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Animal Rescue Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Decatur, GA is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.42 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 Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,746 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Animal Caretaker/Vivarium Assistant

Animal Caretaker/Vivarium Assistant

Mercer University

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Mercer University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Application Instructions:
External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page.
IMPORTANT: Please review the job posting and load ALL documents required in the job posting to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. Use the Select Files button to add multiple documents including your Resume/CV, references, cover letter, and any other supporting documents required in the job posting. The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to add your required supporting document attachments. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it.
Current Mercer University Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Do not apply from the external careers website. Log in to Workday and type Jobs Hub in the search bar. Locate the position and click Apply.
Job Title:
Animal Caretaker/Vivarium Assistant
Department:
Pharmaceutical Sciences
College/Division:
College Of Pharmacy
Primary Job Posting Location:
Atlanta, GA 30341
Additional Job Posting Locations:
(Other locations that this position could be based)
Job Details:
The College of Pharmacy is searching for an Animal Caretaker and Vivarium Assistant on the Atlanta, Georgia campus.
Responsibilities:
The Animal Caretaker / Vivarium Assistant supports the Director of Vivarium in the daily operation and maintenance of animal care facilities. This position is responsible for performing routine animal husbandry activities to ensure the health, welfare, and proper care of research animals. Duties include: monitoring environmental conditions, conducting health and welfare checks, maintaining adequate food and water supplies, changing cages, operating cage-washing equipment, and ensuring cleanliness and compliance within colony rooms. The incumbent works collaboratively and professionally with faculty, researchers, and trainees to support animal care protocols and the successful conduct of research activities.
Qualifications:
A high school diploma or GED and some relevant experience are required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Must be able to learn and apply basic principles and practices of laboratory animal care and facility maintenance.
  • Basic Computer skills.
  • Ability to learn and to work with Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and animal care protocols.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to perform routine tasks accurately and consistently.
  • Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary animal care environment.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Ability to perform physical duties including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling supplies, feed, bedding, and cages, with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Must be able to work with disinfectants, germicides, and cleaning agents commonly used in the animal care facility.

Background Check Contingencies:
- Criminal History Check
Document Attachments:
- Resume/CV
- List of references with contact information
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a distinguished private institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. With campuses across Georgia, Mercer's twelve schools and colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university cultivates a close-knit, student-centered environment where innovation, service, and personal growth are deeply valued. Mercer's employees are at the heart of its mission, dedicated to advancing innovation, supporting student success, and strengthening both our local and global communities through service. At Mercer, we believe in the power of relationships and the importance of in-person collaboration. Accordingly, our employees are expected to serve in-person as it fosters real-time problem solving, mentoring, and the meaningful connections that strengthen both our work and service to our students and the broader university community.
Why Work at Mercer University
Mercer University offers a variety of benefits for eligible employees including comprehensive health insurance (for self and dependents), generous retirement contributions, tuition waivers, paid vacation and sick leave, technology discounts, schedules that allow for work-life balance, and so much more!
At Mercer University, a Bear is more than a mascot: it's a frame of mind that begins with a strong desire to make the most out of your career. Mercer Bears do not settle for mediocrity or the status quo. If you're seeking an environment where your passion and determination are embraced, then you want to work at Mercer University.
For more information, please visit: https://hr.mercer.edu/prospective-employees/
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Job Family:
Staff Research and Lab Services Non-exempt
EEO Statement:
EEO/Veteran/Disability

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