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Animal Rescue Jobs in Salisbury, NC (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer

NC · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Certification in Large Animal Rescue Certification in Bite Stick Certification in Pepper Spray (OCAT) NACA Animal Control Officer Certification • Free Medical (wellness program compliance) • Free ...

Provide top-notch animal care by supporting feeding, husbandry, enrichment, and welfare programs ... rescue training encouraged). * Champion safety by following health, safety, and security procedures ...

Aquarist

Concord, NC · On-site

$17.20/hr

Provide top-notch animal care by supporting feeding, husbandry, enrichment, and welfare programs ... rescue training encouraged). * Champion safety by following health, safety, and security procedures ...

Provide top-notch animal care by supporting feeding, husbandry, enrichment, and welfare programs ... rescue training encouraged). * Champion safety by following health, safety, and security procedures ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Salisbury, NC salary details

$8

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Salisbury, NC is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.60 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 and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability 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 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 often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Salisbury, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Salisbury, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Salisbury, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Salisbury, NC are:
What cities near Salisbury, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Salisbury, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Salisbury, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,573 per year, or $19 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Iredell County

Statesville, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Iredell County rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Animal Control Officer

Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals for the Animal Services & Control Department. Work involves capturing, confining, returning, and humanely euthanizing stray, diseased, vicious and nuisance animals; maintaining records pertaining to collection of animals and animal activity; and enforcing animal laws and ordinances. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in ensuring proper capture of animals. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of animal control work. Reports to the Operations Supervisor.

Responds to calls for service in assigned area of the County to ensure public compliance with state and county animal control laws; explains animal control laws to citizens and answers questions; notes violations of animal control laws and issues citations or warnings to citizens, and picks up or otherwise controls stray animals, as needed; captures and confines stray, diseased and bothersome animals, including domestic and wild animals, livestock and fowl; impounds animals and places them within the animal shelter according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up; reports diseased or injured animals to shelter veterinarian; uses traps and/or firearms equipped with tranquilizing ammunition to subdue animals, as necessary.

Receives and investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect; completes extensive, detail oriented reports; appears in court and testifies, as needed; investigates animal bite cases and ensures that confinement of such animals is proper and complete according to public health law; prepares diagnostic specimens for testing by State labs.

Humanely euthanizes and disposes of animals, as appropriate.

Prepares a variety of reports, including animals collected and confined, animal bites, poultry and livestock damage caused by other animals, animals destroyed by department, etc.; maintains routine activity reports.

Assists shelter staff and local veterinarians in conducting periodic rabies vaccination clinics for the public; collects monthly vaccination reports from local veterinarians.

Picks-up and properly disposes of dead animals, as necessary.

Maintains County-owned vehicle.

Will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays on a rotating schedule, or as assigned.

Subject to emergency callback in the event of a disaster or other local emergency.

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of animal behavior, handling techniques, and relevant state and local animal control laws.

Ability to use discretion and sound judgment in stressful situations.

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact tactfully and firmly with the public.

Basic recordkeeping and report-writing skills.

Ability to operate specialized equipment, including traps and tranquilizer firearms

Graduation from High School and six (6) month's work experience involving customer experience or contact with animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Must achieve Certification as a Euthanasia Technician, Certification as a Rabies Vaccinator, become a Licensed Notary Public, and become Firearms qualified within six (6) months of employment. This position is designated as an authorized Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County and requires adherence to the Iredell County Vehicle Operations Policy. Completion of continuing education as required by the State of North Carolina involving techniques, laws, and procedures.

Must reside in, or within 15 minutes minimum drive time of Iredell County or must be willing to relocate into the designated area within four (4) months from hire date.

Certification in Large Animal Rescue

Certification in Bite Stick

Certification in Pepper Spray (OCAT)

NACA Animal Control Officer Certification


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