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Animal Rescue Jobs in Wilmington, NC (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Assistant

Rocky Point, NC ยท On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Company Description At Rocky Point Animal Hospital, we believe pets are family. Our compassionate veterinary team is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care for the pets of Rocky Point no ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Wilmington, NC salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Wilmington, NC is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.32 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 Wilmington, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Wilmington, NC are:
What cities near Wilmington, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Wilmington, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Wilmington, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,800 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Veterinary Kennel Technician

Fairlea Animal Hospital

Wilmington, NC โ€ข On-site

$10.50 - $13.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

** Job duties include, but are not limited to:**

The kennel tech is responsible for the care, feeding, medicating and cleaning of our patients in hospital, and our clients in the boarding facility. This job involves cleaning, laundry, bathing, feeding, walking dogs, and medicating. You are responsible for restocking hospital supplies, helping with post-operative patients, assisting doctors and assistants with animal restraint and exams. You will be responsible for proper recordkeeping of medications, special foods, appetite, behavior and any issue that may arise while the animal is in our care. You will be trained to clean and sterilize surgical instruments.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

_ We are looking for someone with:_

  • Knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting methods.
  • Proper methods of animal restraint.
  • Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
  • Perform moderately heavy physical labor (large dogs, bags of litter, pet foods, etc).
  • Ability to sympathetically and patiently attend to sick, scared and injured animals.
  • Ability to learn to administer medications and to recognize abnormal conditions.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the job.

Additional Information

** We offer our staff:**

  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
  • Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note โ€“ some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/.