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Animal Rescue Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Peak Legacy Ranch is proud of our commitment to animal welfare. the quality of our puppies, and the elevated experience we provide to our customers.

Be Seen First

Peak Legacy Ranch is proud of our commitment to animal welfare. the quality of our puppies, and the elevated experience we provide to our customers.

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Animal Rescue information

See Colorado Springs, CO salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Colorado Springs, CO is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Colorado Springs, CO? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Colorado Springs, CO are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Colorado Springs, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Colorado Springs, CO are:
What cities near Colorado Springs, CO are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Colorado Springs, CO with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Colorado Springs, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,147 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Animal Law Enforcement Officer Recruit

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Colorado Springs, CO - El Paso County| Animal Law Enforcementย 
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR)

Are you ready to turn your passion for animal welfare into meaningful, hands-on impact? At HSPPR, our Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) team is on the front lines of protecting animals, supporting our community, and ensuring humane treatment for all.

We're looking for dedicated, resilient, and compassionate individuals to join us as Animal Law Enforcement Officer Recruits-the first step toward a rewarding career in animal protection and public service.


About the Role

As an Animal Law Enforcement Officer Recruit, you will participate in an intensive training academy designed to prepare you for the responsibilities of an Animal Law Enforcement Officer I. Through a combination of classroom learning and field training, you'll build the skills needed to respond to calls, enforce animal welfare laws, and serve as a trusted resource in the community.

This is more than a job-it's a commitment to protecting animals, educating the public, and promoting a community where animals are valued and cared for.


What You'll Do

During your training and development, you will:

  • Complete a comprehensive Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy (academic + field training)
  • Respond to and assist with calls for service such as:
    • Animal impounds
    • Dogs at large
    • Noisy pet complaints
  • Learn to safely handle and manage animals of all sizes, including those that are aggressive or injured
  • Prepare detailed and accurate reports, citations, and documentation
  • Build strong relationships with community members, colleagues, and partner agencies
  • Represent HSPPR and contracted jurisdictions with professionalism and compassion
  • Apply critical thinking and sound judgment in high-pressure situations
  • Support shelter operations, including animal intake and care procedures
  • Promote responsible pet ownership through education and conflict resolution

Training & Growth
  • 12-week academy followed by structured field training
  • Ongoing feedback and coaching from experienced officers
  • Opportunity for promotion to Animal Law Enforcement Officer I upon successful completion

To advance, recruits must:

  • Pass the final academy exam (minimum score of 80%)
  • Successfully complete field training and demonstrate competency in core duties

What You Bring
  • A strong commitment to animal welfare and community service
  • Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under stress
  • Excellent communication and report-writing skills
  • Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and grow
  • Physical capability to perform demanding, hands-on work in varied environments

Minimum Qualifications
  • 21 years of age or older
  • U.S. Citizen
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid Colorado driver's license with insurable record
  • Ability to pass:
    • Extensive background investigation
    • Drug screening
    • Physical fitness test
    • Hearing and vision exams
  • Eligible for commission through the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Protection, and local law enforcementย 
  • Must be eligible for base clearance on Ft. Carson

Work Environment & Schedule

This is an active, field-based role requiring:

  • Work in all weather conditions and environments
  • Handling animals with unpredictable behavior
  • Lifting up to 75 lbs and extended periods of standing, walking, or running
  • Use of specialized enforcement and animal handling equipment
  • Availability for weekends, nights, holidays, and on-call shifts

Why Join HSPPR?

At HSPPR, you'll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the human-animal bond. Every day, your work will directly impact animals in need and the people who care for them.

You'll also have opportunities to:

  • Share impactful stories with our community
  • Collaborate with passionate staff and volunteers
  • Grow within a respected and innovative organization

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're driven, compassionate, and ready for a challenging yet rewarding career, we encourage you to apply and begin your journey in Animal Law Enforcement.

Protect animals. Serve your community. Build a career with purpose.

** Applications accepted until: 08/28/2026, or until position is filled **

* NOTE: Candidates must be available to start in this role on September 23, 2026

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer comprehensive benefits to our full-time staff.

Benefits include:

Health Insurance ~~ 401K with employer matching up to 4% of salary ~~ Dental and vision Plans ~~ Supplemental Group Life Insurance ~~ Short and long term disability Insurance ~~ Paid time off ~~ Holidays ~~ Direct Deposit ~~ Personal Pet Perks ~~ Wellness Programs ~~ Paid Sabbatical after 5 years of employment

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this program, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/.

The core values of the staff unite us and guide us to provide the best service to the animals in our care, our organization, and our community.

Core Values Statements-

  • Compassion: We believe that animals matter. We are committed to treating animals and people with kindness, respect and compassion.
  • Stewardship: We are accountable and transparent in our actions and in the use of our resources to build trust in those we serve.
  • Integrity: We believe we can make the greatest impact by staying true to our mission, always doing what is best for the animals and people of our community, and by standing united in our decisions.
  • Excellence: We are passionate about our mission, and strive for excellence through continual learning, innovation and the development of our board, staff and volunteers.
  • Collaboration: We seek strategic partnerships and alliances to advance the welfare and protection of animals and people.
  • Service: We exist to serve our communities and operate with this commitment to serve as front and center in all we do.

As a condition of employment with HSPPR, by applying to this position, you acknowledge that HSPPR requires a drug test be performed within 72 hours of the receipt of an offer of employment. You further acknowledge that if you a) refuse to submit to any requested drug test for any reason, b) test positive for the presence of illegal drugs, all forms of marijuana and products containing THC, and improper or illegal use of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs or c) fail to take the test within 72 hours, the offer of employment made to you may be rescinded by HSPPR without liability.

Also, as a condition of employment with HSPPR, you will be required to authorize HSPPR and ProScreening to conduct a background check before confirming an employment start date. The background check will include a criminal investigation, verification of citizenship/immigration status, and a motor vehicle record. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that any offers of employment will be contingent upon completion of the background check to the satisfaction of HSPPR.ย  Animal Law Enforcement Officers must also submit to and pass any screening requirements set forth by local police departments and military installations.ย  The ability to obtain these clearances is a requirement of this position.ย 

In consideration of any offers of employment made as a result of your interest in this position, by applying for this position, you hereby waive any and all claims that you may have against HSPPR for invasion of privacy in respect to drug testing and background checks as listed above.