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Animal Rescue Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Oconomowoc Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Oconomowoc, WI · On-site

Associate Veterinarian | Oconomowoc Animal Hospital | Oconomowoc, WI Oconomowoc Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate and collaborative Associate Veterinarian to join our established small ...

VCA Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Waukesha, WI

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

About Our Hospital VCA Associates in Pet Care Animal Hospital is a trusted 2-doctor practice serving pets and families in our community with personalized veterinary care From routine wellness visits ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Assistant

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

About Our Hospital VCA Associates in Pet Care Animal Hospital is a trusted 2-doctor practice serving pets and families in our community with personalized veterinary care From routine wellness visits ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
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 11% Internship, 75% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,137 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Medical Lead Veterinarian in Wauwatosa WI at Mayfair Animal Hospital & ER

Mayfair Animal Hospital Emergency

Wauwatosa, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Mayfair Animal Hospital & ER in Wauwatosa, WI, is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and providing a supportive, collaborative environment where you can do your best work. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of veterinary excellence and integrity, ensuring that we are always pushing the boundaries of medical quality. We specialize in both comprehensive general practice services and critical emergency and urgent care, offering you the diversity and challenge you are looking for in your next role. When you join the Mayfair Animal Hospital team, you become part of a culture centered on learning and long-term professional development. We believe in empowering our teammates to reach their fullest potential. Whether you aspire to become a credentialed technician, move into a leadership role, or master a new surgical technique, we provide the resources and mentorship necessary for you to succeed. We maintain supportive scheduling and collaborative workflows so that every member of the team feels valued and can focus squarely on patient outcomes, not burnout. The quality of medicine practiced at Mayfair Animal Hospital is rooted in advanced diagnostic capabilities and compassionate, comprehensive care. Working here means access to modern equipment essential for managing complex emergency and urgent cases. Our medical leadership actively encourages case collaboration, and you will have access to internal specialty consultation opportunities to help manage complicated patient needs. This commitment to continuous education ensures that you are always expanding your knowledge base and maintaining the highest standard of care expected of an AAHA-accredited facility. Wauwatosa, or "Tosa" as locals call it, offers an appealing mix of historic charm and modern convenience just minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Known for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and vibrant village area filled with boutique shops and local eateries, Wauwatosa provides a high quality of life. If you enjoy a community feel with easy access to big-city amenities, including professional sports, museums, and Lake Michigan, Wauwatosa is the ideal location for you to establish your home base.

Additional Hospital Information & Who We are Looking For: 

Mayfair Animal Hospital & ER is seeking a Medical Lead and is open to experienced ER veterinarians as well as board-certified or residency-trained specialists (Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery) interested in stepping into a leadership role. Our hospital is well-equipped and designed for advanced medicine, allowing you to step in and make an immediate impact.


We are seeking a driven, entrepreneurial Medical Lead to take ownership of a transformative chapter at Mayfair Animal Hospital. The right candidate has a positive outlook and is someone who sees opportunities where others see challenges. You'll have the autonomy, support, and authority to build something meaningful. 


Schedule & Flexibility: We understand that top clinical talent values work-life balance. While our facility currently operates with extended hours to serve our community, we are commited to building a schedule around the right candidate. The Medical Lead role offers flexibility in structuring your working hours, and we welcome a conversation about what an ideal schedule looks like for you. 

This is not a "one size fits all" position, your input on scheduling will be valued from day one. 

• Interest In: Small-animal general practice medicine including wellness exams, preventative care, diagnostics, dentistry, soft tissue surgery, senior care, pain management, and client education with leadership involvement in urgent and emergency care workflows. This role is ideal for a veterinarian who enjoys both practicing high-quality medicine and helping guide clinical standards, case management, and team development in a dynamic GP + urgent care environment.

• Medical Lead / Leadership Role: We are seeking an experienced veterinarian interested in stepping into a Medical Lead (Lead DVM) role. This position blends hands-on clinical practice with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring associate veterinarians, collaborating with hospital leadership, supporting medical protocols, and helping foster a positive, collaborative culture. Prior leadership experience is a plus but not required for the right candidate with strong communication skills and a desire to lead by example.


