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Animal Rescue Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking ... Daily animal care duties include cleaning, feeding, grooming, administration of veterinary ...

We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking ... Daily animal care duties include cleaning, feeding, grooming, administration of veterinary ...

Animal Services Officer

Lake City, FL · On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Assists Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, and other agencies with animal issues such as house fires, drug raids, animal owner death/crime scenes, traffic accidents, livestock loose on roadways, etc.

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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.

Facilities Technician (Full-Time)

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Facilities Technician
Department: Facilities
Reports To: Facilities Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: Up to $25 hourly DOE
SUMMARY
Responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of the physical plant and premises of the League to ensure a safe and clean environment, including monitoring of HVAC, electrical, grounds, security, and crematory systems. Propose repairs, monitor, maintain and repair plumbing, vehicles, and equipment. Respond to emergency building needs after hours. Prepare buildings for hurricanes or other disasters. Provide managerial support to subordinate employees. Support the League's mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Perform general repair and construction of items related to work orders including painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and other items as needed
  • Maintain all HVAC systems by replacing filters, cleaning coils, checking pumps and motors or other preventative care.
  • Maintain all electrical systems by repairing or replacing ballasts, switches, lights etc. Troubleshoot and repair power failures as they relate to the facility.
  • Visually inspect fire and sprinkler system to ensure proper working order.
  • Inspect and/or perform basic repair to lift station components to ensure proper water level, floats and breakers are performing normally.
  • Constantly evaluate buildings and campus for potential safety hazards and either recommending or facilitating changes necessary.
  • Perform regular inspections of generators to ensure proper operation. Check fuel tanks monthly for leaks, rust or other containments. Make certain that fuel level is above one quarter tank and call for refill if needed.
  • Check, reset or otherwise monitor fire alarm panel.
  • Check physical building structure for wear, fatigue or damage including roofs, soffits, walls, windows and floors.
  • Monitor campus daily addressing landscaping and trash issues working with Facilities Manager to correct issues.
  • This position requires weekends and may work Holidays and On- Call

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Possession of a valid Florida driver's license and driving record acceptable to insurance carrier
  • Must have ability to perform general contracting projects with focus on details.
  • Proven track record with mechanical systems
  • Supports the Animal Rescue League's mission, policies, and practices.
  • Must have demonstrable background and knowledge of mechanical systems.
  • Must have advanced troubleshooting or problem-solving skills.
  • Must adhere to the company's dress code and wear any applicable safety gear.
  • Have the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and staff.
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must have the ability to multitask and delegate work
  • Ability to remain composed under stress.
  • Ability to provide constructive feedback to when required with tact, fairness and diplomacy.
  • Ability to read reports, charts, plans or schematics.
  • Ability to present cohesive and detailed reports both oral and/or written to Facilities Manager and/or the Director of Operations

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with 3 years related experience and/or combination of training, education and experience

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES
  • Building equipment
  • HVAC Plumbing & Electrical
  • (2) Construction related services

COMPUTER SKIILLS
  • Proficient computer skills including but not limited to ability to access databases, check company e-mail and etc.
  • Microsoft Office
  • Work Space Manager
  • Alarm Manager
  • Carrier Network Manager
  • Remote Site Manager

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • HVAC Certification
  • Electrician Certification
  • Building Inspection Experience
  • Experience in facility maintenance of animal-related organizations
  • Required to stay onsite during Disaster Plan activation

MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT USED:
  • Hand Tools / Power Tools
  • Vehicles - Gas Golf Cart, Truck, Van

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee will also be required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to feel or grasp as well as bend neck and twist.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to an outdoors climate condition. The employee is frequently exposed to animal odors hair and dander.
  • May be exposed to chemicals, fumes or exhausts.
  • The employee may be required to drive up to 50 miles.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.