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Animal Rescue Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Kennel Technician

Winder, GA ยท On-site

$18.21 - $29.14/hr

Conducts temperament tests for dogs for adoption and rescue. * Enters thorough notes into multi-ops computer system. * Ensures animal records are up-to-date and accurate. * Performs related duties as ...

Company Description Winder Animal Hospital has been trusted to care for pets in our community since 1956. Our clients are loyal and our support team is outgoing, dedicated, trained and efficient. We ...

LVT - SA, 24/7 Care

Athens, GA ยท On-site

$17.78 - $25/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Posting Number S13470P Working Title LVT - SA, 24/7 Care Department VetMed-VTH Small Animal Emerg About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Athens, GA is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.13 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 Athens, GA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Athens, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Athens, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Part-Time Kennel Technician

Barrow County, GA

Winder, GA โ€ข On-site

$18.21 - $29.14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: $18.21 - $29.14 Hourly
Location : Barrow County, GA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 00360
Department: Animal Control
Division: Kennel
Opening Date: 03/05/2026
This position is responsible for the maintenance and care of impounded animals as well as customer service tasks. This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.
This position is part-time up to 29 hours per week at $17.63/hour
MAJOR DUTIES
  • Thoroughly cleans and sanitizes kennels daily following established protocols.
  • Ensures facility remains clean throughout the day.
  • Feeds animals, washes dishes, and cleans laundry.
  • Stocks all rooms with necessary supplies daily.
  • Walks dogs in shelter and provides socialization and enrichment activities.
  • Assists with receiving, sorting and processing donations of supplies.
  • Monitors animal health daily and immediately reports concerns to veterinary staff.
  • Shows animals to potential adopters.
  • Assists with animal intakes; prepares kennels.
  • Assists with paperwork for adoptions, reclaims, and rescues.
  • Monitors inventory of shelter consumables.
  • Supervises community service.
  • Vaccinates animals; assists with diagnostic testing.
  • Assists with off-site adoption events.
  • Conducts temperament tests for dogs for adoption and rescue.
  • Enters thorough notes into multi-ops computer system.
  • Ensures animal records are up-to-date and accurate.
  • Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
  • Knowledge animal behavior and basic animal husbandry.
  • Skill in basic computer operations.
  • Skill in customer service tasks.
  • Skill in the proper use of Catchpole, Bite Stick, and other equipment.
  • Skill in interpersonal communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
  • Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Click link for information regarding Barrow County Board of Commissioner's Employee Benefits: