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

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Animal Rescue information

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$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,438 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Animal and Customer Care Assistant Manager - Westland

Animal and Customer Care Assistant Manager - Westland

MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY

Westland, MI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Animal and Customer Care Assistant Manager
Location: Westland, MI
Hours: Full-Time
Who We Are:
Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.
Why Work with Us:
We're a mission-based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we'd love to talk to you. In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
  • Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
  • A positive and collaborative work environment
  • Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Human & Pet Bereavement
  • Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
  • Relaxed dress code
  • Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
  • Animal food discount
  • Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend.
  • Sabbatical Policy
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
  • Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The ACC Assistant Manager assists the Animal & Customer Care Manager with the effective and efficient daily operation of the shelter and adoption center with the goal of providing high-quality animal care and efficient movement of animals from intake to adoption.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide guidance and direction to Animal and Customer Care (ACC) staff. Oversee the day-to-day duties with regard to the shelter and adoption center.
  • Train new employees and volunteers in safe animal handling and all ACC processes and procedures. Oversee staff on proper cleaning protocols, MH husbandry standards, section checks, animal care, and customer service.
  • Ensure staff adhere to MH policies, protocols and procedures, managing team performance through coaching, individual meetings, and performance reviews.
  • Supervise the use of the software system to ensure that animal records are entered accurately and properly retained.
  • Coordinate with other locations to coordinate and transfer animals; assist with selecting and preparing animals for transfer to other locations or offsite events.
  • Assist with management duties, such as opening or closing the Animal Care Center, ordering food and supplies, developing work schedules, completing customer call-backs, reporting maintenance concerns, etc.
  • Manage escalated situations and responsible for problem-resolution involving customers, volunteers or staff, etc.
  • Assist with animal health and behavioral concerns, consulting with medical and behavior teams on animal progress. Oversee/implement enrichment protocols.
  • Coordinate foster re-checks, foster families and volunteers.
  • Perform animal care and enrichment duties alongside the ACC team, including cleaning, vaccine administration, intakes, adoptions, returns, euthanasia, and other processes.
  • Provide excellent customer service by assisting customers, answering questions and explaining procedures and protocols. Responsible for escalated or more complex customer service situations.
  • Strive to support clients beyond the first need by providing resources for Michigan Humane programs or other community resources.

Qualifications:
  • Good supervisory and customer service skills and the ability to work independently
  • Labor intensive, must be able clean, kneel, bend, stoop, etc. and lift 50lbs
  • Must be flexible and able to handle changes in a fast-paced work environment
  • Solid conflict resolution and problem-solving skills; attention to details
  • Able to communicate clearly and provide direction to staff in high stress situations
  • Exhibit compassion toward animals and their owners
  • Ability to consistently adhere to prescribed protocols
  • Required weekend schedule

Acquired Knowledge:
  • HS diploma plus 1-2 years of relevant experience, including at least 12 months of animal care experience.
  • Must possess knowledge of safe animal handling techniques
  • Basic math and computer skills; proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations governing animal protection shelters, employers, and wildlife.

Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!

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