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Animal Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue Technician information

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How much do animal rescue technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue technician in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal rescue technician?

Animal Rescue Technicians are professionals trained to rescue animals from dangerous or life-threatening situations, such as natural disasters, accidents, abuse, or abandonment. They assess the condition of animals, provide emergency care, and safely transport them to shelters or veterinary facilities. These technicians often work with animal shelters, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, and may also assist in educating the public about animal safety and welfare. The job requires compassion, physical stamina, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What are some common challenges animal rescue technicians face during field operations?

Animal Rescue Technicians frequently encounter unpredictable situations, such as frightened or injured animals, hazardous environments, and emotionally charged interactions with pet owners or the public. Adapting quickly and maintaining composure is essential, as is using specialized equipment safely. Additionally, technicians must often work irregular hours and collaborate closely with veterinarians, law enforcement, and fellow rescue staff to ensure the well-being of both animals and team members.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Technician, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant animal care or rescue certifications. Familiarity with animal capture equipment, transport vehicles, and incident reporting systems is important for daily operations. Compassion, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help technicians manage stressful situations and interact with the public and fellow responders. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring animal safety, effective rescues, and positive community relations.

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

AspectAnimal Rescue TechnicianAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling and first aidHigh school diploma; basic animal care training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, rescue sites, outdoor environmentsIndoor shelter facilities, kennels, and adoption centers
Employer & IndustryAnimal rescue organizations, shelters, wildlife agenciesAnimal shelters, humane societies, municipal shelters
Common Search & ComparisonRescue operations, fieldwork, emergency responseAnimal care, adoption, shelter management

Animal Rescue Technicians primarily focus on rescuing animals from dangerous or outdoor environments, often requiring fieldwork and emergency response skills. In contrast, Animal Shelter Workers typically handle daily care, feeding, and adoption processes within shelter facilities. Both roles require animal handling certifications and work in animal-related organizations, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Technician jobs?

For Animal Rescue Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Animal Rescue & Foster Coordinator - Animal Rescue & Assistance

Pasadena, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Animal Rescue Coordinator

This position is responsible for coordinating the animal rescue, transfer and foster care programs. The position recruits and trains foster care volunteers and performs required home visits. The position also coordinates the transfer of animals to breed placement groups and other transfer organizations and coordinates transfers of animals from other shelters and facilities to the City of Pasadena's Animal Shelter. This position works closely with veterinary professionals as well as behavior, evaluation and enrichment professionals, volunteers and staff members. Develop and implement foster care program work plans, goals, and objectives. Select shelter animals for foster/rescue program and coordinate their transfer, transport, ongoing care and disposition. Facilitate adoptions of foster animals by matching foster animals with potential adopters; maintain a database of potential adopters and the type of animal they are looking to adopt. Work directly with shelter staff, veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists to determine appropriate rehabilitation or maintenance for foster animals. Develop, coordinate, schedule and lead foster care training sessions; develop training manuals and related training materials. Accurately maintain all required records in the shelter's database in a timely manner. Safely and humanely handle and/or restrain animals, including those of unknown health and temperament. Perform outreach with the community, local rescues, and professional businesses to increase support for foster care program, including promoting community events, fundraising and seeking grant writing opportunities. Coordinate appointments with foster volunteers and persons interested in adopting. Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, volunteers and the public. Work the assigned schedule and comply with City timekeeping and attendance policy. Other duties as assigned. Must have and maintain, without interruption, all necessary licenses, certifications, clearances, and/or job requirements.

High school diploma or equivalent. Previous veterinary assistant and/or companion animal care experience. Ability to work a varied schedule required. Valid Texas Class C driver's license. Acquire Basic Animal Control Certification within one year of hire date. PREFERRED: Prior experience working or volunteering at an animal shelter or animal rescue is highly desired. Experience as a licensed veterinary technician. Certification or formal training in animal behavior. Prior experience managing volunteers including assigning work and evaluating performance. Prior experience conducting community outreach and or fundraising.

The City of Pasadena offers very generous benefits to all full-time employees. For example:

  • Employee-only medical insurance starts as low as $15 per month and the most expensive Employee & Family plan is less than $350 per month.
  • The City has its own medical clinic staffed with a M.D. and two medical assistants. Employees and their covered dependents over the age of 5 can visit the clinic FREE OF CHARGE.
  • Employees and their covered dependents also have access to Virtual Visits with a medical professional FREE OF CHARGE.
  • The City offers college tuition reimbursement of up to $3,500 per year.
  • As an employee, you will contribute a portion of your salary each pay-period towards your retirement and the City will match your contribution by 200%. Example, if you contribute $100, the City will contribute $200.
  • Civilian employees accumulate vacation at the following rates:
    • Less than 6 years of service - two weeks of vacation per year.
    • From 6 to less than 11 years of service - three weeks of vacation per year.
    • From 11 to less than 21 years of service – four weeks of vacation per year.
    • From 21 to less than 26 years of service – five weeks of vacation per year.
    • From 26 years of service and up – six weeks of vacation per year.