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Animal Rescue Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

At VCA Sand Lake Animal Hospital, you'll join a 6-doctor team that focuses on general practice and preventive care. Our team culture is collaborative and supportive, and we pride ourselves on hands ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Technician

Onalaska, WI · On-site

Veterinary Technician - VCA Sand Lake Animal Hospital At VCA, we're passionate about delivering world-class veterinary care while supporting the people who make it possible. With over 1,000 hospitals ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

La Crosse, WI · 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

La Crosse, WI

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:

AmeriVet

Lewiston Veterinary Assistant

Lewiston, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Experience with proper animal handling and restraint * Believes in the importance of client education * Compassionate toward our patients and clients * Motivated to learn new skills * Positive and ...

Amerivet

Lewiston Veterinary Assistant

Lewiston, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Experience with proper animal handling and restraint * Believes in the importance of client education * Compassionate toward our patients and clients * Motivated to learn new skills * Positive and ...

Amerivet

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Lewiston, MN · On-site

We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible in the Lewiston and the surrounding areas.We are actively seeking an ...

AmeriVet

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Lewiston, MN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible in the Lewiston and the surrounding areas. We are actively seeking an ...

Amerivet

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Lewiston, MN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible in the Lewiston and the surrounding areas.We are actively seeking an ...

AmeriVet

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Lewiston, MN · On-site

We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible in the Lewiston and the surrounding areas. We are actively seeking an ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in La Crosse, WI

Animal Rescue information

See La Crosse, WI salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in La Crosse, WI is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $24.52 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 popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in La Crosse, WI? For Animal Rescue jobs in La Crosse, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in La Crosse, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in La Crosse, WI are:
What cities near La Crosse, WI are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near La Crosse, WI with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in La Crosse, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,982 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

VCA Animal Hospital

Onalaska, WI • On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - VCA Sand Lake Animal Hospital
Schedule: Full-time opportunity.

Compensation:
$16 - 21/hr and pay range is negotiable based on experience, education, skills, and credentials.

At VCA Sand Lake Animal Hospital, you'll join a 6-doctor team that focuses on general practice and preventive care.

Our team culture is collaborative and supportive, and we pride ourselves on hands-on training and a positive team environment. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, we're committed to helping our teams grow and making a lasting impact on pets and the people who love them.

The Role

As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting both patient care and the client experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with animals, being part of a team, and gaining hands-on experience in a veterinary setting.

What You'll Do
  • Assist veterinarians and technicians with patient care
  • Safely restrain pets during exams and procedures
  • Prepare exam rooms and equipment
  • Clean, sterilize, and maintain hospital areas
  • Support feeding, walking, and general animal care
  • Help create a positive and welcoming experience for clients
What We're Looking For
  • Previous experience in animal care or a veterinary setting preferred (but not required)
  • Willingness to learn and take direction
  • Strong work ethic and reliability
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Passion for working with animals and supporting a team
Total Rewards

As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Access to mental health and wellness resources
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being resources (Headspace app, Vault financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources including Lyra Health)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with companymatch
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility and gender affirmation benefits
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Discover Additional BenefitsBenefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)

Apply Today
If you're looking to join a team where you can grow your skills and make a meaningful impact, we'd love to connect with you.
Location: 1480 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI 54650

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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