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Animal Rescue Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Portland, OR

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Sorrento Animal Hospital is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant Status: Full-Time Salary: Negotiable and based on experience Schedule: Monday ...

Veterinary Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

VCA Laurelhurst Animal Hospital is a growing and vibrant 7-doctor, AAHA accredited, small animal practice located in the Laurelhurst area of NE Portland. We have been serving the Laurelhurst ...

Veterinary Assistant

Portland, OR

$16.75 - $21/hr

VCA Laurelhurst Animal Hospital is a growing and vibrant 7-doctor, AAHA accredited, small animal practice located in the Laurelhurst area of NE Portland. We have been serving the Laurelhurst ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Portland, OR is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Portland, OR as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,432 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Veterinary Assistant

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Who we are:

Sorrento Animal Hospital is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant!

Position Details

Role: Experienced Veterinary AssistantStatus: Full-TimeSalary: Negotiable and based on experienceSchedule: Monday through Friday. No nights, weekends, or holiday shifts! 

Benefits Highlights

Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support, and referral bonuses

Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; up to three weeks of paid parental leave; generous PTO; and employee discounts

Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, state license & VTNE fee reimbursement, and uniform allowance

Lifestyle Perks You'll Appreciate: Six paid holidays and an Employee Assistance Program

Looking for a Veterinary Assistant Role Where You Can Grow?

Are you looking for a Veterinary Assistant role where you can grow your skills, enjoy a true work-life balance, and work alongside a supportive, collaborative team? Sorrento Animal Hospital offers the chance to practice high-quality medicine in an environment that values teamwork, positivity, and authenticity.

If you're ready for a fresh start with a team that appreciates both professional growth and personal well-being, this could be the perfect fit.

Why Our Veterinary Assistants Love Sorrento Animal Hospital

  • Supportive, fun, and collaborative team environment
  • Consistent scheduling that supports work-life balance
  • Opportunities for mentorship, growth, and continued learning
  • A workplace that encourages individuality and teamwork
  • Snacks, lunch breaks, and a positive atmosphere you'll actually enjoy being part of

What You'll Do

  • Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams, treatments, and procedures
  • Support patient care including restraint, nursing care, and treatment assistance
  • Help with laboratory testing, radiographs, and daily hospital tasks
  • Prepare treatment and exam areas for patient care
  • Assist with surgical and dental procedures as directed
  • Administer medications and treatments under veterinary supervision
  • Maintain accurate patient records and support daily hospital operations

What Our Veterinary Assistants Bring

  • Previous Veterinary Assistant experience preferred
  • Strong technical and patient care skills
  • Excellent communication and client service abilities
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Commitment to continued learning and professional growth

The Extras You'll Actually Feel

  • No nights, weekends, or holiday shifts
  • A Veterinary Assistant role where your skills are fully utilized and appreciated
  • Mentorship and support from a collaborative team
  • A culture that values empathy, humor, and authenticity
  • Opportunities to continue learning and growing in veterinary medicine

Benefits You Can't Beat

Financial Benefits

  • A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance
  • 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)
  • 529 Savings Plan
  • Tuition Support Program (full-time only)
  • Referral bonus program

Wellness Benefits

  • Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)
  • Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)
  • Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full-time employees only; available after one year of service). In states with paid family leave programs, this benefit does not apply.
  • Sick Time / Paid Time Off
  • Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets
  • Pet discounts on services and products
  • Pet food discount program

Workplace Benefits

  • Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program
  • State license reimbursement
  • VTNE exam fee reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Continuing education allowance
  • Uniform allowance

Lifestyle Benefits

  • Six paid holidays (full-time only)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discount program

Join Our Team!

If you're ready to grow in a Veterinary Assistant role where teamwork, compassion, and work-life balance truly matter, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and bring your skills, personality, and passion for veterinary medicine to a team that genuinely values them!

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of Sorrento Animal Hospital and Vetcor. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees. Every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to various ways to understand and engage with the world. That's why we're committed to a workplace culture where employees are comfortable being their authentic selves, feel a complete sense of belonging, and are empowered to reach their highest potential.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME