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Animal Rescue Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

$20 - $25/hr

We welcome responders with diverse skillsets including medical care, animal sheltering, transportation, logistics, technical rescue and more. The role of the Professional Responder - Animal Care ...

$20 - $25/hr

... animal rescue equipment Ability to bend, crouch, and kneel Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds Ability to understand and follow proper PPE protocols Demonstrates care and concern for the well ...

$25/hr

What You'll Do Animal Relocation Drivers, a contracted position hired through a third-party staffing agency, are responsible for driving ASPCA-owned vehicles to relocate animals from source to ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Oregon is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.44 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,291 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

ASPCA

$20 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


ASPCA rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 690 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Overview The ASPCA National Field & Disaster Response (NFDR) Team deploys nationwide to remove animals from crisis situations created by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, floods, and wildfires, or by animal abuse like animal fighting, puppy mills, hoarding, or neglect. We welcome responders with diverse skillsets including medical care, animal sheltering, transportation, logistics, technical rescue and more. The role of the Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling is to help animals in our care by providing a humane, safe, and clean experience that helps reduce stress.

This role observes, supports, and reports any behavioral or medical concerns to the proper point of contact. About this Opportunity: This is a contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency. The target hiring range for this role is $20-$25 per hour and may be modified in the future.

This role is part of an on-demand responder pool with unpredictable needs. Due to the high application volume and varying needs, application reviews will be conducted periodically when the NFDR team identifies a specific need. There may be a significant delay, or no follow-up, after applying.

Where and When You'll Work Support is requested wherever and whenever the need arises. By joining our team as a Responder, you may have the opportunity to assist in field response, disaster response, or other emergent needs. Expectations are as follows: Commitment of 7 or more days of travel (2 travel days and 5 working days) per deployment This is a variable hour opportunity.

NFDR cases can last weeks or months, and the NFDR team may call upon you to activate when your availability and credentials match our need. The ability to deploy a minimum of 4 times per year. Ability to activate quickly, often with only a few days to one week notice.

Animal Care and Handlers may often take rotations at our Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH. What You'll Do Animal Care and Handlers report directly to the Senior Manager, National Responder Strategy and have no direct reports. Roles can include, but are not limited to: Large, Small, Exotic, or Avian Animal Handling Specialist Forensic and Medical Exam Handler Forensic and Medical Exam Scribe Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Specialist Wildland Fire Rescue Specialist Certified Behavior Specialist Shelter Operations Lead Licensed Boat Operator Transportation Assistant- Animal Care Veterinary Assistant Certified Veterinary Technician Responsibilities Responsibilities are listed in general order of importance.

They include but are not limited to: Provides safe and humane capture and containment of stray, abandoned, unattended, diseased, or injured animals. Ensures safety precautions for the public and animals when working in potentially dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals. Observes animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness and discontent in the shelter, field, or on transport.

Performs necessary cleaning and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in job assignments. Understands and comply with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to animal handling, care, and transport whether in a field or shelter setting. Maintains a safe, clean environmentfor team members to work and for animals to reside.

Other duties as assigned by the current Field or Shelter Lead. Must follow all Responder Expectations, Policies and Code of Conduct. Duties may be performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander and wet floors.

Duties may involve exposure to the elements which include but not limited to: working in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for long periods of time, exposure to potentially fractious animals (including the risk of animal bites and scratches) and exposure to zoonotic diseases (which can be transferred from animals to people). Qualifications: At least 1 year of animal handling experience with the ASPCA or another animal welfare organization is desired. Utilizes a holistic approach to problem solving.

Ability to communicate calmly, clearly and effectively in high stress environments. Ability to organize and guide individuals. Flexibility to adjust to new conditions and challenges.

Has practical, relevant experience in small and/or large animal handling. Can assess basic small and/or large animal behavior. Ensures appropriate daily care is being provided.

Capable of safe and humane handling of fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals. Experience utilizing specialized animal rescue equipment preferred. Ability to bend, crouch, crawl, and kneel.

Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to understand and follow protocols on wearing and maintaining proper PPE. Demonstrates care and concern for the well-being of animals.

Language: English (Required) Stay Connected - Join Our Talent Community: If you are interested in joining our team but don't feel this position fits your experience or interests, please check out our other open opportunities or consider joining our Talent Community. About Us: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers. The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals.

We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA's vision - that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering. Our EEO Policy: The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA's standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.

Please inform the ASPCA's People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Candidates residing in Colorado, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Flagstaff, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco should click here for additional information about general candidate notices. Apply


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