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Animal Rescue Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Forsyth County

Animal Services Officer I

Cumming, GA

$45K/yr

This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour shifts/ 4 days per week. Some weekend days are required. Will be scheduled to work until 7 p.m. and ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Royston, GA

Royston, GA · On-site

We work closely with our local shelter, Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter, as well as several local rescue groups and humane societies in our area which includes cats, dogs, and one pig rescue group.

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA · On-site

... animal (cats and dogs only) * Located in a dog-friendly town with walkways, parks, and year-round pet-focused events * Active with Southeastern Guide Dogs , Save A Life Rescue , and Renegade Rescue ...

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Georgia is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $21.11 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia? For Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Georgia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,969 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Animal Services Officer I

Forsyth County

Cumming, GA

$45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Information The purpose of this classification is to preform specialized/general work functions associated with responding to animal complaints, picking up abandoned, stray and injured animals and enforcing all applicable animal control ordinances. This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series. 10-hour shifts/ 4 days per week.

Some weekend days are required. Will be scheduled to work until 7 p.m. and on an on-call after hours rotation with co-workers

Essential Functions The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responds to incoming calls from citizens concerning various animal control issues, such as stray/nuisance animals, aggressive animals, injured animals, loose livestock, animal behavior problems, and animal control laws; provides information and assistance, performs follow-up as appropriate. Handles animals, restraining as appropriate/necessary, loads animals into cages and animal control vehicle and checks animals for injuries. Patrols county roads to enforce the county animal control code/ordinances, locate and pick up stray animals; assist animals in problem situations; transports animals to the county animal shelter, veterinarian office, emergency veterinarian care or other locations; transports deceased animals to the county animal shelter and assist other agencies as requested.

Acts as a liaison between county and public on education and implementation of TNR programs. Provides information and assistance concerning codes/ordinances, code interpretation, code compliance, and related issues; discusses violations and problems with animal owners, care givers, or other individuals; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints concerning violations. Identifies animal control code violations, deficiencies, or other areas of non-compliance; issues warnings and/or citations as appropriate; performs follow-up site visits to verify compliance.

Prepares case documentation for prosecution of cases in court; attends court and testifies in court proceedings Interprets, explains, and enforces the provisions of applicable animal control codes/ordinances. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data in computer database; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections as necessary; utilizes excel, word, outlook, power point, pet point or other software programs. Maintains records of animal control activities; prepares work plans; maintains database records of complaints, or other work activities, completes monthly activity report.

May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works closely with senior officers to gather information used to prosecute violators. Assist field officers in unloading, checking in and relocating animals in the shelter.

Assist with special events to promote public awareness and education on local animal control to schools, clubs, groups, organizations and businesses. Maintains communication via telephone and/or two way radio with dispatch, department or other agencies; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to request for service or assistance. Maintains assigned animal control vehicle and work areas; preforms various cleaning, sanitary and maintenance task; operates various machinery, equipment, and tools associated with animal control activities, which includes assigned vehicle, catch poles, snake tongs, animal traps, leashes, mechanical tools, freezer, camera, computer, portable radio and other communication equipment.

Performs general maintenance task to ensure the proper operation of animal control equipment. Monitors equipment operation to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment Responds to after-hours emergency calls for service on a rotating basis. This position may work days, nights, weekends, holidays and on call.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities. This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol. Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED; supplemented by at least six (6) months of previous work experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

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