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Animal Rescue Jobs in St Petersburg, FL (NOW HIRING)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Spring 2027 Intern

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Do you remember "Winter The Dolphin" - or the "The Dolphin Tale" movies - that's us! Our Mission: We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the

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Animal Rescue information

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$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in St. Petersburg, FL is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.65 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL?

For Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in St. Petersburg, FL are:

What cities near St. Petersburg, FL are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near St. Petersburg, FL with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in St. Petersburg, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,400 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Animal Care Associate - Birds (Part-Time Temporary)

Tampa, FL • On-site

ZooTampa
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about ZooTampaexternal

Part-time, Temporary

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Animal Care Associate - Birds (Part-Time Temporary)
ZooTampa is looking to hire a part time temporary Animal Care Associate to join our Birds team! The Bird department houses over 175 birds covering approximately 55 species including Rainbow Lorikeets, the African Penguin, the Great Indian Hornbill, and the Shoebill. In this position you will be responsible for the daily care and feeding of assigned animals, maintenance of animal exhibits and night-houses, behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assisting veterinary staff, and public presentations.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
  • General husbandry and care of assigned animals and exhibit areas
  • Observation and record taking of behaviors to monitor health of animals with a focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production
  • Basic capture, restraint, shifting, and handling techniques
  • Engage with guests at exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, training demonstrations, shows, and promote active engagement through during both formal and informal discussions
  • Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas
  • Assist in procedures such as translocations, veterinary procedures, and crating
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills and ability to maintain, train and troubleshoot complex animal behavior
  • Propose and perform species-specific enrichment

What do you need?
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AA degree or higher preferred
  • Three or more years paid keeper experience in an AZA accredited institution
  • Knowledge of husbandry requirements, prevention of zoonotic diseases, and basic nutrition requirements for assigned areas
  • Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning
  • SCUBA certification preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), radio, telephone
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, self-motivation, positive attitude, adaptability, and flexibility to multi-task
  • Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and guests
  • Ability to respond quickly during animal emergencies, maintain discretion with confidential information
  • Ability to follow specific instructions and be comfortable self-directing
  • Ability to think ahead and logically, plan, identify, and correct operational problems quickly
  • Ability to work sitting, bending, standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds in typical Florida weather
  • Ability to work long hours including nights, weekends, and special events
  • Comply with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare

Our Perks at ZooTampa
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Forgiveness
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
  • Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
  • And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

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