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Animal Rescue Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

UAB

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15 - $24.40/hr

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I The University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities : To assist in routine veterinary care of laboratory animals at UAB. To provide research and technical ...

UAB

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15 - $24.40/hr

ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN I The University of Alabama at Birmingham General Responsibilities: The Animal Health Technician 1 is an entry-level health technician position that primarily focus is to ...

ZooTampa

Retail Representative (Part-time Seasonal)

Tampa, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

... animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Lakeland, FL

Animal Rescue information

See Lakeland, FL salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Lakeland, FL is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.32 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 Lakeland, FL?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Lakeland, FL are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Lakeland, FL?

For Animal Rescue jobs in Lakeland, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Lakeland, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Lakeland, FL are:

What cities near Lakeland, FL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Lakeland, FL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Lakeland, FL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,815 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Animal Care Supervisor - Asia / Australia (Full-Time)

Tampa, FL • On-site

ZooTampa
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about ZooTampaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Animal Care Supervisor - Asia / Australia
ZooTampa is looking to hire a full time hourly Animal Care Supervisor to join our team! You will be responsible for supervising the daily functions of assigned animal departments and ensure all activities are in alignment with Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA) standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
  • Supervise assignments related to the daily care of a variety of animals
  • Assist with mentoring, training, scheduling, safety, development, and performance management of subordinates
  • Establish and maintain efficient work routines that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements
  • Observe, document, and report animal illnesses, abnormal behavior, and unsafe conditions; administer medications and perform minor first aid if necessary
  • Inspect Zoo grounds and animal housing facilities daily for cleanliness and safety and checks animal habitats and enclosures for security and other conditions
  • Conduct guided tours and answer questions of visitors in a courteous and pleasant manner
  • Respond to and assist manager in guiding the resolution of emergency situations
  • Assist in exhibit planning, construction, and supervision of construction

What are we looking for?
  • A Bachelor or Associate degree in biology, vertebrate zoology, the natural science or related field or equivalent specialized training is preferred
  • A minimum of three years' experience in an AZA accredited zoological setting preferred
  • Knowledge of the behaviors, diets, breeding habits and custodial care of a variety of native, exotic and domestic animals
  • Advanced knowledge of husbandry requirements, zoonotic diseases and prevention
  • Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), radio, telephone
  • Must have good written and oral communication skills, ability to think logically, and solve problems with minimal guidance
  • Must be self-motivated, goal-oriented, able to maintain discretion with confidential information and have strong leadership and team building skills
  • Physically able to work in typical Florida weather, in a variety of physical positions including safely lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work long hours and varying shifts, including nights and weekends

Our Perks at ZooTampa
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
  • Vacation and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Forgiveness
  • Free gym membership
  • Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
  • Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
  • And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

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