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Animal Rescue Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI (NOW HIRING)

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Allegan, MI · On-site

$17.83/hr

The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods

Animal Caretaker

Martin, MI · On-site

$17.33/hr

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Allegan County

Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Allegan, MI · On-site

The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal ...

Milwood Animal Clinic

Veterinary Assistant

Portage, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Milwood Animal Clinic is Hiring an Experienced Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant Status: Full-time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule:

NVA

Veterinarian

Richland, MI · On-site

Why Join Gull Lake Animal Hospital * Supportive Mentorship: We're committed to helping ... Participate in local rescue initiatives, pet food drives, and other community programs. * Work-Life ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Petco

Junior Groomer

Battle Creek, MI

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Kalamazoo, MI

Animal Rescue information

See Kalamazoo, MI salary details

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$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Kalamazoo, MI is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.61 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 Kalamazoo, MI? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Kalamazoo, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Kalamazoo, MI? For Animal Rescue jobs in Kalamazoo, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Kalamazoo, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Kalamazoo, MI are:
What cities near Kalamazoo, MI are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Kalamazoo, MI with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Kalamazoo, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,305 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Animal Caretaker - Call-In

Allegan County

Allegan, MI • On-site

$17.83/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Allegan County has much to offer, with 24 Townships, 9 Cities, and 2 Villages across nearly 900 square miles. The landscapes range from the lakeshore to beautifully wooded lands, our County's natural resources are a gift to be treasured. Allegan County businesses, citizens, and employees are world-class, and we remain a welcoming, closely-knit community. We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan.
Allegan County Government places high importance on our core values: Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Honesty. A common thread among our leadership, employees and volunteers is a strong desire to serve and be part of something meaningful. We have been recognized by Gallagher as "Best in Class Winner" among mid-size companies for our excellence in optimizing employee and organizational well-being for three years in a row (2023-2025). We have also received the "Impact Award" from M.E.R.S. for excellence in educating our employees about their retirement plans and overall financial wellness. We are looking for dedicated, caring, energetic people to join our team!
Job Summary
Responsible for the overall care and well-being of the animals housed at the Allegan County Animal Shelter. The Animal Caretaker will perform kennel cleaning, walking, feeding, and provide mental and physical enrichment to the animals. The position will also handle administrative tasks such as animal intake, keeping an inventory of animal food and shelter supplies and keeping records of animal care activities.
Starting Wage: $17.83 per hour - part time position
Responsibilities and Duties:
  1. Handle general care tasks such as feeding and kennel cleaning of the animals
  2. Assist in restraining animals for veterinary management
  3. Create intake paperwork for all animal intakes
  4. Create Kennel Card for all new animal intakes
  5. Provide intake vaccination/prevention for animals
  6. Keep records of animal feedings, treatments, and other updates
  7. Keep up daily laundry and cleaning for animal health per state mandates
  8. Engage in play activities and exercise with the animals
  9. Maintain a clean and healthy environment
  10. Provide weekly inventory list for animal food and shelter supplies

Education / Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Previous experience in animal care or related field preferred

Qualifications:
  • Passion for helping and treating animals
  • Ability to interact with animals in a calm, non-threatening manner
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing work priorities
  • Detail-oriented, Self-motivated as well as Team-oriented

*Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for THC) in order to be hired for this position.

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