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Animal Rescue Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

County of St. Clair, MI

Account Clerk I

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$16.29 - $21.44/hr

Maintain relationship and correspond with potential adopters, animal rescue agencies, coordinate rescues, verify 501(c)(3) status. * Participate in posting on department social media accounts (i.e ...

County of St. Clair

Account Clerk I

Port Huron, MI

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Maintain relationship and correspond with potential adopters, animal rescue agencies, coordinate rescues, verify 501(c)(3) status. Participate in posting on department social media accounts (i.e ...

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Allegan, MI · On-site

$17.83/hr

The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Allegan, MI · On-site

The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Holland, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

County of St. Clair

Animal Care Technician

Port Huron, MI

$14.75 - $20/hr

Cleans and disinfects all areas of animal shelter including kennels Accepts animals delivered to the shelter. Prepares records, assigns kennels, administers intake shots and attaches proper ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Michigan

Animal Rescue information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Michigan is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.78 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Michigan? For Animal Rescue jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,161 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Account Clerk I

County of St. Clair, MI

Port Huron, MI • On-site

$16.29 - $21.44/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary: $16.29 - $21.44 Hourly
Location : St. Clair County Animal Control Office
Job Type: TEMPORARY
Job Number: 26-013
Department: Animal Control
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
REQUISITION #: 26-013
HOURS: Casual
OTHER INFORMATION: Open to St. Clair County Employees and the Public
POSITION SUMMARY
BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN RISK: Yes
Ensures smooth front-of-house operations by issuing licenses, maintaining records, monitoring the general health of animals in care, and by performing activities such as answering telephones, utilizing multiple computer systems, performing routine health tests, and lab procedures including the proper handling of lab specimens and animal restraint. The ability to interact and work well with a variety of people is essential, as is the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously all while providing excellent customer service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Welcome and receives clients, assists client with completion of various forms and applications.
  • Act as a receptionist in greeting and directing the public.
  • Answer inquiries both in person and by telephone requiring knowledge of departmental, county and state rules and regulations regarding animal matters.
  • Receive and record complaints.
  • Assist in ordering and maintaining supplies; distribute as needed.
  • Calculate monetary charges, make change, tabulate and balance funds.
  • Check records and reports for accuracy and correct errors.
  • Sort material for filing and maintain files in proper order.
  • Maintain daily records of animal transactions.
  • Maintain records of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
  • Maintain relationship and correspond with potential adopters, animal rescue agencies, coordinate rescues, verify 501(c)(3) status.
  • Participate in posting on department social media accounts (i.e Facebook, Instagram, PetFinder etc.) as needed during business hours.
  • Create pamphlets, displays, posters, social media posts, etc. for the promotion of a department program or service.
  • Distribute program material and promote program services in a public setting such as community events, health events, and other public locations.
  • Assist in determining CARES program eligibility.
  • Performs restraint for lab procedures which may include urinalysis, blood draws on dogs and cats, weight, and collection of fecal samples.
  • Participate in team meetings and workshops to update knowledge and skills related to program requirements, and participate in Quality Assurance activities.
  • Support other staff members as workloads, temporary absences and emergencies occur.
  • Perform muilt-tasking duties as needed for efficient information management and positive client service.
  • Prepares professional correspondence according to division format.
  • Collects payment and data enters payment to the appropriate account, balances cash reports, prepares deposit summaries and makes deposit to finance office.
  • Utilizes multiple computer systems for appointment scheduling, program data entry, record maintenance, etc., including Shelter Pro.
  • Maintain program policy and procedure manual, create and maintain program forms, compute charges and generate receipts.
  • In conjunction with other professional team members schedules client appointments for adoptions, foster re-checks, Owner Requested Euthanasias, and Owner Surrender of animals.
  • Make appointments, appointment reminders and follow-up of appointment cancellations.
  • Understands the importance of client confidentiality and follows agency policies relating to confidentiality.
  • Mandatory participation in orientation and training for basic emergency preparedness and response concepts.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the direction of the applicable division head with direct supervision of the Director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
N/A
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:
  • Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable).
  • Certification for Associate Degree preferred.
  • One or more years' experience performing clinical/technical duties in a veterinary medical office or clinic setting preferred.
  • Significant knowledge of current office practices and procedures with experience in a shelter management system like Shelter Pro, PetPoint, Chameleon, ShelterLuv
  • Proven ability to use and understand medical terminology.
  • Proven ability to work effectively and courteously with other employees and the public including companion animals such as dogs and cats
  • Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
  • Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.
  • Fear Free Certified or Willing to become Fear Free Certified within one month of hire.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
  • Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
  • Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
  • Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
  • Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
  • Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
  • Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
  • Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
  • Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.
  • Must have and maintain reliable transportation and vehicle insurance and throughout employment.
  • Required to report to duty when called upon in the event of an Emergency regardless of declaration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will 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:
  • Speak to others to convey information effectively.
  • Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
  • Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
  • Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
  • Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
  • Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 45 pounds.
  • Team carry sedated animals over 50 lbs.
  • Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
  • Stand and walk, climb stairs.
  • Generally works in a normal office environment.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
  • The employee works in areas where universal precautions and confrontation avoidance techniques are required, and is occasionally exposed to risk from bodily fluids or client actions.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.
St. Clair County offers a robust benefits package. Benefits can be found

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