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Animal Rescue Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

DVMelite

Associate Veterinarian AAH

Springfield, MO

Angel Animal Hospital / Integrative Veterinary Services of Missouri About Us For over 60 years, Angel Animal Hospital has proudly served the Springfield community with compassionate, high-quality ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Springfield, MO · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Petco

Junior Groomer

Springfield, MO · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Petco

Groomer ~ $500 Sign on Bonus

Springfield, MO

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Animal Care Center

Veterinary Technician

Springfield, MO · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Fast paced veterinary clinic looking for a detail oriented veterinary technician. Main vet tech duties will include: * Obtaining samples and running tests as ordered by veterinarians, obtaining ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Springfield, MO

Animal Rescue information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$8

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Springfield, MO is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.74 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO? For Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Springfield, MO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,822 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Animal Services Technician (Part-time)

Animal Services Technician (Part-time)

City of Bolivar

Bolivar, MO • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES
The Animal Services Technician will be responsible for overseeing and participating in the daily operations of the City Pound including animal admissions, cleaning, maintenance, record keeping, and animal care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Can perform all the duties and responsibilities of the Animal Services Specialist.
  • Directs cleaning and maintenance of pound and assists as needed.
  • Maintains pound equipment and tools.
  • Release animals to their owners.
  • Collects money from animal releases and registrations.
  • Assists with intake of animals including taking photos, vaccinating, checking for microchips, and logging the animals into the Pound.
  • Assists the veterinarian with vaccinating animals and euthanizing sick, injured, and unclaimed animals.
  • Administers medicine prescribed by the vet for animals at the Pound.
  • Answers the phones at the pound and provides accurate information to the public regarding animal control issues and pound protocol.
  • Maintain accurate inventory of vaccines and orders as necessary.
  • Purchases cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items to facilitate the operations of the Pound.
  • Monitors sick and injured animals and reports their condition to the vet.
  • Directs incoming animals to the appropriate pens and cages.
  • Keeps all animals tagged for identification.
  • Maintains an accurate inventory of animals and services rendered at the Pound.
  • Assist citizens with animal adoptions.
  • Participates in community events.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned.
IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS
  • Work independently and exercise initiative and judgment in the planning and execution of tasks assigned.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and effective interpersonal skills at all times.
  • Utilize general office equipment such as computers, 10-key, fax machines, copiers, e-mail and all similar office technology on a regular basis.
  • Demonstrated ability to support and function in team environment
  • Prepare and maintain records with a high level of detail and accuracy.
  • Reliability and dependability.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ALERTNESS REQUIREMENTS
  • Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
  • Ability to perform tasks involving high levels of cognitive function and judgment
  • Not mentally or physically impaired from any cause that can adversely affect ability to safely and competently perform the duties of the position
  • Ability to take prompt and appropriate response to operating conditions
  • Ability to work in an unfatigued state
  • Ability to accurately gauge lengths of time and distance
  • Ability to quickly store and recall instructions in one’s short-term memory
  • Ability to concentrate
  • Ability to cope with sudden changes in surrounding and/or emergency situations and/or alarms
  • Demonstrated caring, committed and concerned attitude about safety
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience dealing with animals.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of animal care procedures and protocols.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience in typing, word processing, and related clerical skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to meet and deal with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
  • Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail amidst a multitask, changing priority environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting.
  • Frequently sitting, walking or standing.
  • Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Hold and grip objects.
  • Occasional periods of sitting in a vehicle.
  • Acceptable Physical Capacity Profile test results are required.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION
  • Valid Missouri Driver’s License and must remain insurable under the City’s liability insurance policy.

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