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Animal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Pimacounty

Animal Care Field Officer

Tucson, AZ

$20.72/hr

Minimum six (6) months experience in animal welfare, including animal control, sheltering, and rescue, or other relevant animal care settings. * Minimum six (6) months experience in public safety.

Acacia Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Acacia Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced veterinarian (DVM) to join our team as Medical ... Additionally, we treat exotic pets (plus occasionally work with a local wildlife rescue), offering ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Acacia Animal Hospital is seeking a full-time or part-time Associate Veterinarian (DVM) to join our ... We see small animals and exotics and occasionally work with the local wildlife rescue. We're an ...

VCA Animal Hospitals

Client Service Representative

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

At VCA Northwest Animal Hospital - Ina Road, we take our mission statement - your pet's health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal - very seriously. With every opportunity, we aim ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Animal Rescue information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Tucson, AZ is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 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:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Tucson, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,471 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Animal Care Field Officer

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$20.72/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - Pima Animal Care CenterJob Description
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 5806 - Animal Care Field Officer
Salary Grade: 5
Hiring Pay: $20.72 Per Hour
The first review of applications will be on 07/31/2026.
Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is looking to add three passionate Animal Care Field Officers to their team. In this role you will focus on public safety while offering education, resources and support to pet owners when appropriate. Officers value both the pets and people in our community and exemplify this by working with pet owners to improve welfare conditions and safety measures. If you are wanting to join a team where no two days are the same, this position is for you.
This position is required to rotate shifts and rotate days. This rotation is deemed an essential function of the position.
PACC is open seven (7) days a week. Availability to work all schedules is required. Current rotating schedules include 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
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.
  • Enforces state, city and county animal care laws and ordinances governing such issues as dangerous and vicious animals, neglect, cruelty, excessive noise, quarantines, bite incidents, and license and vaccination requirements;
  • Patrols assigned areas to ensure compliance with animal care regulations and responds to routine and emergency animal care calls;
  • Assesses reported or observed violations of animal care regulations, makes determinations and takes required action, such as issuing citations and complaints;
  • Provides field services including capturing domestic and wild animals, dispensing first aid treatment to animals, examining injured and ill animals to select treatment disposition and removing animals from a variety of hazardous situations;
  • Provides information and education to the public covering a range of animal care topics including laws and ordinance, animal nutrition, behavior, injuries, and common diseases;
  • Operates and performs operator-level maintenance, servicing and safety inspection of assigned vehicles;
  • Operates and performs operator-level maintenance for chemical-immobilization and other animal care equipment, such as snares, ropes, nets, and traps in capturing animals;
  • Testifies in court on cases pertaining to animal care issues;
  • Assists federal, state, city and county commissioned law enforcement officers as required;
  • Prepares manual and automated records and reports;
  • Gathers evidence on animal care cases, including photographs, tape recordings, and other information for presentation in court;
  • Maintains legal chain-of-custody for evidentiary materials;
  • May perform animal euthanasia as directed by qualified personnel;
  • May prepare specimens for rabies analysis;
  • May dispense medication to animals at direction of qualified personnel;
  • May calculate and collect fees for animal quarantine, impound and licensing services.

Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate.
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.):
  • Minimum six (6) months either paid or volunteer experience working with animals.
  • Minimum six (6) months experience in animal welfare, including animal control, sheltering, and rescue, or other relevant animal care settings.
  • Minimum six (6) months experience in public safety.
  • Minimum six (6) months experience in social work, education, community organizing, and/or program development.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish).

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: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant's suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-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. This position is required to rotate shifts and rotate days. This rotation is deemed an essential function of the position. 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. Some positions may require fluency in English and a second language as determined by the Department. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen, which may include respirator fit test.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds. 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.
Working Conditions: Working conditions will be determined by 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.

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