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Animal Rescue Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Associate Veterinarian

Hollywood, MD · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Three Notch Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You ...

Associate Veterinarian

Hollywood, MD · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Join us as an Associate Veterinarian at VCA Three Notch Animal Hospital and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Animal Rescue information

See California, MD salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in California, MD is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.94 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 job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in California, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in California, MD are:
What cities near California, MD are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near California, MD with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in California, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,956 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Animal Shelter Adoption Coordinator

St Mary's County Government

Leonardtown, MD

$48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position is responsible for overseeing the Animal Shelter Adoption Program and providing superior customer service to the public, under the direction of Animal Shelter Manager. Moreover, the position performs general office clerical work in support of animal shelter operations. The work involves performing responsible office tasks requiring an understanding of the substantive operations of the unit and includes being accountable and responsive for customer service encounters with the public and others for the purpose of facilitating the public's use of services.

The work requires prior experience in office clerical work. The hiring salary for this position is $48,131 annually; full salary range for this position is $48,131 - $82,846 annually Essential Functions Performs clerical and customer service assignments requiring knowledge of unit operations and fills in for high-level support positions in their absence; Prepares and maintains records of operations by compiling information, taking action when required, and monitoring on an ongoing basis; maintains accurate and up to date records; Schedules appointments for medical procedures for the animal shelter population; Receives and examines unit operational data for accuracy, addresses discrepancies, and proofs documents; notifies parties of changes in procedures or requirements and instructs others in procedures to ensure that the data is accurate; maintains databases and data files containing such data; manages and organizes necessary information to generate internal reports; Receives and assists visitors; queries visitors and directs them to appropriate staff or offices; answers substantive questions regarding unit operations for the purpose of facilitating the use of services; Assists the public, clientele, and others to access unit services by promoting these services and advising of options which may best suit their needs; Answers phone calls, screens, queries callers and transfers or refers calls to appropriate staff or other offices; answers technical or substantive questions concerning unit operations and places inquiries into database for follow up; Keys data into computer databases and other computerized record systems; codes and verifies data; updates, edits and corrects data files; produces computer printouts; Maintains confidentiality of files and records and uses discretion in controlling access to and release of information; Operates a cash register; calculates, collects and processes fees and fines; Schedules and attends meetings and takes minutes for record keeping with outside vendors, consultants, contractors, and County officials; Processes animal license applications and renewals; Provides high quality customer service to citizens, volunteers, rescue partners, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events; Pre-screens potential adopters and educates citizen on the adoption requirements; screens potential adopters to ensure they conform to state and local laws for licensing and rabies for current pets and ensure individuals meet any additional procedural requirements prior to adoption; processes adoption paperwork and paperwork to allow release of animals to rescue partners; Operates a county vehicle to transport animals to facilitate adoption and rescue program needs. Assists citizens with filing lost and found reports; Maintains records and files completed paperwork related to various animal dispositions; Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices including operation of office appliances such as calculators and computers; Knowledge of state and local laws for animal licensing and rabies vaccinations; Knowledge of computer applications such as animal management software and Microsoft Office; Ability to assist the public, clientele, and others to utilize services by explaining, instructing and advising them regarding their needs and requests and the services provided; Ability to perform general office clerical work quickly and efficiently; Ability to handle and collect money and reconcile the daily reports; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to deal effectively with the public; Education and Experience High school diploma or GED equivalent; Two or more years of general administrative support; Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis. Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Maryland Driver's Licenses; Must be 18 years of age; Subject to call-back in emergency situations; Ability to safely operate a County owned vehicle; Obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccinations upon hire; Negative drug screen; Successfully pass a background investigation with favorable results; Physical and Environmental Conditions: Ability to control, lift and carry animals handled at the facility; requires long periods of standing, frequent walking indoors, repeated bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching; recurring lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; operation of keyboard devices; work may be physically or emotionally demanding. Also, workers are exposed to hazards of dealing with dangerous, frightened, or diseased animals, and exposure to cleaning and disinfecting agents.

Requires working non-standard schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Workers must be willing to assist in euthanasia procedures (the humane destruction of animals). Requires call-back and working during emergency weather events or other emergency situations that close the shelter and require the operation of an emergency pet shelter.

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.