  • Take responsibility to make sure all kennel cards and locations are accurate. Ensure that pictures are clear and kitten photos are updated when appropriate.
  • Assess eligibility and facilitate SNR surgeries and release of the cats.
  • Courageously trap and release cats and kittens as needed.
  • Care for office pets and keep the office clean.

Collaboration and Administration:

  • Coordinate with other departments and facilities as it pertains to new cat intakes and shelter population.
  • Coordinate with Lifeline transport coordinator on the quick movement and return of SNR cats to their home environment.
  • Work alongside the Animal Care team to develop, manage, and document cat enrichment programs.
  • Speak with finders, trappers, owners about the best route for cats and kittens based on their unique situation.
  • Aid in the development of programs to receive grant funding.
  • Coordinate with rescue coordinator on rescue placement of cats and kittens.
  • Coordinate the placement of cats and kittens in the shelter environment to enhance their health and well being and save lives.
  • Maintain current files in orderly fashion.
  • Sort and distribute donations.
  • Exhibit exceptional stewardship when maintaining the cat care and enrichment Inventory.
  • Work with management and veterinary staff to produce education pamphlets/flyers as needed.
  • Prepare reports as needed.

General Responsibilities:

  • Support and assist other roles within the shelter when needed.
  • Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset and welcome visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor.
  • Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid LifeLine.
  • Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

  • Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate with various departments, personnel, vendors, volunteers and outside agencies.
  • Demonstrated understanding of Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR) and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, including their implementation and community impact.
  • Proven experience in safe and humane handling of feral and domestic cats in a shelter or field environment.
  • Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs and emergencies.
  • Must be flexible and prepared to work beyond scheduled time in the event a placement takes longer than normal.
  • Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
  • Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. One or more years’ experience in animal related field preferred. One or more years’ experience of direct experience working with cats in a shelter, rescue, veterinary, or field setting is preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.