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Animal Rescue Coordinator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Shelter Attendant

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

The employee will also assist with adoptions and coordinating with rescues to attempt to prevent ... animal rescue, etc. Additional Job Duties Administrative duties when needed. Performs related ...

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Dependability is required to meet the daily needs of our rescue animals. Our ideal candidate is a ... Following animal flow charts to ensure animals receive medications as directed by a veterinarian.

Animal Behaviorist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Partners with Behavior, Rescue, Medical, Animal Care, Foster, and leadership teams to develop coordinated care plans for animals with complex behavioral, medical, or placement needs. * Supports ...

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Animal Rescue Coordinator information

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How much do animal rescue coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue coordinator in the United States is $23.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in animal welfare?

In animal welfare, the highest paying roles are often executive positions such as Director of Animal Programs or Chief Executive Officers at large organizations, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced degrees in related fields, along with strong management and fundraising abilities.

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 is the highest paying job in the animal field?

The highest paying roles in the animal field typically include veterinary specialists, such as veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists, who often earn six-figure salaries. These positions require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they work in clinical or research settings focused on animal health and treatment.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

Animal Rescue Coordinators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring a degree or coursework in animal science, biology, or related fields. Relevant experience in animal care, strong communication skills, and knowledge of animal behavior and welfare standards are also important; certifications in animal first aid or rescue can be beneficial.

What is an animal coordinator?

An animal rescue coordinator is a professional responsible for organizing and managing animal rescue efforts, including coordinating with shelters, volunteers, and veterinary services. They often handle intake, placement, and care of animals, requiring good communication skills and knowledge of animal welfare practices.

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.
More about Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs? The top employers for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue Coordinator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Coordinator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,562 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Assistant Program Coordinator - Animal Care and Control

Assistant Program Coordinator - Animal Care and Control

Lake County

Waukegan, IL

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

General Description The Animal Care and Control (AC&C) Assistant Program Coordinator supervises the overall management and daily operations of the AC&C Program. This position oversees and trains Animal Control Warden staff, supervises additional AC&C personnel, and assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Program Coordinator. This role also assists in maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, manages municipal service contracts, and supports the enforcement of animal control laws, ordinances, and policies.

The Assistant Program Coordinator also serves as the primary contact for the Illinois Animal Control Association and helps develop and update program policies and ordinances. Additional responsibilities include responding to field service calls, addressing public concerns related to animals and pet ownership, providing information on rabies certificates and tags, and protects public health through education and enforcement or other applications in support of state and local ordinances governing proper animal control practices for Lake County. Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week Essential Functions Responsible for supervision, management, administration, and training of the Warden staff.

Supervises all activities and staff of the Animal Control Program in the absence of, or at the direction of the Animal Care and Control Coordinator. Assists the AC&C Program Coordinator in the overall planning, development, maintenance and evaluation of program in accordance with local and state laws, regulations and good animal care and control and rabies prevention principles. Provides guidance to Animal Care and Control Program staff on a regular basis in applying and interpreting policies and ordinance requirements.

Retrieves and responds to client messages regarding stray and biting animals, neighbor disputes, cruelty and neglect, West Nile suspect animals, dangerous, vicious, injured, sick and wild animals and those suspected of rabies. Maintains high customer service skills to deal effectively with pet owners and citizens calling for assistance. Works closely and effectively with all Animal Care and Control staff to maintain good working relationships.

Responsible for submission of building/kennel repairs to the LCHD maintenance department and coordinates vehicle maintenance with County DOT. Tracks all appropriate activities and transactions using the correct forms and utilizing the Chameleon software. Assures quality data entry of violation tickets for tracking and administrative adjudication purposes.

Prepares documentation for court cases and provides court testimony when required. Communicates with animal rescue groups and other agencies for the placement of animals. Processes, packages, ships and completes reports of animals suspected of the West Nile Virus and rabies to the appropriate lab(s), as needed.

Assists as radio dispatcher, dispatching wardens to appropriate locations based upon complaints or requests from municipalities, the Sheriff or private citizens. Coordinates and assists with animal bite investigations, rabies registration and spay/neuter program. Coordinates and assists at vaccination and microchip clinics.

Responsible for maintaining and tracking documentation required by the United States Department of Justice Drug licensure. Conducts daily inspections of animal containment areas. Logs public service hours for Lake County Court Services.

Provides government billing and other contractual agreement statistics to the Principal Accountant Specialist as required. Serves as the program liaison with the public in matters of complaints and requests for service. Participates in making recommendations that formulate service area policies and procedures.

Offers solutions and follow up on corrections of ordinance and state violations. Assists with investigating complaints involving violations, offers advice on solutions. Assists in training, mentoring, and staff standardization.

Responds to after hour facility alarm system as needed. Performs or schedules wardens for daily activities including emergency calls. Provides training in the use of Animal Control equipment and is responsible for Warden utilization and care of equipment and medication.

Interfaces with other departments and agencies in matters relating to Animal Control and Animal Welfare. Maintains up to date knowledge of relevant law and regulations. Performs humane euthanasia when needed.

May assist the public, community service officers, police departments, Lake County Sheriff, Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers, and co-workers with impoundment and release of animals. Maintains accurate records of these transactions. Performs other office and kennel duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required Requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate, though an Associate's or a Bachelor's degree is preferred. Requires five years of experience working in the Animal Control field

Requires a minimum of 1 year of management/supervisory experience . Requires the ability to become registered as a licensed euthanasia technician through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, within 1 year of hire. Requires a valid driver's license, supplemented with a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias.

Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community. Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.