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Animal Rescue Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Join us! We're currently sniffing out our next Animal Care Attendant at Woof Pet Resort Do you speak fluent "woof" or "meow"? Know the joy of puppy kisses and the chaos of a zoomie's session? If you ...

Medical Director

Northborough, MA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Participate in shelter and rescue exam/discounted programs to continue to improve new client growth ... Sunday: 8am-4pm/8:00am-3:30pm Cases * Small Animal(NoExotics) Who we look for

Medical Director

Northborough, MA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Participate in shelter and rescue exam/discounted programs to continue to improve new client growth ... Small Animal (No Exotics) Who we look for * People obsessed with pets and their care * Dedicated ...

Veterinary Assistant

Needham, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Highland Animal Hospital is hiring a full-time Veterinary Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 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:
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.

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Welcome to Destination Pet. We are One Pack- a united team working together to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Our pet-obsessed professionals create a connected care network of trustworthy partners who bring creative innovation every day. We are revolutionizing the pet industry. Join us!

We're currently sniffing out our next Animal Care Attendant at Woof Pet Resort

Do you speak fluent "woof" or "meow"? Know the joy of puppy kisses and the chaos of a zoomie's session? If you're passionate about paws and ready to turn your love for animals into a rewarding job, we've got a tail-wagging opportunity for you.

At Destination Pet, we're not just another Pet/Vet care center-we're a community that lives to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Since 2016, we've been serving up best-in-show care from coast to coast with day care, boarding, grooming, training, veterinary services, and more. Whether its belly rubs or brushing, our goal is simple: make pets feel at home and their humans feel at ease.

Perks & Pay:

Telehealth, 401K, Pet Insurance

Pay starts at $16.00-$18.00/hour DOE + tips

What You Should Know:

  • This is an on-your-feet, hands-on, sometimes-sweaty kind of job.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs (golden retrievers don't walk themselves to the tub).
  • Availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays required pets don't take days off.
  • Exposure to cleaning supplies, pet hair, and, ahem, "accidents" is part of the gig.
  • Must be able to be on feet for the duration of your shift.
  • Must be able to stand, walk and climb stairs frequently

Reporting To:

General Manager

What You Bring to the Table:

  • A borderline-obsessive love for animals. (We get it. We're the same.)
  • Prior kennel or animal care experience is a plus, but if you're brand new and eager to learn-we want to meet you!
  • A cool, calm, and professional demeanor-even when a Great Dane steals your mop.
  • A willingness to get your hands dirty (literally).

What You'll Be Doing (Besides Making Furry Friends for Life):

  • Keeping pet enclosures and play areas spotless, safe, and sanitized (because nobody likes a stinky litter box).
  • Serving up meals and fresh water like a 5-star pet resort concierge.
  • Monitoring the health, happiness, and, yes, poop of every pet guest-because details matter.
  • Reporting anything unusual to the General or Assistant Manager (you'll be their eyes and ears).
  • Supervising playtime, tail-wagging, and the occasional game of fetch.
  • Assisting with brushing and bath time (rubber ducky optional).
  • Handling laundry and belongings so every pet has clean snuggly stuff.
  • Making tails wag. That's the real goal here.
  • Other duties as assigned

Destination Pet LLC affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Destination Pet LLC endeavors to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our recruitment team.
At Destination Pet, we're all about creating a workplace that's bursting with diversity and inclusivity. We don't play favorites or judge folks based on skin color, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other protected characteristics. Our hiring decisions are solely based on what you can bring to the team. So, we're throwing the door wide open for all like-minded candidates who believe in celebrating and honoring diversity and inclusion. Ready to join our pack?