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Animal Rescue Jobs in Plano, TX (NOW HIRING)

Animal Services Officer Under general direction of the Animal Services Supervisor or his/her designee, the Animal Services Officer will uphold the ordinances and laws regarding animal violations.

Animal Services Officer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$47K - $66K/yr

Primarily enforces animal ordinances by receiving and responding to animal complaints, patrolling within City limits for animals roaming at-large, apprehending diseased or injured animals ...

Animal Services Officer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$47K - $66K/yr

Primarily enforces animal ordinances by receiving and responding to animal complaints, patrolling within City limits for animals roaming at-large, apprehending diseased or injured animals ...

Animal Services Officer

Frisco, TX · On-site

$47K - $66K/yr

Summary Under general direction of the Animal Services Supervisor or his/her designee, the Animal Services Officer will uphold the ordinances and laws regarding animal violations. Patrols within the ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Plano, TX salary details

$9

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$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Plano, TX is $20.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.94 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 job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Plano, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Plano, TX are:
What cities near Plano, TX are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Plano, TX with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Plano, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,904 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Senior Animal Technician, Animal Resource Center

Senior Animal Technician, Animal Resource Center

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


UT Southwestern rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

  • PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
  • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
  • Paid Time Off, available day one
  • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
  • Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

JOB SUMMARY
Works under general supervision to apply advanced animal husbandry and sterile techniques to provide stable environmental conditions for laboratory animals. 

***INCLUDE UPDATED RESUME WITH APPLICATION SUBMISSION***
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required

  • Education
    High School Diploma High School graduation or equivalent or 
    Vocational school 
     
  • Experience
    Six (6) months experience as an Animal Technician with High School Diploma or equivalent or Vocational school or 
    2 years Experience as Animal Technician or its equivalent in facility comparable to the Animal Resources Center and 
    Post offer pre-employment testing 
     


JOB DUTIES

  • Provide animal husbandry in quarantine, isolation, biohazard, conventional, or barrier-sustained areas.
  • Receive, identify, and house selected animal species; maintain related records. Assist with restraint, handling, and manipulation of various animal species as assigned by the on-site Supervisor. Receive, inspect and pack/unpack animals for transport; ensure and provide for sentinel animals in each rodent housing area and comply with the current rodent sentinel SOP.
  • Prepare special diets or watering in accordance with principal investigators' protocols, and ensure special diets are provided to correct animals. Administer commonly used and easily administered treatments or medications as directed by veterinary staff.
  • Assist in specialized monitoring and surveillance programs. Review, comprehend, and comply with all SOPs and quality assurance standards pertaining to specific area. Maintain accurate departmental animal housing or support area record keeping. May assist in maintenance of breeding programs.
  • Monitor daily animal health and welfare while performing daily animal health observations, animal husbandry duties to maintain quality of health of research animals, to include: perform daily water/cage checks; provide appropriate food and water; perform cage changing and/or cage cleaning as required; observe all animals and record animal health concerns per SOP and/or specified protocols.
  • Order, receive, and distribute feed, bedding, and general supplies; maintain related records.
  • Participate in providing on-the-job training and mentorship of Animal Technicians, Animal Care Attendants and Trainees. May provide direction and guidance to Animal Technicians.
  • Comply with and wear required personal protective equipment. Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines.
  • Perform basic general housekeeping and adhere to safety procedures. Sanitize facilities, animal housing units, and ancillary animal care equipment.
  • Observe and report problems involving animal care equipment and environmental support systems. Perform tasks of lower level technicians or attendants as needed.
  • Maintain required attendance level and adherence to work schedule in accordance with required staffing levels in order to ensure that assigned duties are completed. Ability to work weekends or holidays on a rotating basis as assigned. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. May be required to shower/change clothes between functions.
  • Ability to read and understand oral/written instructions in English. Ability to work while wearing personnel protective equipment for prolonged periods of time to duties.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
 


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