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Animal Rescue Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

TEKBERRY

Animal Technician - Durham, NC

Durham, NC · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

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 ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Animal Care Attendant

Apex, NC

The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the highest quality care to their boarded and hospitalized pets. Responsibilities ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Animal Care Attendant

Apex, NC · On-site

The successful candidate will share our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our loyal clientele and the highest quality care to their boarded and hospitalized pets. Responsibilities ...

NCSU

Large Animal Technician Supervisor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Job Posting Information Posting Number PG194455SP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Large Animal Technician Supervisor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience and certification Work ...

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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 Jun 11, 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, 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 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
Lead Animal Care Attendant (Career Opportunity)

Lead Animal Care Attendant (Career Opportunity)

Destination Pet

Durham, NC • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Destination Pet rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 47 rated veterinary

Job description

Welcome to Destination Pet. We are One Pack- a united team working together to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Our pet-obsessed professionals create a connected care network of trustworthy partners who bring creative innovation every day. We are revolutionizing the pet industry. Join us!
We're sniffing out our next Lead Animal Care Attendant at Sunny Acres Pet Resort
-a confident, compassionate, chaos-capable packmate to help guide the daily wag.
Can you manage a mop, a medication chart, and a mob of mutts-sometimes all at once? If you're the go-to friend for pet advice and pep talks, it's time to step into a role that lets you lead with both your heart and your hustle.
At Destination Pet, we're not just another Pet/Vet care center-we're a community that lives to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Since 2016, we've been serving up best-in-show care from coast to coast with day care, boarding, grooming, training, veterinary services, and more. Whether its belly rubs or brushing, our goal is simple: make pets feel at home and their humans feel at ease.
🎁 Perks & Pay:
Health Benefits, 401K and Discounted Pet Insurance
Pay starts at $15.00/hour DOE + tips
*(that's 'depending on experience'-and no, 'being best friends with your dog' doesn't count as experience... unless your dog writes a letter of reference).
📋 Reporting To:
General Manager
💪 What You Should Know:
  • You'll be on your feet most of the shift-standing, walking, climbing stairs, and handling leashed dogs.

  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs (sometimes it's a crate, sometimes it's a sleepy bulldog).

  • Availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays required (pets don't take days off).

  • Exposure to cleaning supplies, pet hair, and, ahem, "accidents" is part of the gig.

🐕 What You'll Be Doing (Besides Keeping the Shift Running and the Tails Waggin'):
  • Leading the pack during your assigned shifts-coaching, guiding, and setting the tone for pet care excellence.

  • Working alongside Animal Care Attendants to ensure safety, cleanliness, and a whole lot of tail wags.

  • Training new hires on proper pet handling, procedures, and how not to get jumped by five doodles at once.

  • Monitoring pet guests for health, safety, and general cuteness; reporting anything off to the General or Assistant Manager.

  • Serving up food, fresh water, and daily TLC to every furry guest.

  • Overseeing meds and special needs guests (bonus points if you're med-savvy or CPR trained).

  • Bathing and brushing our four-legged VIPs (Very Important Pups).

  • Making sure the place is clean, cozy, and smells less like a wet dog and more like 'spa day at the kennel.
  • Other duties as assigned

🐾 What You Bring to the Table:
  • You're obsessed with animals and it shows. (We see you, covered in pet hair and proud.)

  • Previous work experience in animal care? Yes please.

  • Med administration experience? Even better.

  • You lead by example-whether it's scooping, scrubbing, or stepping in when things get off track.

  • Calm under pressure (even when someone mistakes your shoelace for a chew toy).

  • Confident in guiding and supporting teammates to do their best.

  • CPR training is a big plus (but we can help with that too).

  • High school diploma required.

Ready to level up your pet care career? If you've got the heart of a caretaker and the soul of a team leader, grab the leash and let's go!
Open availability including weekends required with a year or more of relevant experience.
Destination Pet LLC affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Destination Pet LLC endeavors to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our recruitment team.
At Destination Pet, we're all about creating a workplace that's bursting with diversity and inclusivity. We don't play favorites or judge folks based on skin color, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristics. Our hiring decisions are solely based on what you can bring to the team. So, we're throwing the door wide open for all like-minded candidates who believe in celebrating and honoring diversity and inclusion. Ready to join our pack?

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