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Animal Rescue Team Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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... Rescue is seeking dedicated and compassionate K-9 Care Specialists to join our team! Located in ... Prior experience with animal handling, animal restraint, or kennel work is highly desirable

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... rescue organizations, dedicated to saving dogs, increasing adoptions, advancing animal welfare ... The Head of Marketing will oversee a team of approximately five employees and work closely with ...

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Animal Rescue Team information

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$7

$15

$20

How much do animal rescue team jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue team in Florida is $15.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Animal Rescue Teams?

Animal Rescue Teams are groups of trained professionals and volunteers who respond to emergencies involving animals in distress. Their work includes rescuing animals from natural disasters, accidents, abuse, or neglect, and providing immediate care and shelter. These teams often collaborate with local authorities, veterinarians, and animal shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. Their goal is to save lives, relieve suffering, and promote humane treatment of animals in crisis situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Team member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Team member, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and crisis response—often supported by relevant certifications or experience in animal handling. Familiarity with animal transport equipment, humane traps, and incident management systems like ICS is typically required. Compassion, teamwork, and resilience are vital soft skills for handling stressful situations and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations during emergencies.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue TeamAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsFirst aid, animal handling, rescue certificationsAnimal care, shelter management certifications
Work EnvironmentField rescues, outdoor settings, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily animal care
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, NGOs, emergency servicesAnimal shelters, municipal facilities
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency animal aidAnimal care, shelter operations

Animal Rescue Teams focus on emergency rescue and field operations to save animals in distress, often working outdoors and in urgent situations. Animal Shelter Workers primarily manage daily care and sheltering of animals within facilities. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by members of an Animal Rescue Team, and how can these be managed on the job?

Members of an Animal Rescue Team often encounter fast-paced and emotionally demanding situations, such as rescuing injured or distressed animals in unpredictable environments. Challenges include managing stressful scenarios, making quick decisions, and ensuring both personal and animal safety. To manage these challenges, team members rely on thorough training, strong communication with colleagues, and strict adherence to protocols. Building resilience and participating in debriefings after tough rescues also help maintain well-being and effectiveness on the job.
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Team jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Team jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Team job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,718 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

As an Animal Care Associate, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our shelter pets are free from stress, fear, and anxiety, while providing a safe and clean environment for them. This position isn't for everyone. It can be loud, smelly, and sometimes stressful. But if making a significant difference in the lives of shelter pets and their future loving families is something you're passionate about, this might be the most fulfilling job you've ever had!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE
To get a better idea of the morning Animal Care routine, please watch this video!
The Animal Care team focuses on cleaning, feeding, and providing enrichment for all shelter pets on their way to finding their loving homes. Mornings begin with routine wellness checks and participation in playgroups for dogs and group socialization sessions for cats to ensure all animals receive critical socialization and exercise. Throughout the day, you'll transport animals for medical procedures, monitor their health and behavior, and provide the compassionate care that helps them become adoption-ready.
Afternoons are spent spot-cleaning, adding enrichment activities, providing additional socialization time in communal cat rooms and with individual dogs and cats, and assisting other shelter areas depending on daily needs. An ideal candidate for this position loves to flex between team projects and independent work, thrives in a hands-on learning environment, and has a passion for helping people and pets.
Schedule:
Full time, Five days per week, 8am - 5pm, 7am - 4pm, or 9am - 6pm. Candidates must be willing to work all shift types, weekends and holidays.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
  • Enthusiasm for the mission of Patty Baker Humane Society Naples and commitment to animal welfare
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • This role requires dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
  • Comfortable interacting with and handling both dogs and cats of varying temperaments
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Reliable transportation
  • Reliable attendance with minimal unscheduled absences
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Preferred:
  • 3-6 months of related experience in animal care (shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, or rescue)
  • Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and body language
  • Experience with dog playgroups or cat group socialization
  • Previous volunteer experience in animal welfare

What We Offer:
  • Pay starts at $17/hr. Paid weekly.
  • Paid time off and Holiday Pay
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Retirement plan available, matching funds after 1 year
  • Significant discounts on veterinary services
  • Employee pet adoption benefits

Application Instructions:
  • Apply online at https://pbhsnaples.org/careers
  • All communication with candidates will be over email and/or text - check your spam folder!
  • If you have technical issues or questions, please email hr@pbhsnaples.org
  • No phone calls or walk-ins please

MORE DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Animal Husbandry
  • Provide daily care for approximately 120 animals (dogs, cats, and occasionally other small animals) including feeding, watering, and ensuring appropriate bedding and enrichment
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, cat condos, runs, communal cat rooms, and yards multiple times daily to maintain safe and sanitary conditions

Behavioral Enrichment & Socialization
  • Facilitate and actively participate in daily playgroups for dogs
  • Facilitate group socialization sessions and manage communal cat rooms
  • Provide individualized enrichment activities based on each animal's species-specific needs (puzzle feeders, toys, scratching posts, climbing opportunities, etc.)

Medical Support
  • Conduct daily wellness checks and monitor animals for signs of illness or injury
  • Administer medications as directed by the veterinary team
  • Collect urine and fecal samples as needed

Customer Service
  • Provide excellent customer service to visitors and potential adopters
  • Represent PBHSN professionally and positively at all times