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Animal Rescue Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

VCA Associates in Pet Care Animal Hospital, located in Waukesha, WI , is growing and seeking an Associate Veterinarian to join our collaborative 3-doctor team. We are proud to be an AAHA-accredited ...

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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:
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.
Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Certified Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Animal Dermatology Group

Brookfield, WI โ€ข On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description:

Do you have veterinary technician experience and an interest in specialty medicine and dermatology? At Great Lakes Veterinary Dermatology, we believe that great patient care starts with a happy team! We are seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician or experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team.


Why Join Our Team?

  • Positive Culture: Join a growing, family-oriented atmosphere where we treat each other with respect and focus on collaborative patient care.
  • True Work-Life Balance: No nights or weekends! Keep your Saturdays and Sundays free for family, friends, and fun.
  • Specialized Focus: Dive deep into the rewarding world of dermatology and allergy, focusing on long-term client education and life-changing results for pets.

We are looking for someone with the following qualities:

  • Energetic
  • Positive
  • Upbeat personality
  • Takes initiative
  • Commitment to the needs of the clinic
  • Punctual
  • Willingness to teach others and share ideas
  • Openness to diversity
  • Adaptability to change
  • Accountable
  • Able to see big picture
Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (including but not limited to):

ยท Previous experience or training/ education in a veterinary facility

ยท Must be friendly, outgoing, โ€œpeople orientedโ€

ยท Excellent communication skills

ยท Must be capable of being cross-trained for front office receptionist duties, telephone and computer skills are necessary

ยท Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques, treatments, and accept change


Medical Related Skills:

ยท Preparing and restraining animals during procedures

ยท Assisting in surgery

ยท Wound care

ยท Advising pet owners on proper care, etc.


Duties (including but not limited to):

ยท Demonstrate excellent relations with client/ pets in the waiting area and exam rooms

ยท Exceed the clientโ€™s expectations of service

ยท Compassionate nursing care is the top priority for all patients

ยท Housekeeping/ maintenance

ยท Ability to perform a cursory examination of an animal

ยท Ability to recognize potential patient issues

ยท Clearly communicate your findings to a doctor

ยท Record keeping

ยท Fill prescription and dispense medications as prescribed by the doctor, etc.


Education and Physical Requirements:

ยท High school diploma or equivalent

ยท Dependable attendance is required

ยท Must be able to lift 40 pounds

ยท Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions

ยท The ability to walk, bend, stand, squat, or reach constantly during a minimum 8-hour day.


Team Member Benefits:
  • Time away from work including no nights or weekends, a robust vacation allowance, paid holidays, sick time/mental health days, Paid Parental Leave, short- and long-term disability coverage options, and leaves of absence.
  • Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and Health Savings Accounts, as well as wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
  • Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) plan with 100% match on 3% of pay and 50% match on up to 2% more of pay, flexible spending accounts, retirement readiness tools, advisor support and resources, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling.
  • Education support through certification programs and CE opportunities.
  • Additional benefits for life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, legal counseling, identity theft protection, commuting, and more.
  • Company provided scrubs and discounts on services and medications for employee pets.
  • Monthly bonus based on clinicโ€™s dietary sales.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Great Lakes Veterinary Dermatology is part of Animal Dermatology Group (ADG), the largest veterinary dermatology business in the U.S., providing the highest quality of specialty care to pets with acute and chronic skin conditions. ADG has over 40 locations nationwide. With 100+ doctors supporting the ADG medical team, they strive to lead in clinical practice, research and education in our field. In addition to providing advanced, dermatology specialized care to patients and supporting general practice veterinarians in our geographic service areas, ADG participates in drug/product development and clinical trials. ADG also has the largest dermatology residency program approved by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology to support the training of the next generation of dermatologists.
Animal Dermatology Group is part of Animal Outpatient Specialty Network (AOSN), a United States based, privately-owned, veterinary outpatient specialty company with the worldโ€™s largest unified group of veterinary specialists engaged in the specialty of surgery, dermatology, oncology, dentistry, ophthalmology, cardiology and internal medicine. AOSN has become the partner of choice for board-certified veterinary specialists and the provider of choice for pet parents across the United States and Canada, providing unsurpassed care to patients and valuable peace of mind for pet owners.
For more information about Animal Dermatology Group, please visit our website animaldermatology.com!
ADG/AOSN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.