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Animal Rescue Jobs in Gainesville, FL (NOW HIRING)

Alachua County

Animal Care Technician

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$19.05/hr

Position Summary This is animal shelter work responsible for the safe and humane handling of animals and providing basic care of animals and animal facilities in the Alachua County Animal Resources ...

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Be Seen First

Animal Care Technician

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$19.05/hr

This is animal shelter work responsible for the safe and humane handling of animals and providing basic care of animals and animal facilities in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.

Newberry Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Newberry, FL · On-site

If so, Newberry Animal Hospital (NAH) in beautiful North Central Florida, is the perfect place for you. As a privately owned small animal practice group with four hospitals and twelve veterinarians ...

Newberry Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Gainesville, FL · On-site

If so, Newberry Animal Hospital (NAH) in beautiful North Central Florida, is the perfect place for you. As a privately owned small animal practice group with four hospitals and twelve veterinarians ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Gainesville, FL

Animal Rescue information

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$8

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Gainesville, FL is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $22.64 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 Gainesville, FL? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Gainesville, FL? For Animal Rescue jobs in Gainesville, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Gainesville, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What cities near Gainesville, FL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Gainesville, FL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Gainesville, FL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,667 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Care Technician

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$19.05/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $19.05 Hourly
Location : 3400 NE 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: FY26-17270
Department: Animal Resources & Care
Division: Animal Resources & Care
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or equivalent; six months experience preferred in animal care/control, assisting at a veterinarian facility, kennel, and/or handling shelter animals or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
As a condition of employment incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/prerequisites to handle controlled substances.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
This position is part-time 20 hours weekly.
Position Summary
This is animal shelter work responsible for the safe and humane handling of animals and providing basic care of animals and animal facilities in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.
An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for providing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health and well-being of animals, such as dogs, cats, pocket pets, and other animals in need.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher - level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, pens, yards, and general grounds. Washes laundry and dishes.
Feeds and waters animals according to schedules.
Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to Veterinarian instructions.
Transfers animals between quarters.
Adjusts controls to regulate temperature and humidity of animal's quarters.
Provides enrichment for the animals such as making treats, walking animals, and playtime and exercise with the animals.
Comforts animals when needed.
Assists the public with reclaims and adoptions.
Interacts with the public including adoption counseling, foster requests, dog to dog interactions, playgroups and assist staff requests for processing.
Performs intake of the animals including taking photos, providing core vaccines, flea treatment and dewormer.
Updates animal records in computer system. Records information according to instructions such as gender, breed, diet, weight, location, behavior, medications, food intake, and identifiers.
Reports signs of illness or unusual behavior in animals to supervisor.
May restrain unclaimed and/or unwanted animals for humane euthanasia, including large-breed (50 pounds or greater) dogs.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the care and handling of animals.
Ability to treat animals and people with respect.
Ability to recognize signs of stress or disease in animals.
Ability to restrain and handle hostile or large animals.
Ability to assist with humane euthanasia procedures.
Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers in a professional manner, especially during emotional or stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Skills with Pet Care and Animal Handling and Care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases (e.g., ringworm). Subject to animal bites and scratches.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits
  • Medical/Health Insurance
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Florida Retirement System
  • Employee Assistance Program
Optional Benefits
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Deferred Retirement Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Roth IRA
  • Tuition Assistance Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits
You may also view regarding benefits.
  • FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
  • TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
  • HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:
  1. New Years Day
  2. Martin Luther King Day
  3. Memorial Day
  4. Juneteenth
  5. Independence Day
  6. Labor Day
  7. Veterans' Day
  8. Thanksgiving Day
  9. Friday following Thanksgiving
  10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)
  11. Christmas Day
  12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)
  13. 2 Floating Holidays (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF - International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.
Vacation Leave - Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to .
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.
01
If an applicant meets all minimum qualifications as posted he/she is referred to the appropriate hiring manager. The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for the ones with the specific experience he/she is seeking.Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.
  • Yes
  • No

02
I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I will NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you graduated from high school or completed a GED?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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