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Animal Rescue Jobs in Madison Heights, MI (NOW HIRING)

FRIENDS FOR ANIMALS OF METRO DETROI

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Animal Care Specialist

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$14/hr

... rescue, protection, and adoption of companion animals in need while inspiring the human-animal bond ... As animal advocates, we are committed to: * Saving 100% of healthy and treatable animals.

FRIENDS FOR ANIMALS OF METRO DETROI

Be Seen First

Animal Care Specialist

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$14/hr

... rescue, protection, and adoption of companion animals in need while inspiring the human-animal bond ... As animal advocates, we are committed to: * Saving 100% of healthy and treatable animals.

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Madison Heights, MI is $19.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $23.08 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 cities near Madison Heights, MI are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Madison Heights, MI with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Madison Heights, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,438 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Animal Care Specialist

FRIENDS FOR ANIMALS OF METRO DETROI

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

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Job description

Title: Animal Care Specialist

Supervised by: Director of Operations / Assistant Director of Operations.

Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt

OrganizationFriends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is dedicated to the rescue, protection, and adoption of companion animals in need while inspiring the human-animal bond.

As animal advocates, we are committed to:

  • Saving 100% of healthy and treatable animals.
  • Providing high-quality animal care and adoption services.
  • Delivering innovative outreach programs and activities that promote education.
  • Promoting animal welfare legislation.
  • Embracing environmental responsibility with earth-friendly practices and facilities.

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist performs routine animal care and related duties for Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit which provides animal sheltering services to the city of Dearborn. The work involves cleaning and maintaining animal areas inside and outside property of thefacility, interacting with the public and other visitors to the shelter, handling incoming and current sheltered animals, and performing other related shelter duties. This employee will carry out daily assignments, follow through on matters, and use independent judgement and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations. Responsibilities will vary on the current needs of the shelter.

Roles

  • Cleans kennels, cages and other animal housing areas.
  • Performs shelter duties including providing the proper amount of food/water, proper bedding and other care to animals brought to the shelter, washing laundry and dishes, and all necessary housekeeping duties.
  • Assists in medical testing, treatments, and euthanasia as requested.
  • Assists in temperament and behavior assessments as requested as well as performs prescribed socialization and training methods in handling the animals.
  • Interacts with public and assists volunteers, facilitates adoptions by answering questions, directs them to appropriate animals, etc.
  • Works with volunteers; guiding them in their role, communicating with them, and answering their questions regarding a task or help with an animal.
  • Ensures proper inventory levels of food, and other supplies. Informs supervisor when reordering is necessary.
  • Follows all FAMD policies and protocols.
  • Performs additional tasks as required.

Qualifications/Skills

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be able to work week days, weekends and some holidays.
  • Prior animal experience or knowledge of animal care is preferred but not required.
  • Maintains professional attitude at all times.
  • Friendly communication with public/volunteers and staff.
  • Handles animals safely and effectively.
  • Follows all cleaning processes in the kennels and cages in an efficient manner.
  • Development of animal handling skills as a result of on-the-job experience.
  • Ability to work under high-stress environments and situations.
  • Ability to follow directions.

Physical Requirements

  • Visual requirement.
  • Hearing requirement.
  • Standing for long period of time.
  • Walking for long period of time.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Climb step ladders and stairs.
  • Bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects.

License/Certificates

  • Valid driver’s license.

Other Factors

Worker is subject to working on weekends and holidays.

Employee may have to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.

Company Description

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is dedicated to the rescue, protection, and adoption of companion animals in need while inspiring the human-animal bond.
As animal advocates, we are committed to:
Saving 100% of healthy and treatable animals.
Providing high-quality animal care and adoption services.
Delivering innovative outreach programs and activities that promote education.
Promoting animal welfare legislation.
Embracing environmental responsibility with earth-friendly practices and facilities.