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Animal Rescue Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Position Information Posting Number PG194972TM Position Number 19PLS05612 Position Type Temporary Essential Job Duties Animal Care/Maintenance Technician needed to provide direct daily care to ...

NCSU

Large Animal Attendant

Raleigh, NC

Job Posting Information Posting Number PG195098SP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Large Animal Attendant Anticipated Hiring Range $39,000 Work Schedule Sunday-Thursday 6pm-3am, on call, ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Cary, NC

Animal Rescue information

See Cary, NC salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Cary, NC is $19.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $23.17 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 Cary, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Cary, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Cary, NC? For Animal Rescue jobs in Cary, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Cary, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Cary, NC are:
What cities near Cary, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Cary, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Cary, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,561 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Animal Husbandry Technician - Durham, NC

Animal Husbandry Technician - Durham, NC

TEKBERRY

Durham, NC • On-site

$20 - $21.31/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Title: Animal Technician
Pay Rate: $21.31/hr.
Benefits include health, dental, and vision (following 60 days of employment).  
Employment Type: Contract
Est. End Date: 04/18/2027
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7AM-3PM, rotating weekends/holidays
Location: Durham, NC 27703
Job Code: JPC-12066/ZTSJP00008079
 
Tekberry is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual to work on-site with our client, the world's largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock. As a W2 employee you will have access to health benefits.
Responsibilities:
This individual will perform daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routing cleaning and sanitation. All work assignments will be performed accordance with SOP’s and protocol instructions. Must maintain and demonstrate positive working relationships with co-workers, customers, be able to work independently to perform tasks, and have regular attendance.
The essential duties and responsibilities:
  • Performs animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals to include daily feed/water/enrichment, and cage or room cleaning as required.
  • Maintains focus on animal welfare reporting all concerns to management and/or others as required.
  • Must ensure animal welfare guidelines are met, building, and equipment are maintained accordingly for internal IACUC inspections and maintenance of AAALAC accreditation.
  • Conducts all euthanasia as trained according to AVMA guidelines and completing all documentation associated with the task.
  • Cleans assigned animal rooms, isolator environments, animal care equipment, and associated animal facility areas daily.
  • Ensures facility areas are maintained and kept clean and orderly daily.
  • Assists in maintaining and stocking inventory and communicates when items are needed to be ordered.
  • Excellent record keeping skills are required.
  • Assists with handling and manipulations as per SOP’s and protocols.
  • Operates equipment and uses supplies according to safety guidelines, performs general housekeeping, and adheres to safety procedures.
  • Able to observe equipment and report of any failures.
  • Maintains required attendance level and adheres to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels to ensure that assigned duties are completed. Weekend and holiday coverage is required on a rotation basis. May be asked to work extended hours occasionally due to workload – Overtime eligible. Being prompt to work and attendance are a must.
  • Takes the initiative to complete tasks and anticipates upcoming tasks.
  • Must realize the importance of non-contamination process and be prepared to adhere strictly to the procedures.
  • Must be conscientious, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work alone.
  • Ability to maintain good working relationships with others.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
Job Qualifications:
  • Education – AA degree preferred
  • Experience – Lab Animal or agricultural experience desired
  • Candidates not allowed to own poultry or swine
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs, roll heavy objects, use ladders, working conditions up to 90 degrees or down to freezing.
  • Subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.
  • Not allowed to own poultry or swine
  • Multiple showers a day may be required for biocontainment, showering does include washing of hair.
  • Work requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including Tyveks, hairnets, respirator or PAPR, gloves, safety glasses, provided uniforms, and shoes.
  • An Enhanced background check will be conducted by Zoetis as part of the onboarding process.
  • A FIT test will need to be conducted before being allowed into Vivarium areas.
We need hard-working, reliable employees.
Tekberry Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.
Tekberry, Inc is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
By submitting your resume, you are explicitly consenting to receive communications from our organization via text message. Rest assured all our texts are sent by real people and we look forward to a conversation with you about this job!
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