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Animal Rescue Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Veterinarian

Fairport, NY ยท On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Coaches animal care, farm, and equine staff to monitor and maintain health standards * Keeps ... Provides care to low-income qualified customers, feral clients, rescue partners, fosters, or ...

Coaches animal care, farm, and equine staff to monitor and maintain health standards * Keeps ... Provides care to low-income qualified customers, feral clients, rescue partners, fosters, or ...

Coaches animal care, farm, and equine staff to monitor and maintain health standards * Keeps ... Provides care to low-income qualified customers, feral clients, rescue partners, fosters, or ...

Then, Westside Animal Hospital may be the place for you! We practice low-stress handling techniques, utilizing gentle control, treats, and medication. We are a rapidly growing practice within a new ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Rochester, NY is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,199 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

Lollypop Farm is hiring full-time Veterinarians. The Veterinarianโ€™s role is to oversee and monitor the health of shelter animals and provide veterinary expertise in accordance with the organizational policies and procedures.


Benefits: We offer a 4 day work week, continuing education allowances, generous paid time off, and 8 paid holidays. After meeting the service requirement, Lollypop Farm contributes up to 6% toward your retirement. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health and professional growth. We prioritize your wellbeing though onsite emotional support and 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, eligible full-time employees may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.


Essential Job Duties:

  • Performs high-volume spay-neuter surgeries and other surgeries as needed
  • Creates and maintains standards of veterinary care for domestic, farm, and equine animals
  • Coaches animal care, farm, and equine staff to monitor and maintain health standards
  • Keeps abreast of developments in the field of veterinary medicine, particularly the most innovative concepts of shelter medicine; consults with other veterinarians in similar practices to network for the best solutions.
  • Performs evaluations to determine the health of individual animals and the overall health of the animals at the shelter
  • Collaborates with the other veterinarians on our staff to ensure the highest standards of care for the animals in our shelter and our community
  • Makes recommendations on disease control, sanitation, clinic procedures, and veterinary equipment and supplies
  • Ensures positive public relations and customer service practices
  • Assists with media or public relations as needed, serving as Lollypopโ€™s medical expert
  • Develops future DVM candidates by teaching surgical skills and general shelter medicine practices
  • May work with large and exotic animals
  • Provides outreach through vaccine clinics and special events
  • Job location and duties are subject to change as services are added for our local community, including an offsite or mobile location.
  • Provides care to low-income qualified customers, feral clients, rescue partners, fosters, or adopters
  • Maintains appropriate medical records and complies with all inventory processes
  • Assists with cruelty examinations and forensic necropsies
  • Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the companyโ€™s policies and applicable state and federal laws
  • Observes all safety rules and regulations for self and others
  • Performs other duties as requested


Requirements:

Education and Experience: DVM, VMD or equivalent Doctoral Veterinary degree with license to practice in New York State. Two years working in private practice or animal shelter environment strongly preferred. Shelter experience strongly preferred. Two years of large animal veterinary medicine experience strongly preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered if aligned with the position.


Skills: Ability to safely and humanely handle all farm and domestic animals. Excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills required. Must be able to make sound decisions regarding animal health. Possess the ability to work with people in a variety of high stress situations. Ability to work some on call, evenings, weekends, and holidays shifts required. Computer skills required.


Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position during shift, move throughout the building and move weight up to 50 pounds. Frequently required to communicate with others. Occasionally required to move excessive weight.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position


Must Align with the Company Mission, Vision and Core Values:

Mission: Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care

Vision: A just and compassionate world for all animals

Core Values: We embrace and recognize that Lollypop Farm donors are the heroes of our work โ€“ voluntarily offering time or money, no matter the amount โ€“ to support our mission. Together, our core values unify and guide us to provide the best service to the animals, our community, our organization and ourselves

  • Compassion: We show empathy and sympathy for what people and animals are experiencing through positive and constructive actions
  • Communication: We exchange thoughts, feelings, and ideas in pursuit of mutually-accepted goals
  • Flexibility: We are willing and comfortable adapting to new circumstances and conditions
  • Commitment: We are steadfast in our efforts to achieve our mission
  • Teamwork: We collaborate and communicate to achieve common goals, understanding that the organization thrives when unified
  • Integrity: We act with honor, fairness, and respect for animals, individuals, the organization, and our community
  • Respect: We are considerate and show professional regarding all aspects of our work

Commitment to Diversity

At Lollypop Farm, we believe that people are our greatest strength. We are united by our mission - Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and lifesaving care. Our values inspire us to promote and support a diverse and equitable environment of mutual respect where all staff, volunteers, and community members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.


EOE/ADA