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Animal Rescue Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Irving

Animal Care Technician

Irving, TX

$37K - $49K/yr

Duties also include answering the telephone and assisting customers in person and via email; working with animal rescue groups; processing adoptions, transfers, reclaims and city registrations ...

City of Irving, TX

Animal Care Technician

Irving, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

Duties also include answering the telephone and assisting customers in person and via email; working with animal rescue groups; processing adoptions, transfers, reclaims and city registrations ...

City of Selma

Animal Services Technician

Selma, CA

$46K - $60K/yr

Description Thank you for your interest in our Animal Services Technician position. We look forward ... Maintain effective and productive working relationships with volunteers, animal rescue/welfare ...

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City of Selma, CA

Animal Services Technician

Selma, CA · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

... Technician position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant. The City ... Maintain effective and productive working relationships with volunteers, animal rescue/welfare ...

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Animal Rescue Technician information

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How much do animal rescue technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with animals include veterinary surgeons, zoo directors, and specialized researchers, with veterinarians often earning the most due to advanced education and licensing requirements. These roles typically require a veterinary degree, clinical experience, and sometimes additional specialization, and they often involve working in clinical, research, or management environments.

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 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.

Do I need a degree to work in animal rescue?

Animal Rescue Technicians typically do not require a formal degree, but relevant experience, such as volunteering or working with animals, is often preferred. Certifications in animal care or first aid can enhance job prospects, and strong skills in handling animals and teamwork are important for success in this role.

How to get into animal rescue work?

To become an animal rescue technician, gain experience by volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as animal first aid or CPR. Strong communication skills, compassion, and knowledge of animal behavior are important, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent.

What are Animal Rescue Technicians?

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 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.

How do I become an animal care technician?

To become an animal care technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience or training in animal handling and care. Many employers prefer candidates with certifications such as pet first aid or animal care courses, and some roles require knowledge of cleaning, feeding, and administering medication in a shelter or veterinary setting.
More about Animal Rescue Technician jobs
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Technician jobs are:
Animal Rescue Technician jobs near you

Pet Resources Rescue/Foster Coordinator

Hillsborough County - Board of County Commissioners

Tampa, FL • On-site

$36K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Overview
Performs duties coordinating the selection and placement of animals with rescue groups, foster families, and pet adoptions in accordance with standard operating procedures. Responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating animal rescue programming.
Starting Salary
$36,732 - $47,756
Benefits
Click HERE to view our Benefits at a glance
Core Competencies
  • Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
  • Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
  • Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
  • Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below.
  • Identifies animals requiring placement in approved temporary foster homes and/or rescue partners.
  • Manages the foster and rescue partner databases ensuring that such data is always accurate and up to date.
  • Approves all new requests for foster/rescue partners.
  • Coordinates and enters data for third party background checks on foster/rescue partners.
  • Conducts home visits of new foster homes and rescue locations as needed.
  • Coordinates the selection, placement and pickup of animals by animal rescue/foster partners.
  • Follows up with foster homes regularly to verify pet progress, upcoming appointments and general pet health.
  • Follows up with rescue partners ensuring required vet care has occurred.
  • Schedules and hosts foster orientations for the community.
  • Performs new foster parent trainings.
  • Develops and updates the rescue/foster standard operating procedures and new hire training programs.
  • Develops new relationships with other humane agencies.
  • Works with regional partners to increase live saving capabilities. Performs related administrative duties in the execution and monitoring of the rescue/foster programs.
  • Serves as a member of the department's Evaluation Team to review all animals that have been identified as requiring additional follow up, up to and including making euthanasia decisions.
  • Supports the department in mandated ESF-17 (Emergency Support Function 17) responsibilities in the event of a disaster or during an activation of the County's Emergency Operations Center.
  • Attends meetings and events on behalf of the department as required.
  • Perform Humane Euthanasia as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications
  • Knowledge of animal related medical conditions and understands the importance of infectious disease control and Zoonotic diseases.
  • Knowledge of care and humane treatment of animals.
  • Knowledge of animal diseases and health requirements.
  • Knowledge of accepted practices in the treatment, restraint and handling of animals.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively with others.
  • Ability to collect, organize and evaluate information and present conclusions.
  • Ability to use a computer and related software.
  • Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision and sometimes under stressful situations.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability and willingness to handle both dogs and cats.
  • Ability and willingness to work outside in heat, cold and sometimes light rain.
  • Ability and willingness to stand, lift and bend for extended period of time.
  • Ability to work under stressful conditions.
  • Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Position may require frequent travel.
  • Must be able to work with and around toxic chemicals which may emit strong odors or require PPE.
  • Must be able to work with potentially dangerous or sick animals.

Work Category
  • Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required
  • Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; AND
  • Three years of experience working as a rescue or foster coordinator or veterinary technician with animal shelter experience at a shelter with an annual intake greater than 10,000; OR
  • An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
  • Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

Additional Requirements
  • Must complete a 16 hour training and obtain a State of Florida Euthanasia Certificate within 6 months of acquiring the position.

Emergency Management Responsibilities
In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee's department, the County's Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.
Additional Job Requirements
A department, depending on the nature of its mission and operations, may require that employees in all or certain positions in this job classification:
  1. Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include but are not limited to:
  • Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
  • Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes)
  • Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)
  • Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

2. Possess the necessary job-related license(s) or certification(s).

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