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Animal Rescue Jobs in Tulsa, OK (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Surgeon

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$50/hr

Coordinate with and supervise Program RVT's and staff during animal care. Provide veterinary medical services for the care of animals during the laboratory period, to include restraint / handling ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Tulsa, OK salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Tulsa, OK is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.84 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 and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability 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 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 often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Tulsa, OK? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Tulsa, OK are:
What cities near Tulsa, OK are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Tulsa, OK with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Tulsa, OK as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,990 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Animal Welfare Officer

City of Sand Springs

Sand Springs, OK • On-site

$17.45/hr

Full-time

Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, apprehends, impounds, rehomes, and euthanizes as necessary unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals within the Sand Springs city limits in accordance with state and local laws, rules and regulations. Performs animal care and customer service functions at the Animal Welfare facility and focuses on pet adoption and other favorable outcomes through appropriate means. Animal Welfare Officers must be able to perform euthanasia functions as necessary and appropriate, and officers must be available on a rotational basis for night, weekend and holiday emergency callouts.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Investigates all animal nuisance, dog bite, or cruelty cases in compliance with state laws and City ordinances; and prepares reports in oral, written or electronic formats regarding any case that may require further investigation, or initiation of civil or criminal processes.
  • Coordinates with law enforcement or other emergency responders, when necessary.
  • Enforces city animal welfare ordinances by impounding unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals, including aggressive, dangerous, injured, or diseased animals, using catch poles, tranquilizers, or other control devices.
  • Interacts with members of the public in high-stress or confrontational situations.
  • Examines city licenses, vaccination records, and spaying or neutering for compliance with city ordinances and issue citations or warnings to violators.
  • Examines apprehended animals for injuries and delivers injured animals to veterinarian for medical treatment as necessary and appropriate.
  • Maintains the animal welfare facility in a safe and sanitary condition, both inside and out, for animals and humans.
  • Maintains an inventory control system to monitor drugs used in the euthanization of animals.
  • Administers vaccinations to dogs and cats as allowable by law, with a risk of animal bites, zoonotic disease exposure, and physical injury.
  • Inserts microchip identification on licensed cats and dogs
  • Supplies food, water, and personal care to animals in the city’s care.
  • Orders and maintains supplies and equipment as directed for the animal welfare facility.
  • Encourages adoption or other favorable outcomes for unclaimed animals, or euthanizes those not adopted or fostered as necessary and appropriate.
  • Assists other employees with general departmental functions.
  • Performs other duties as assigned, including assisting other departments as required.

Competitive Benefits Package

  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • 10 paid sick leave days per year
  • 10 paid vacation leave days per year (increases with years of service – up to 20 days)
  • 2 fitness facilities for employees
  • Pension plan
  • Longevity Pay
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short/Long Term Disability
  • Basic Life & AD&D
  • Employee-Only Base Dental (Employer pays a portion of Dental Family)
  • 3 Healthcare Plans - Employer pays 75% of the base plan premium or the base plan equivalent for the other tiers
  • Case Community Center membership
  • Discounted fishing pass at Shell Lake
  • Discounted golf at Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
  • Utility discount for employees who live within the Sand Springs water district.
  • Additional voluntary insurance options available; see our benefits page https://www.sandspringsok.gov/158/Human-Resources-Employment

The City of Sand Springs is and EEOE/Drugfree Workplace

We participate in e-verify