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Animal Rescue Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

Scanning and inputting vet records in to each animal's profile * Participating in adoption events when able * Assisting with marketing photo shoots * Developing creative ways to market rescue animals

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,718 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

The Pixel Fund

Oviedo, FL

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Company Description

The Pixel Fund, a division of Pixel's Posse, operates with an all volunteer team, including its board of directors. We operate with a headquarters in Southern Maine and a satellite offices in Georgia and Florida. We rely on our dedicated network of fosters and rescue partners to pull pets to safety from high kill shelters, get them healthy and ready for adoption, transport them carefully, and on our many Facebook and local friends and family members who help us network these wonderful animals to help find them their forever homes. It is truly a team effort of love and lifesaving.

Job Description

The Pixel Fund is currently looking for a forward-thinking, animal-loving student who would be interested in working with our non-profit and a team of 100+ volunteers. This is a perfect opportunity for any student needing volunteer hours for scholarships as well!

This internship will teach direct responsibilities in working with a non-profit. Ideal candidates would be interested in running a business or non-profit, human services, volunteering, animal rescue, public relations or marketing. We'd love a student who can bring new and fresh ideas to marketing the organization and our animals, create new fundraising events and work with our fosters to increase community support!

Primary duties will include:

  • Retrieving animal veterinarian records
  • Scanning and inputting vet records in to each animal's profile
  • Participating in adoption events when able
  • Assisting with marketing photo shoots
  • Developing creative ways to market rescue animals
  • Working on ideas for new fundraising efforts
  • One hour/week assisting with our kitten condos at local pet stores
  • Other admin or marketing tasks as needed

This is a great opportunity to work with a non-profit and gain valuable insight to the animal rescue world. Our ideal candidate would be able to donate 8 hours per week (one day), however we can absolutely approve more hours if they're needed for scholarship or volunteer hour commitments.

Additional Information

Since The Pixel Fund doesn't have local admin offices, work will be conducted out of the Kristen Weaver Photography office in Oviedo, FL (approx. 10 minutes from UCF) and under the direction of the Internship Director, Kristen Weaver.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.