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Animal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue information

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$9

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$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Animal Rescue jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,396 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Animal Care Technician I - Foster Counselor

Tucson, AZ

$18.79/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Pima Animal Care CenterJob Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5931 - Animal Care Technician I

Salary Grade: 3

Hiring Pay: $18.79 Per Hour

The first review of applications will be on08/21/26.

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is looking to add a part-time Foster Counselor to our Traditional Foster Team. In this role you will work directly with Pima County residents to place dogs and cats into the right foster home. This is an important role to make sure shelter pets get a much-deserved break and for fosters to provide detailed notes on how this animal has done in their care. If you enjoy customer service, advocating for dogs and cats in need of a shelter break, and want to take part in their follow up support, this role is for you.

This position will work minimum three (3) days a week including one (1) weekend day. Schedules include non-traditional work hours including mornings, evenings and weekends.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Provides humane care and safe handling for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and small pets, while monitoring behavior and health;

  • Works outdoors in all weather conditions and safely handles live animals, including those that may be injured, frightened, or offensive, using appropriate techniques to minimize risks to self and others;

  • Demonstrates excellent customer service to the public and volunteers by answering questions, addressing concerns, and guiding decisions regarding intakes, outcomes, redemptions and animal care in adherence to PACC policies;

  • Handles animals for behavioral assessments and playgroups, identifying placement or behavior concerns, and participates in decisions regarding outcomes, including euthanasia;

  • Accurately organizes and documents information on animal behavior, history, medical records and outcomes, utilizing shelter software and other systems for recordkeeping, communication, and scheduling;

  • Administers vaccinations and medications under veterinary guidance, assesses animals for signs of illness or injury and documents and communicates health concerns;

  • Facilitates adoption and foster processes by assisting with enrichment, behavioral evaluations, animal meet and greets, matchmaking and note reviews;

  • Supports intake and admissions by providing correct intake pathways, checking animals for health concerns, identifying ages/breeds and finding kennel placements;

  • Maintains a clean and sanitary facility, including kennels, workspaces, public lobbies, and treatment spaces;

  • Frequently lifts and carries heavy objects, bends, stoops, reaches, and performs other physical tasks as required;

  • Safeguards and accounts for scheduled drugs and funds received for PACC services;

  • Operates County-owned vehicles to transport animals and supplies.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

  • Bilingual (English/Spanish).

  • Minimum one (1) year experience working in customer service.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience working in an animal shelter or other relevant animal care setting.

  • Experience working or volunteering with dogs and/or cats.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates: Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The Countyrequirespre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.Within nine months of appointment, employees must receive the full series of pre-exposure rabies immunizations. Medical inability to be immunized or previous immunization must be verified by the County Physician prior to employment. Recommended boosters are required for the duration of employment, unless medically excused or physiologically unable to develop immunity. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:Physical and sensory abilities will bedeterminedby position. Action Activity - bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, and stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas on a radio, behind themselves; Speaking Activity - in person, on a phone, on a radio; Vision - must be able to operate a motor vehicle, distinguish color, have depth perception, have peripheral vision. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions:Working conditions will bedeterminedby the position.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.