1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Bellevue, WA (NOW HIRING)

Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible ...

The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and residents conduct basic and ...

About the Role The Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for the coordination, movement, and maintenance of facility equipment and supplies. Participate in sanitation through the central cage ...

Animal Technician I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30 - $28.48/hr

Conduct laboratory animal care and associated support duties under close supervision according to standards set forth by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) to maintain ...

Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy, and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Rescue information

See Bellevue, WA salary details

$11

$23

$31

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Bellevue, WA is $23.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $28.22 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 popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Bellevue, WA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Bellevue, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Bellevue, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Bellevue, WA are:
What cities near Bellevue, WA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Bellevue, WA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Bellevue, WA 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 $49,415 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$25.72 - $36.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Animal Technician Lead works under the Animal Technician Manager following established procedures in performing daily responsibilities.  Responsibilities include ensuring animals are provided appropriate husbandry and housing, training and development of Animal Technicians, and regulatory compliance.  This is an advance level position for individuals with prior experience in laboratory animal care operations.  This position is under supervision with no responsibility for the supervision of others.  

Responsibilities

Essential Role Classification: 

The Animal Technician Leadis classified as essential personnel and, as such, is required to work with a minimalnumberof absences and during all Center closures except in the event of a major disaster when access to animal housing and use facilities is prohibited by governmental emergency personnel.

  • Mastery of all Animal Technician III essential tasks and knowledge of all Animal Technician job descriptions. Providing animal care and husbandry for all care areas on a daily basis in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
  • Personnel and training: Train Animal Technicians in husbandry and operational procedures. Document training and performance level.  Adjust technician assignments as needed.    
  • Administrative Operations:  Be proficient and provide oversight for in assigned administrative procedures in support of animal facility management and operations, including software functions, data collection, record keeping.  Participate in inventory management and supply requisition.   
  • Maintenance and Sanitation Operations: Be proficient at and provide oversight for routine equipment maintenance, collection of environmental samples for sanitization efficacy. Independently submit facility work orders.    
  • Regulatory and Compliance support: Assures that the facility operates in accordance with USDA regulations, NIH policies, and AAALAC standards. Participates in preparations of facilities for IACUC and AAALAC site visits. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Three full years of experience as an Animal Technician III or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree or higher in biology or similar.
  • Preferred experience with rodents and/or USDA covered species at animal technician III level or equivalent.
  • Science and animal husbandry background.
  • Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Certification with the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) within 6 months.
  • Good verbal and written English communication skills. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to lift and move 50 lbs on a regular basis and sustained physical activities such as bending, balancing, stooping, reaching, and remain standing for long periods of time.
  • Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment including scrubs, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear plugs / muffs, face mask, and eye protection.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $25.72 to $36.62 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional InformationWe are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.Employment Type: FULL_TIME