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Animal Rescue Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

UMass Med School

Technician, Animal Care

Worcester, MA · On-site

$42.99K/yr

Technician, Animal Care Minimum Salary US-MA-Worcester Job Location 5 days ago(5/22/2026 10:29 AM) Requisition Number 2026-49559 # of Openings 1 Posted Date Day Shift Non Exempt Exempt/Non-Exempt ...

Tufts University

Lab Animal Care Technician

North Grafton, MA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Overview The role of the Division of Animal Resources (DAR) is to facilitate research and teaching with animals at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The Tufts Farm and Laboratory Animal ...

UMass Med School

Technician, Animal Care

Worcester, MA · On-site

$42.99K/yr

Technician, Animal Care Minimum Salary US-MA-Worcester Job Location 2 weeks ago(5/15/2026 7:21 AM) Requisition Number 2026-49898 # of Openings 1 Posted Date Day Shift Non Exempt Exempt/Non-Exempt ...

Vetcor

Chief of Staff - Ashland, MA

Ashland, MA

$180K - $220K/yr

Schedule - 4 weekdays/week with a dedicated surgical day and rotating Saturdays * 100% Small Animal Practice * Community Involvement: We are proud to partner with Pittie Love Rescue and NEADS Service ...

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$9

$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Worcester, MA is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.

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 popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Worcester, MA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Worcester, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Worcester, MA are:
What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Worcester, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,687 per year, or $21 per hour.

Veterinary Technician

Animal Shelter, Inc. of Sterling

Sterling, MA

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

ANIMAL SHELTER INC of STERLING - ON-SITE LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC is IMMEDIATELY hiring –EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED:
  • Veterinary Technician (CVT a bonus) – MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE as a Vet Tech.
$5,000 SIGN ON BONUS after 6 months F/T (and meeting all criteria)
LOVE ANIMALS? Want to make a difference? Join our team!
4 day work week Monday – Thursday
NO WEEKENDS – NO NIGHTS – NO EMERGENCIES – NO HOLIDAYS (great work / life balance)

For over 35 years, Animal Shelter Inc. (The Sterling Animal Shelter) has been a mission-driven leader in animal welfare for Northern Central Massachusetts. We are dedicated to saving animals in need and supporting the families who love them through sheltering, community programs, and our on-site, high-volume spay/neuter clinic.
We offer a genuine alternative to the corporate world—an environment where our "bottom line" is the health and safety of our animals and staff, not profit. We have a solid reputation in our community and deeply value our co-workers. While animal rescue work is challenging, the rewards are priceless. If you are looking for a career where you can make a tangible difference as part of a supportive team, our shelter may be the right place for you.

Veterinary Technician — Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Veterinary Technician to join our shelter’s high-volume spay/neuter team. This position plays a key role in ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of every animal in our care while supporting our veterinarian during surgical and medical procedures.

Qualifications:
  • Licensed or experienced Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT preferred, but not required with equivalent experience).
  • Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a veterinary, shelter, or high-volume spay/neuter setting.
  • Reliable, punctual, and professional in all interactions.
  • Adapts quickly to changing situations and priorities.
  • Solid understanding of anesthesia, surgical monitoring, and post-operative recovery.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to remain calm, detail-oriented, and efficient in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
  • Must be comfortable working with shelter animals and understand the challenges of high-volume care.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Greet clients upon surgical check ins and discharges, provide clear and concise instructions and address owner concerns regarding procedures.
  • Assist veterinarian during spay/neuter and other surgical procedures, including patient preparation, anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery.
  • Administer vaccines, medications, and treatments under veterinary supervision.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate and detailed medical records for all patients.
  • Safely handle, restrain, and care for animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and stocked surgical and prep areas, ensuring proper sanitation and equipment function.
  • Support and educate clients, and rescue groups with clear and compassionate communication.
  • Assist with intake exams, diagnostic testing, and post-operative care as needed.
  • Collaborate with veterinarian, technicians, and administrative staff to ensure efficient clinic flow.
  • Adhere to all safety and animal welfare protocols.

Schedule:
  • Monday through Thursday, four 10-hour days per week.

TO APPLY please email your resume and cover letter to kim@sterlingshelter.org

About Animal Shelter, Inc. of Sterling:

For over 35 years, Animal Shelter Inc. (The Sterling Animal Shelter) has been a mission-driven leader in animal welfare for Northern Central Massachusetts. We are dedicated to saving animals in need and supporting the families who love them through sheltering, community programs, and our on-site, high-volume spay/neuter clinic.We offer a genuine alternative to the corporate world—an environment where our "bottom line" is the health and safety of our animals and staff, not profit. We have a solid reputation in our community and deeply value our co-workers. While animal rescue work is challenging, the rewards are priceless. If you are looking for a career where you can make a tangible difference as part of a supportive team, our shelter may be the right place for you."