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Animal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Pimacounty

Animal Care Shelter Supervisor

Tucson, AZ

$23.28/hr

Builds and maintains effective relationships with volunteers, rescue/welfare groups, other departments, and the community to support animal care and animal outcome and/or intake diversion programs;

Acacia Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ

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

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ

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

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ

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

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 ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ

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

Medical Director

Tucson, AZ

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

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 ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Tucson, AZ

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 ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Tucson, AZ

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 ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Tucson, AZ

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 ...

Acacia Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Tucson, AZ

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 ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Animal Rescue information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Tucson, AZ is $20.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.13 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,227 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Animal Care Shelter Supervisor

Pima County Government

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$23.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Job Description Summary
Department - Pima Animal Care CenterJob Description
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 5674 - Animal Care Shelter Supervisor
Salary Grade: 8
Hiring Pay: $23.28 Per Hour
The first review of applications will be on 05/22/2026.
Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is looking to hire an Animal Care Shelter Supervisor - Surgery Supervisor for our onsite shelter clinic. In this role you will oversee a group of clinic technicians dedicated to the pre and post operation care of all our shelter and foster animals. The ideal candidate has previous leadership experience in a shelter or veterinarian clinic overseeing high volume surgeries. PACC provides anywhere from 40 to 70 surgeries a day in a fast-paced environment.
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.
  • Supervises, coordinates, and monitors all animal shelter operations including intake, pet resource center, care, treatment, adoption, quarantine, fostering, redemption, and euthanasia to ensure humane and safe handling;
  • Ensures the humane treatment, health, and welfare of all animals in shelter care, including performing health checks, administering medications and vaccines, monitoring behavior, and consulting with veterinarians;
  • Plans, organizes, and implements staff scheduling, training, and work assignments, and ensures compliance with humane care and safety procedures;
  • Evaluates employee performance, provides training and guidance, and makes recommendations on hiring, discipline, and personnel actions;
  • Establishes, revises, and implements unit standard operating procedures, maintains records and databases, compiles reports, and develops policy recommendations;
  • Provides direct animal care as needed, which may include handling, feeding, husbandry, behavior assessment, bandaging, splinting, administering medications, performing euthanasia, and documenting cases;
  • Supervises shelter teams including pet resources, intake, clinic or other unit supporting the overall goal of keeping families together, keeping pets with their families and reducing shelter overcrowding;
  • Assists in determining adoptability, ensures proper transfer or disposition of animals, and maintains accurate documentation;
  • Assists the public with intake, redemption, adoptions, inquiries, and complaints while promoting adoptions and providing information on animal control policies and laws;
  • Oversees licensing, owner redemption and other fees associated with shelter operations including balancing cash and credit;
  • Builds and maintains effective relationships with volunteers, rescue/welfare groups, other departments, and the community to support animal care and animal outcome and/or intake diversion programs;
  • Ensures workplace safety, investigates and documents accidents and incidents, and complies with local, state, and federal regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:
Four years of experience working with and treating animals, or enforcing animal control laws, regulations and ordinances, or providing administrative support in an animal care setting INCLUDING one year of lead or supervisory experience. (Lead/Supervisory experience may be concurrent with general experience.)
(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
OR:
Three years of experience with Pima County as an Animal Care Technician, Animal Care Field Officer, Animal Care Assistant or closely related position as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
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 four (4) years experience supervising or managing in a veterinary clinic environment.
  • Minimum four (4) years experience assisting surgery in an animal clinic or shelter setting.
  • Minimum three (3) years experience assisting high volume spay and neuter.
  • Minimum three (3) years experience providing customer service in an animal care setting.

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. 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 requirements will be determined by position. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Action Activity - bending, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, and equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - In person, on a phone, on a radio; Vision - operate motor vehicle, distinguish colors, 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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