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Animal Rescue Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

The training program will utilize Staff doctors of VCA Civano Animal Hospital and approved out rotations. • Provide clinical care in the role of a veterinarian, i.e. examine patients, order tests ...

The training program will utilize Staff doctors of VCA Civano Animal Hospital and approved out rotations. Provide clinical care in the role of a veterinarian, i.e. examine patients, order tests, make ...

Customer Service Representative

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

VCA Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center We are seeking a full time Client Service Representative / Veterinary Receptionist who is looking to work in a well-equipped practice alongside a team ...

Join our dedicated team at VCA Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center a 24-hour, state-of-the-art emergency and 7 day a week general practice hospital that provides comprehensive care for small ...

Join our dedicated team at VCA Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center a 24-hour, state-of-the-art emergency and 7 day a week general practice hospital that provides comprehensive care for small ...

Customer Service Representative

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

VCA Civano Animal Hospital and Emergency Center We are seeking a full time Client Service Representative / Veterinary Receptionist who is looking to work in a well-equipped practice alongside a team ...

Veterinary Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

VCA Valley Animal Hospital and Emergency Center is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to share in our exciting, fast-paced environment. Most importantly, the ideal candidate will have ...

Veterinary Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

VCA Valley Animal Hospital and Emergency Center is looking for an experienced Veterinary Assistant to share in our exciting, fast-paced environment. Most importantly, the ideal candidate will have ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

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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 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 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.

Surgery Clinic Technician - Pima Animal Care Center

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ

$19.16/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - Pima Animal Care CenterJob Description

REOPEN

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5864 - Animal Care Technician II

Salary Grade: 4

Hiring Pay: $19.16

The first review of applications will be on05/08/2026.

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) shelter clinic provides advanced medical care and management of animals at PACC, overseeing daily care routines, and administering medications as directed by veterinarians. Clinic Technicians assist with medical treatments, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards in a high-volume care setting.

PACC is currently looking to add a Surgery Clinic Technician to our team. In this position, you will prep animals for surgery by restraining, premedicating, collecting temperatures, and weights for shelter and fostered animals. This includes working directly with foster and adoptive parents providing pre and post op instructions. Skills include data entry, knowledge of Vet Med terminology and abbreviations, and attention to detail to keep the animals and teams safe during surgery.
Surgery Shifts: Monday to Friday; five (5), eight (8) hour shifts.

  • 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

  • 6:30 am - 2:30 pm

  • 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

  • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

  • 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

  • 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mandatory weekends for spay and neuter events. This applies to all clinic staff.

Position requires physical including push/pull/lift up to 100 lbs.

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.

  • Checks incoming animals for obvious health problems and injuries;

  • Ensures humane treatment of all animals at PACC;

  • Ensures the accuracy and completeness of documentation concerning incoming animals;

  • Assists in administering medication to sick animals as prescribed and directed by a veterinarian;

  • Cleans and sanitizes cages, kennels, floors, walls, windows, equipment, and treatment areas to maintain the sanitary conditions of the PACC;

  • Assists in performing euthanasia of animals, including following safety protocols for use and maintenance of DEA Schedule II drugs;

  • Reviews and organize documents, creates new records and inputs and retrieves information using automated systems;

  • Prepares and updates files, logs, status records, and other documentation to reflect the current status of a process and performs required purges;

  • Assists in maintaining accountability of scheduled drugs;

  • Administers necessary treatment in accordance with directions received from veterinarian;

  • Administers medications to sick animals as prescribed and directed by a veterinarian;

  • Performs animal triage and treatment;

  • Performs daily health checks on impounded animals;

  • Documents pertinent animal health data;

  • Prepares and processes euthanized, potentially rabid animals for laboratory analysis;

  • Collects and disposes of dead animals according to shelter procedure and health codes.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate AND six months of experience in a veterinary clinic or position involving handling animals OR completion of a vet technician/vet assistant certification.


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

OR:

One year of experience working with Pima County as an Animal Care Technician I, Animal Care Response Technician 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 one (1) year experience working, volunteering, or interning in an animal shelter or vet clinic.

  • Minimum one (1) year experience working in an animal clinic as a technician or assistant.

  • Minimum six (6) months experience giving vaccines, medicating, or restraining animals.

  • Minimum six (6) months using veterinary medical terminology or transcribing medical records.

  • Certificate or completion of a Veterinary Assistant or Technician degree from an accredited college.

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 maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice: 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. 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.

Physical/Sensory Work Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, and push/pull up to 100 lbs. maximum, and 50 lbs. frequently. Regular bending, crawling, kneeling, reaching, squatting, stooping, and tasks requiring grasping and fine motor skills. Hearing and communication in noisy environments, including in person, by phone, and via radio. Must have depth perception and peripheral vision. Any other physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.

Working Conditions:Working conditions involve exposure to hot and cold temperatures, direct sun, and driving. Occasionally exposed to fall and foot hazards, traffic, water, and vapors. Any other 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.