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Animal Rescue Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

ALIVE Rescue

Foster Coordinator

Salem, WI · On-site

You will be the face of ALIVE Rescue to potential and current foster homes (who often become ... Arranging alternate care for foster animal while their foster families are out of town

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Palmyra, WI · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Animal Caretaker

Palmyra, WI · On-site

In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment. Key Responsibilities * Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Milwaukee, WI is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.62 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 the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,137 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Foster Coordinator

Foster Coordinator

ALIVE Rescue

Salem, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

With the increase in animals being rescued and the need for ISO foster homes, we are in search of more Foster Coordinators for the team. Becoming a Foster Coordinator is one of the most important roles within our organization. You will be the face of ALIVE Rescue to potential and current foster homes (who often become adopters!) and help us to be able to save more animals by getting new foster homes approved.

Prerequisites: excellent communication skills, ability to manage multiple/competing priorities, work as team player, detail-orientation, capacity to check email at least once per day, access to a vehicle, and a basic knowledge of positive reinforcement training methods and cat and/or dog behavior.

Tasks for this role include:

  • Processing foster home applications from start to finish (this includes: initial assessment of foster application, reference checks, phone interviews, and virtual home visits)
  • Serving as the point of contact for your foster home list:
    • Finding matches for current animals needing foster homes and open foster homes
    • Arranging alternate care for foster animal while their foster families are out of town
    • Coordinating vet visits between foster home and Medical Director
    • Trouble-shooting and brainstorming if any issues arise
    • Conduct follow up e-mails and phone calls with foster families once a foster animal is placed with them.
    • Ensure a foster survey is complete within 1 week of foster animal being placed into foster home.
  • Keeping our internal shelter specific database up-to-date with foster information and placement details
  • Constant communication between other Foster Coordinators, Founder, Medical Director, and Director of Adoptions.
  • Attend virtual team meetings as they are scheduled (maximum 4 times per year)

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