Medical Lead Role Snapshot

This is a primarily clinical role, with focused leadership responsibilities centered on medical quality, standards, and direction for the hospital.

Clinical Responsibilities (80–90%)

  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding diagnostics, treatment options, and outcomes
  • Collaborate closely with technicians and support staff to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care
  • Lead by example on the floor, modeling excellent medicine, professionalism, and client communication

Medical Lead / Leader of Medicine Responsibilities (10–20%)

  • Serve as the medical leader for the hospital, helping guide clinical standards, protocols, and quality-of-care initiatives
  • Support consistency in medical decision-making and case management across the doctor team
  • Act as a clinical sounding board for complex cases, protocol questions, and medical direction
  • Promote a culture of medical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement


• Supportive, Experienced Technical & Clinical Team: Work alongside a highly skilled technician and support team experienced in both general practice and urgent/emergency workflows. The Medical Lead will partner closely with staff to promote efficient case flow, strong medical standards, and excellent patient and client experiences.

• Layout Specifics: AAHA-accredited, full-service hospital featuring multiple exam rooms, treatment areas, surgical and dental suites, in-house laboratory, digital radiology, in-house pharmacy, and infrastructure designed to support both scheduled appointments and urgent/emergency cases — allowing the Medical Lead to practice and guide full-scope medicine.

• Collaborative Leadership Environment: The Medical Lead will work in close partnership with hospital management and regional clinical leadership to support medical quality, mentorship, and team engagement. This role emphasizes approachable leadership, shared decision-making, and creating an environment where doctors and staff feel supported and empowered.

• Patient Mix: A diverse and engaging caseload including wellness and preventative care, same-day urgent visits, and emergency cases. The Medical Lead will help guide medical decision-making while remaining clinically active, maintaining credibility and connection with the day-to-day flow of the hospital.


Website: https://mayfairanimalemergency.com/
Location: 11637 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226


While our facility currently operates with extended hours to serve our community, we are commited to building a schedule around the right candidate and what will make sense for the clinic moving forward. This is not a "one size fits all" position, your input on scheduling will be valued from day one. 


Apply today for immediate consideration!
 If you are an experienced veterinarian looking to grow into a leadership role while continuing to practice high-quality medicine, we’d love to connect.
For confidential consideration, please send your resume to Katie Shaffer at: katie.shaffer@mvetpartners.com

All applications and conversations are upheld with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Why Wauwatosa / Milwaukee, WI?

Located just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Wauwatosa offers a welcoming community with easy access to city amenities, lakefront recreation, dining, breweries, and cultural events all while maintaining a comfortable suburban feel. With a reasonable cost of living, short commutes, and a strong sense of community, the Milwaukee area provides an excellent lifestyle for experienced veterinarians ready to grow their careers and leadership impact.

What Your Day-to-Day Looks Like
  • Build Lasting Relationships: Connect with clients and their pets, becoming their trusted partner in a pet's lifelong health.
  • Practice Your Best Medicine: From diagnosis to treatment, you'll lead patient care with the freedom to uphold the highest standards.
  • Educate and Empower: Clearly communicate findings and treatment plans, empowering clients to make informed decisions.
  • Collaborate and Grow: Work alongside a supportive paraprofessional team, contributing to a positive hospital culture.
Who We're Looking For
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
  • A valid state license and in good standing to practice.
  • A collaborative spirit and a dedication to practicing the highest standard of medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills with a positive, friendly attitude.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the autonomy of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Generous Compensation

Competitive base salary and a monthly production bonus with no negative accrual.

Total Wellbeing

Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, Vision, and more, plus Maternity Leave and 24/7 TeleDoc access.

Financial Health

Plan for your future with a 401k featuring a generous company match, plus Long & Short-Term Disability insurance for peace of mind.

Commitment to Growth

Receive a yearly CE allowance with dedicated paid days off. Grow with leadership tracks and structured mentorship.

The Power of a Network

Tap into a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals for collaboration and to explore your unique interests.

Peace of Mind

Company-paid Professional Liability Coverage, so you can focus on what you do best: practicing great medicine.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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