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Animal Rescue Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Otsego, 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

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 ...

BoehringerPRD

The Animal Care Technician LG4 will derive products from livestock, companion, and laboratory animals with a strong emphasis on USDA/AAALACi Animal Welfare compliance/enhancement and GxP ...

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 Jun 14, 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, 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,161 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Animal Caretaker

Animal Caretaker

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Otsego, MI

$17.33/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Daybreak Foods rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

285th of 383 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The starting rate for this position is $17.33, incremental increases are earned through developing skills and qualifications.
 

Summary 

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Animal Caretaker will attend to the welfare and environment of the chickens and adhere to industry  animal welfare practices and procedures. They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside  to ensure a safe and productive environment. 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 locked to protect birds from predators, external climate and unauthorized personnel
  • Document completed tasks on a daily and weekly basis
  • Observe bird health and proper supply of feed, light, air and water daily
  • Properly collect and dispose of mortality
  • Place chickens back into the system when the lights turn off 
  • Walk rows of chickens and check egg lines for egg blockages
  • Observe and complete the daily cleaning of manure belt equipment
  • Sweep and clean different areas of the poultry houses
  • Maintain and monitor ventilation systems to ensure proper ventilation in the chicken houses
  • Safely operate required equipment and tools
  • Follow all company safety policies and practices
  • Demonstrate an understanding of laying hen husbandry
  • Comprehend and operate the automated environmental and egg flow computers
  • Continuously monitor bird health and production of laying hens in houses reporting findings to Production Manager/Supervisor
  • Perform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized water
  • Monitor bird service activities, i.e. birds in/out, with an emphasis on animal welfare
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Perform other duties as assigned

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.

Education and/or Experience

  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred
  • 1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities               

  • Must be self-directed and organized
  • Ability to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperwork
  • Strong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writing
  • Working knowledge of agricultural operations preferred
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Record of good attendance with a flexible schedule
  • Basic reading, writing, and math skills
  • Positive attitude and ability to work with a team
  • Must enjoy working in close contact with animals

Physical Demands

Stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Work Environment

Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles.  Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper personal protective equipment will be required during certain working conditions. 

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