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Animal Rescue Jobs in Knoxville, TN (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Powell, TN

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description Description Veterinary Assistant Powell Animal Hospital Powell, Tennessee Full-Time: 4 ten hour shifts with rotating Saturdays Compensation: Starting at $16 - $18/hour Compensation ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Knoxville, TN is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Knoxville, TN?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Knoxville, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Knoxville, TN?

For Animal Rescue jobs in Knoxville, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Knoxville, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Knoxville, TN are:

What cities near Knoxville, TN are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Knoxville, TN with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Knoxville, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,785 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Assistant / Associate Professor in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time clinical or tenure track faculty position in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position is at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level.
The successful candidate is expected to engage in the departmental mission by participating in clinical and didactic teaching to veterinary students and house officers; providing clinical service in zoological companion animal medicine with reciprocated coverage in zoological medicine; contributing to the development of a basic science or clinical research program commensurate with effort allocation; and participating in continuing education at local, national, and international levels. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team are required.
The position has a major clinical commitment to the Zoological Companion Animal and Wildlife Service, and faculty are responsible for instruction and supervision of veterinary students, interns, and residents. This service provides health care for privately owned zoo companion animals and native wildlife brought by members of the public and wildlife agencies. Faculty also work synergistically with the general zoo medicine service which is the other service within the Zoological Medicine Section and provides care to Zoo Knoxville, Tiger Haven (large felid sanctuary), Appalachian Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies. Teaching responsibilities include lectures and laboratories for DVM students, instruction and mentoring of house officers, and instruction to clinical year veterinary students. The successful candidate will help build a cohesive and positive working environment in the services for students, house officers, technicians, and faculty.
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center is a modern, fully equipped facility with extensive therapeutic and diagnostic equipment. The Zoological Medicine Section is currently supported by 4 faculty members, 3 house officers and 3 veterinary technicians. Hospital space and equipment are available to diagnose and treat all zoo companion, wildlife, and zoological patients presented to the hospital. The department includes tenured and clinical track faculty in supporting specialty services including anesthesiology, behavior, cardiology, dermatology, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, nutrition, dentistry, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, physical therapy/sports medicine, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Additionally, there are robust equine and farm animal patient populations and pathologists with strong interests in zoological medicine.
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine boasts a collegial environment committed to mentoring new faculty to be successful in their academic career. This includes a Master Teaching Program, which provides resources, programs and leadership to support the highest quality of professionalism and instruction within the various educational missions of the college and a Veterinary Social Work program that provides training and support in the areas of communication and conflict management, compassion fatigue, animal-related grief and bereavement, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. New faculty are assigned an experienced faculty mentor, and the Department has an excellent record in helping faculty successfully earn promotion and tenure.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee flagship campus and is a beautiful and friendly place to live. It is a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as several dog-friendly state parks and recreation areas. Outdoor recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, and water sports. Knoxville has a vibrant cultural downtown with excellent restaurants; bustling farmer's markets; live music of all genres, ballet, and theater; frequent art and cultural festivals; and men's and women's sporting events.
Qualifications
Requirements include a DVM/VMD or equivalent degree and certification or eligibility for certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified individuals are invited to apply. Applications should include a letter of intent with a statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references

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