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Animal Rescue Jobs in Birmingham, AL (NOW HIRING)

UAB NOVA RENT

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $24.40/hr

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I The University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities: To assist in routine veterinary care of laboratory animals at UAB. To provide research and technical ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Animal Rescue information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Birmingham, AL is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.41 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 Birmingham, AL? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Birmingham, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Birmingham, AL? For Animal Rescue jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Birmingham, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Birmingham, AL are:
What cities near Birmingham, AL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Birmingham, AL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Birmingham, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,033 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Animal Control Officer - Full-time

Animal Control Officer - Full-time

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Birmingham, AL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Greater Birmingham Humane Society rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Do you love animals? Working with people? We are seeking a Full-Time Animal Control Officer at our Animal Care and Control facility to represent our core values and support our mission. We offer competitive compensation and a generous benefits package for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, employee pet care discounts and more! For more information, please visit us online at www.gbhs.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society's ('the GBHS") Animal Control Officers ("the Officers") work to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for both human and animal residents of the community. They respond to dispatches to provide animal rescue, municipal and public assistance with animal-related situations and enforcement of state and local statutes as outlined in GBHS' contracts with Jefferson County and a number of the county's municipalities. This position is subject to stand-by or call-out service (after hours).
PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS
The Officers:

  • Reports to the Director of Animal Care and Control and serves as a member of the animal care and control team.
  • Works closely with the intake coordinator, impoundment, dispatch and animal care team to ensure correct intake data is given and that animals are accurately identified, recorded, and placed in kennels.
  • Interacts daily with veterinarians, clinic technicians, veterinary student externs, volunteers, the general public, and law enforcement.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Pick up and remove stray, injured, unwanted, diseased, neglected or abused animals.
  • Responsible for animal welfare and proper confinement or disposition.
  • Work with veterinarians and citizens in quarantine of suspected diseased animals.
  • Respond to citizen complaints and investigate alleged violations of animal laws and regulatory ordinances.
  • Educate citizens about services, resources, laws and regulations relating to the control, confinement, vaccination, adoption, shelter, and care of animals.
  • Patrol assigned areas to catch, handle, restrain, confine, transport and impound stray, injured, unwanted, diseased, neglected or abused animals using specialized equipment, methods and techniques.
    Visually inspect animals to determine medical condition, care received and to decide on the most appropriate course of action to be taken to prevent inhumane treatment of animals.
  • Issue warnings or citations and set up return inspection calls to ensure compliance with laws and ordinances.
  • Conduct investigations and prepare written reports of incidents.
  • Prepare accurate detailed records of daily activities and update the information of each call within the computerized program on a daily basis.
  • Assist with training new employees.
  • Testify in court as a witness in animal control related cases.
  • Perform humane euthanasia, if requested and if certified.
  • Receive and dispatch calls for service.
  • Assist in maintaining the shelter by performing such duties as recovery of animals, cleaning, feeding and other duties that may be required.
  • Observe areas of alleged violations and interview available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
  • Participate in educational programs presented to the community.
  • Attain animal care and control licenses and certifications as required by Supervisor and GBHS.
  • Represents the GBHS in a professional manner in all situations.
  • Perform other duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
  • A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Possess a valid Driver's License and safe driving record
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from work, punctual attendance is required
  • Must be available to work weekdays/weekends with rotating on call shifts.
  • Must have the equivalent 1+ years in animal control or a related field (vet tech, etc.); or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Must have or be able to obtain within 1 year of employment; Level 1 & 2 National Animal Control Association Training (or equivalent), Animal Control Officer Certification, Euthanasia Certification.
  • Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting, and lifting up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation in a timely manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A positive attitude and ability to get along with others.
  • Ability to promote and effectively communicate animal adoption and population control to other employees and the public.
  • Ability to operate office equipment and computers
PREFERRED
  • Knowledge of animal handling and communication.
  • Experience working in a kennel environment.
  • Knowledge of animal control rules, regulations, ordinances and state law.
  • Knowledge of safe, humane animal handling practices, the ability to perform safe, humane euthanasia practices in accordance with state law.

WORK CONDITIONS
This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Indoor/Outdoor in all weather types, as need arises. The ability to interface with angry/upset people, while remaining professional and calm.
Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals. Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical work in adverse environmental conditions; employee must be able to lift 50lbs or 75lbs with reasonable accommodation.
The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Must be available to work weekdays/weekends with rotating on call shifts.

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