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Animal Rescue Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Previous animal handling experience preferred * Ability to lift 40+ pounds * Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment * Strong attention to detail * Positive attitude and team mindset

Veterinarian

Dover, DE · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Associate Veterinarian Opportunity Governors Avenue Animal Hospital | Dover, DE Governors Avenue Animal Hospital has proudly served the Dover community since the 1950s. We provide compassionate, high ...

Veterinarian

Dover, DE · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Why Join Governors Avenue Animal Hospital? At Governors Avenue, we believe great medicine starts with a great team. We've built a supportive, hands-on culture rooted in positivity, mutual respect ...

Veterinarian - General Practice

Dover, DE · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Why Join Governors Avenue Animal Hospital? At Governors Avenue, we believe great medicine starts with a great team. We've built a supportive, hands-on culture rooted in positivity, mutual respect ...

Veterinarian

Lewes, DE · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

At Savannah Animal Hospital, you'll find a place where you can practice great medicine and enjoy work-life balance. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced veterinarian, we'll support you ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

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Showing results 1-20

Animal Rescue information

See Delaware salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Delaware is $21.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

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

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Delaware? For Animal Rescue jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,820 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$19.28/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Brandywine Zoo is managed by Delaware State Parks with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society. This quaint facility is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. \r\n\r\n\r\nClick here to learn more about the Brandywine Zoo!\r\n

Summary Statement

The duties for this year-round position will include but are not limited to the following: daily cleaning, feeding and observation of animals in a specified area, basic maintenance duties, public speaking through keeper talks and guest interactions, operant conditioning training, exhibit maintenance, basic grounds keeping, record keeping, and other duties required for daily operations. Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.\r\n

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.\r\n\r\n\r\n Supports the Brandywine Zoo's mission of promoting environmental conservation by providing engaging educational experiences between visitors and wildlife. \r\n Supports the overall mission of the association of Zoos and Aquariums to be a leader in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species. \r\n Works with zookeeper, veterinary, behavioral management, and curator teams to provide exceptional levels of animal care and welfare for animal collection. \r\n Observes the medical and behavioral condition of animals and reports conditions. \r\n Ensures clean, safe, and maintained animal exhibits and facilities. \r\n Ensures appropriate grounds and equipment maintenance. \r\n Responds to visitor questions and educates visitors about the care and handling of animals. \r\n Maintains and compiles records and reports using various online programs including Zoological Information Systems (ZIMS). \r\n Must be able to demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and good communication skills. \r\n Maintain a positive attitude. \r\n Other duties as assigned.\r\n\r\n

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Animal Keeper Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities, and dates (month/year) of employment/training. \r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas: \r\n\r\n\r\n1. Six months experience in feeding, monitoring diet, and caring for animals in an animal care facility such as a zoo, animal hospital/clinic or animal shelter. \r\n2. Six months experience in recording, interpreting, and communicating observations concerning animal health and behaviors. \r\n3. Knowledge of biology, natural resources, wildlife management or environmental studies. \r\n4. Possession of a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).\r\n\r\n

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before the listed closing date upon filling the vacant position(s). \r\n\r\n\r\nThis is a Casual/Seasonal position which is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits.\r\n\r\n

Conditions of Hire

DNREC does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1 B Visas. \r\n\r\n\r\nApplicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources. \r\n\r\n\r\nCriminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. \r\n\r\n\r\nUpon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.\r\n\r\n

Selection Process

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training, and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education, and training history as it relates to the job requirements. \r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.\r\n\r\n

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. \r\nIndividuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. \r\nIf you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.\r\nThe State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. \r\n

Employment Type: Part Time