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Animal Rescue Jobs in New Orleans, LA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Technician

Jefferson, LA

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wisdom Animal Hospital is seeking a Part-Time or Full-Time Veterinary Technician to join our team and support our mission of high-quality, personalized veterinary care. Job Summary The Veterinary ...

Veterinary Technician / Assistant

Mandeville, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Veterinary Technician / Assistant Cypress Point Animal Hospital Cypress Point Animal Hospital We believe in a Whole Person Approach when it comes to our veterinary teams. This includes a living wage ...

Veterinary Receptionist

Mandeville, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Veterinary Receptionist Cypress Point Animal Hospital Mandeville, La We believe in a Whole Person Approach when it comes to our veterinary teams. This includes a living wage for all hospital Team ...

Veterinarian

Metairie, LA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Metairie Small Animal Hospital, a thriving and well-established small animal practice in Old Metairie, is excited to welcome a new Associate Veterinarian to our team. We welcome experienced DVMs as ...

Veterinarian

Metairie, LA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Metairie Small Animal Hospital, a thriving and well-established small animal practice in Old Metairie, is excited to welcome a new Associate Veterinarian to our team. We welcome experienced DVMs as ...

Relief Veterinarian

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The focus in the shelter clinic to the management of the 300 animal population. The Community Clinic veterinarian will provide services including examinations, diagnostics, treatments, minor surgery ...

Relief Veterinarian

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$70 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The focus in the shelter clinic to the management of the 300 animal population. The Community Clinic veterinarian will provide services including examinations, diagnostics, treatments, minor surgery ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Rescue information

See New Orleans, LA salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in New Orleans, LA is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in New Orleans, LA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in New Orleans, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in New Orleans, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in New Orleans, LA are:

What cities near New Orleans, LA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near New Orleans, LA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in New Orleans, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 60% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,047 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Associate Veterinarian โ€“ Ponchatoula & Independence, LA

Hickory Small Animal Hospital is seeking an Associate Veterinarian to support our two AAHA-accredited small animal hospitals in Ponchatoula and Independence, Louisiana.

We welcome both experienced veterinarians and new graduates with an interest in small animal general practice, preventive care, and primary care surgery who are excited to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive base salary + production-based compensation (paid quarterly, no long-term negative accrual)
  • Sign-on bonus and retention bonus opportunities
  • Relocation assistance
  • Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance

About You

Youโ€™re a dedicated small animal veterinarian (or upcoming graduate) who enjoys building lasting relationships with clients while delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Whether youโ€™re early in your career or bringing years of experience, youโ€™re motivated to continue learning, growing, and contributing to a collaborative team.

Youโ€™re comfortable (or eager to become comfortable) managing wellness, preventive care, and sick/urgent cases, and you bring a thoughtful, team-first approach to patient care. You value mentorship, communication, and a positive work environment where you can develop your skills and confidence.

What You Bring:

  • Interest or experience in small animal medicine (dogs & cats)
  • Comfort with or desire to learn wellness exams, preventive care, and sick visits
  • Interest in primary care surgery (spay/neuter, dentistry, soft tissue procedures)
  • Strong communication skills and a willingness to build client trust
  • Ability to collaborate across multiple hospital teams
  • Commitment to maintaining AAHA standards of care

Youโ€™re looking for a practice where youโ€™ll be supported - whether that means mentorship and skill development as a newer graduate or autonomy and continued growth as an experienced doctor.

About Hickory Small Animal Hospital

Hickory Small Animal Hospital operates two well-established, AAHA-accredited small animal general practices in Ponchatoula and Independence, serving a broad region across Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes. Our hospitals are known for delivering high-quality veterinary care, building strong client relationships, and maintaining advanced medical standards.

Across both locations, youโ€™ll experience a diverse case mix, including wellness and preventive care, vaccinations, dentistry, diagnostics, soft tissue surgery, grooming, and boarding, allowing you to practice comprehensive medicine at your own pace and comfort level.

Our veterinarians are supported by collaborative, experienced teams and benefit from a culture that emphasizes mentorship, growth, flexibility, and teamwork.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Two AAHA-accredited hospitals with strong reputations in southeast Louisiana
  • Broad caseload including wellness care, sick visits, surgery, dentistry, and diagnostics
  • Supportive environment with mentorship opportunities for new graduates
  • Opportunity to work across two collaborative, team-oriented locations
  • Established, loyal client base across multiple communities
  • Commitment to high medical standards and continuous improvement
  • Backing of Thrive Pet Healthcare with access to tools, resources, and career development

Ponchatoula Location:
Our Ponchatoula hospital is a high-performing, team-driven practice with a tenured staff and a strong reputation across Ponchatoula, Hammond, and Springfield. Since opening in 2009, weโ€™ve continued to grow by investing in our people, technology, and medical protocols while maintaining a collaborative, positive culture.

Independence Location:
Our Independence hospital is a Feline-Friendly certified, AAHA-accredited practice and the first of its kind in the region. We serve clients across Independence, Tangipahoa Parish, Livingston Parish, Loranger, Montpellier, and Amite City, offering primary care and wellness services in a welcoming, community-focused environment.

Both locations offer consistent scheduling:

  • Mondayโ€“Friday: 7:30 AM โ€“ 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM

Located within convenient driving distance of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, our hospitals offer the best of both worlds - small-town charm with easy access to major city amenities. Whether you prefer a quieter, community-focused lifestyle or the option to explore vibrant city culture, dining, and entertainment, this area provides flexibility and balance for any stage of life.

At Hickory Small Animal Hospital, youโ€™ll find the best of both worlds - a locally rooted, community-focused practice with the support and resources of Thrive Pet Healthcare. Itโ€™s a place where you can grow your confidence, develop your skills, and practice the kind of medicine youโ€™re proud ofโ€”at any stage of your career. Click here to learn more.

To learn more about this opportunity, apply today, or reach out to us at GPrecruiting@thrivepet.com.

Your Experience & Skills

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM / VMD) or equivalent degree required
  • State Veterinary Board License and must be in good standing for the state in which they intend to be hired, prior to their start date
  • Active DEA license or DEA licensure eligible

Benefits โ€“ Our Care In Action

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team membersโ€™ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

  • Competitive pay
  • 401(k) with employer match 
  • Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health 
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet 
  • Subsidized backup childcare and elder care 
  • Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning 
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet perks and veterinary service discounts 
  • Student loan support tools and assistance 


*Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

Thriveโ€™s Medical Excellence and Education Department leads training and mentorship programs designed to support and empower you with the knowledge, tools, and resources to strengthen and nurture your professional journey.

Plus, we offer rich Medical Excellence through Education programs including Meant to Thrive doctor mentorship, comprehensive RACE-accredited dental education, team and patient safety resources and guidance - and more! 

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its peopleโ€”through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiativesโ€”so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, digital booking, Thrive PlusTM membership, HereFurYou Helpline, an online pharmacy and flexible financial options* make accessing quality care simplerโ€” giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all of our team members, pet owners, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members are empowered and feel a sense of belonging.