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Animal Rescue Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Vetco Total Care DVM Extern

Shrewsbury, MA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Healthier pets. Happier ...

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$9

$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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.
Vetco Total Care DVM Extern

Vetco Total Care DVM Extern

Petco

Shrewsbury, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 625 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 712 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?

We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.

  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:

We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.

Healthier pets. Happier people. Better world.Our vision might sound lofty, but we believe it's attainable when we obsess about providing complete care for our amazing pets. Our approach goes far beyond addressing our animals' basic needs to support their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. By being sure we take all these elements into consideration, we can help pet parents take the very best care of their pets.

Position Purpose:

Gain valuable experience in one of our state-of-the-art hospitals. Grow your skill set and explore future career paths while under direct supervision from one of our highly skilled doctors.

If you participate in our externship program, youcan expect to be exposed to, or gain hands-on experience with a plethora of medical, surgical, diagnostic, and dental skills.

Vetco Total Care is committed to the development of veterinary students. As such we welcome the opportunity to participate in accredited Universities externship programs.

Potential Services (Each Hospital Varies Based on Doctor/Mentor)

  • Anesthesiology

  • Cardiology

  • Clinical Pathology

  • Dentistry (including DDXR)

  • Dermatology

  • Neurology (limited)

  • Ophthalmology(limited)

  • Pathology (limited)

  • Imaging/Radiology/Ultrasonography

  • Small Animal Emergency Critical Care (limited)

  • Small Animal Medicine

  • Small Animal Surgery

  • Zoo/Exotic Animal Medicine (limited)

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Work closely with mentor for guidance and development of hands-on veterinary experience and knowledge.

    • Learn components of the physical examination

    • Observe (first) then assist during surgeries

    • Continue to develop technical skills such as blood draws, fecal analysis, urine analysis, catheter setting, ET tube placement

  • Learn all aspects of hospital environment by observing and participating in procedures with your mentor:

    • Review patient history, differential, diagnosis and costs

    • Create treatment protocols

    • Calculate drug dosages and fluid rates

    • Support mentor with client communication

  • Ensure safety of pets, clients and team members by adhering to all medical standard operating protocols.

    • Gain understanding in safety and restraint procedures

    • Follow sterility procedure

    • Understand radiation and controlled substance compliance

  • Perform only care that is outlined in a State Practice Act and only under direct supervision of a DVM &/or Licensed Veterinary Technician

  • All responsibilities and duties will be dependent on education level and experience.

  • Timely submission of all paperwork and licenses required.

Essential Job Skills:

  • Must love dogs, cats and people too!

  • Team player who thrives in supporting the team in every way

  • Strong observational and communication skills

  • Ability to maintain a respectful and professional manner at all times

  • Initiative: Willingness to learn and take direction

  • Problem solving skills: ability to identify, analyze and provide solutions

  • Flexibility: adaptable to changing situations

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Work Environment:

  • Vetco Total Care hospital located inside of a Petco pet care center.

  • Remember to have fun! Where else will you find four-legged companions sharing a workspace after all? Jump in and enjoy this experience-it's a special one!

Education/Experience:

  • Must be enrolled in an AVMA accredited program.

  • Must be able to provide proof of medical and professional liability insurance

The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.

$18.00 - $28.50

Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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