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Animal Rescue Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

City of Aurora

Animal Protection Officer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$24.55 - $30.69/hr

Neighborhood Support, Animal Services, Housing and Community Development, and Community Engagement. The mission of the Housing and Community Development Department is to maintain community appearance ...

CityVet

Animal Care Attendant

Aurora, CO

All pet lovers welcome CityVet is looking for Animal Care Attendants (Kennel Tech) to join our team! At CityVet, we know our team of happy people is as unique and diverse as the pets we care for. We ...

CityVet

Animal Care Attendant

Aurora, CO · On-site

All pet lovers welcome CityVet is looking for Animal Care Attendants (Kennel Tech) to join our team! At CityVet, we know our team of happy people is as unique and diverse as the pets we care for. We ...

City of Arvada

Animal Management Officer

Arvada, CO

$27.86 - $38.09/hr

Animal Management Officer The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work. Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well ...

CityVet

Animal Care Attendant

Aurora, CO · On-site

All pet lovers welcome CityVet is looking for Animal Care Attendants (Kennel Tech) to join our team! At CityVet, we know our team of happy people is as unique and diverse as the pets we care for. We ...

Arvada

Animal Management Officer

Arvada, CO

$27.86 - $38.09/hr

This role provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency animal management services, responds to complex and often sensitive situations, and works closely with law enforcement and other City departments ...

Opal Foods LLC

ANIMAL CARETAKER-LAYER HENS

Hudson, CO · On-site

Animal Caretaker - Hudson FarmOpal Foods is currently accepting applications for the position of Animal Caretaker for our new, state of the art, cage-free Layer Farm in Hudson, CO. This position is ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Denver, CO

Animal Rescue information

See Denver, CO salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Denver, CO is $21.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $25.72 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 the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO? For Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Denver, CO are:
What cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Denver, CO with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Denver, CO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,065 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Animal Adoptions Associate - Animal Shelter - Full Time

Denver Dumb Friends League

Denver, CO • On-site

$20 - $20.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 116 years, Humane Colorado has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the region, we care for more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses each year at our four facilities and are a national model in animal welfare. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.
Purpose of Position: Provide assistance and adoption counseling to shelter patrons.
Responsibilities
  • Deliver high-level customer service to the League's patrons
  • Meet with potential adopters to gather and give information to assist in the process of adopting an animal
  • Review and complete adoption paperwork
  • Perform data entry to update animal records
  • Handle and move animals and facilitate the interaction between animals and patrons
  • Provide food, water and care for animals, including at least 2 holiday Animal Care shifts per calendar year
  • Clean and maintain adoption counsel rooms and areas
  • Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures
  • Act as a resource for volunteers by answering questions, providing training and coaching in the moment, and addressing concerns
  • Perform euthanasia and related tasks

People Care
People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.
Key Competencies
Key competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and actions. More in-depth definitions regarding these competencies are available from your manager, human resources, and can be found on the employee intranet.
Organizational Key Competencies
  • Integrity and Ethics
  • Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
  • Customer and Community Focus
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Excellence

Position Competencies
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Conflict Management

Full Time Benefits - Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.
  • Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay
  • Discounted Pet Insurance
  • Employee Discounts
  • Sabbatical
  • 401(k)
  • And more!

Compensation: Starting at $20.00 - $20.90 hour (Compensation base range is $20.00 - $20.90. (Starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity.)
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements
Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.
Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days.
Requirements
Requirements
Qualifications and ExperienceRequired
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Desired
  • High attention to detail
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
  • Ability to effectively communicate and work within a team environment
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Valid drivers license with insurable driving record
  • General knowledge of companion animal breeds and animal welfare
  • Experience working with and handling animals in a shelter or similar environment
  • Experience providing high level of customer service
  • Bilingual speaking English and Spanish

Salary Description
$20.00-$20.90

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