1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital in Lawrence, KS, is in an exciting period of growth and revitalization, and we're looking for a passionate veterinarian to be part of it. For over 50 years, our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Rescue information

See Topeka, KS salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Topeka, KS is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $23.51 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 job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Topeka, KS look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Topeka, KS are:
What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Topeka, KS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,204 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Veterinarian

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

A Fresh Start. A Growing Team. A Chance to Shape What’s Next.
Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital in Lawrence, KS, is in an exciting period of growth and revitalization, and we’re looking for a passionate veterinarian to be part of it. For over 50 years, our hospital has been a trusted name in the community, and today, we’re revitalizing our clinic with a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and exceptional care for pets.
Dr. Karoline Tripp is leading a positive transformation at the clinic, creating a supportive, forward-thinking environment and helping shape the future of the hospital. You’ll also step into a built-in, loyal client base, providing steady patients from day one and the opportunity to focus on what you do best: excellent medicine.
Why This Is a Great Opportunity
  • Be part of a multi-doctor, growing practice where your ideas and voice truly matter
  • 12-month mentorship support through the NVA Mentorship Program with Dr. Abe, designed to complement on-site mentoring. This program adds an extra layer of hands-on guidance, resources, and support to help early career veterinarians confidently take on day-to-day responsibilities
  • Flexible scheduling, full-time, part-time, surgery-only, appointment-only, tailored to your lifestyle and medical interests
  • Balanced workdays: 8–5 with a full hour for lunch, no weekends, no after hours call, and real work-life balance
Our Facility & Technology
  • Modernized hospital (remodel coming soon!) with fully equipped surgery suiteorthopedic capabilitiesdigital and dental radiographyin-house IDEXX lab, and SignalPet AI technology for instant x-ray results
  • Paperless practice with new AI-driven PIMS system, AI dictation, and VetCove online pharmacy integration
  • Beautiful property with a backyard and access to an adjacent home for Fear Free exams, housing externs, or creative team use
Support, Collaboration & Community
  • Strong local NVA network of multiple nearby hospitals where leaders collaborate, share resources, and support one another
  • Access to Pet One Training Center for ongoing professional growth
  • K-State proximity for referrals and professional networking
  • Daily team reflections celebrating collaboration, innovation, and wins
  • Paisley Paws: Our hospital-supported initiative raising funds through community events to create a compassion fund for clients in need. Make a real impact in the lives of pets and families while enjoying fun team experiences outside of the clinic.
Perks & Benefits
  • Competitive base salary + production
  • Generous sign-on bonus: Use it toward a home down payment, student loans, or whatever helps you settle into your new role
  • No non-compete clause: Giving you the freedom to grow your career and explore opportunities without restrictions
  • Paid short-term disability insurance for peace of mind if life throws a curveball
  • Professional liability insurance is fully covered so you can focus on patient care with confidence
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, CE allowance, paid licensing & dues
  • Generous PTO and true work-life balance: When your day ends, you can actually step away and enjoy life outside the clinic
  • Relocation support: We’ll help make your move smooth and stress-free, covering moving expenses, travel, and settling into your new community
  • Practice buy-in opportunity (JV Partnership) for those looking to grow into ownership or leadership roles
About Lawrence, Kansas
Just an hour from Kansas City, Lawrence is a vibrant college town with charm, creativity, and a welcoming community. Enjoy live music, local coffee shops, weekend farmers markets, and a close-knit, small-town veterinary network that’s excited for what’s next.
If you’re a veterinarian ready to make a meaningful impact, grow in your career, and join a supportive, collaborative team in a clinic on an exciting upward trajectory, we’d love to hear from you!
-The Clinton Parkway Team

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:
 
• We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
 
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
 
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.


NVA logo

About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US