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Cat Rescue Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Store Manager

Waltham, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

Assistant Store Manager

Waltham, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

Assistant Store Manager

Waltham, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

Assistant Store Manager

Ashland, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

Assistant Store Manager

Medford, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear ... pounds (that cat litter can be heavy!). * Ability to work flexible schedules, have reliable ...

Community involvement through rescue partnerships * A workplace that values both pets and the people who care for them What You'll Do * Clean and maintain dog runs, cages, and cat housing areas

Cat Rescue information

See Massachusetts salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cat rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat rescue in Massachusetts is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make a living running a cat rescue?

Running a cat rescue typically does not provide a full-time income, as many are volunteer-based or rely on donations and grants. Some small-scale rescues may generate limited income to cover basic expenses, but sustainable full-time employment usually requires additional funding, fundraising skills, or supplementary income sources.

How to become a cat rescue?

To become a cat rescue worker, gain experience with animals through volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations, and develop skills in animal care and handling. Some positions may require basic certifications in animal first aid or CPR, and a compassionate attitude is essential for working with cats in need of rescue and rehabilitation.

What is cat rescue?

Cat rescue refers to the process of saving abandoned, stray, or at-risk cats from dangerous or unhealthy situations. Cat rescue organizations and volunteers provide medical care, shelter, and foster homes for these cats until they can be adopted into permanent, loving homes. They also work to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and may offer services like trap-neuter-return (TNR) to help control feral cat populations. The goal is to improve the welfare of cats and reduce the number of homeless cats in the community.

What is the 3-3-3 rule with cats?

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline used in cat rescue and care to help monitor a cat's adjustment after rescue or introduction to a new environment. It suggests that within the first 3 days, the cat should settle in; after 3 weeks, it should start to feel more comfortable; and by 3 months, the cat should be fully acclimated and confident in its new home. This rule helps rescuers and adopters understand typical adjustment periods and provides a framework for patience and care during the process.

What are the most common challenges faced by cat rescue workers and how can they be managed?

Cat rescue workers often deal with challenges such as managing a high volume of cats, some with medical or behavioral issues, and working in emotionally demanding situations. Time management and self-care are essential, as the work can involve long hours, emergency responses, and collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local shelters. Many rescues implement support systems and training to help staff handle compassion fatigue and ensure the well-being of both cats and caregivers. Communication and teamwork are key to managing these challenges effectively and ensuring the best outcomes for the animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cat Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To excel as a Cat Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, basic veterinary care, and often a background in animal science or shelter work. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal transport equipment, and certifications in animal first aid are typically valuable. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help build trust with both animals and adopters. These skills ensure the well-being of rescued cats, promote successful adoptions, and support effective teamwork in animal rescue operations.

What is the difference between Cat Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectCat RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CertificationsMay include animal care, rescue certificationsOften requires animal care or shelter management certifications
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, outdoor and indoor settings, variable locationsAnimal shelters, indoor facilities, consistent environment
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, NGOs, animal welfare groupsShelters, municipal agencies, non-profits
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on rescue operations, outdoor work, urgent careFocus on daily shelter operations, animal care, adoption processes

While both roles involve caring for animals, Cat Rescue primarily focuses on rescuing stray or injured cats in various environments, often requiring outdoor work and emergency response skills. Animal Shelter Workers typically manage daily operations within shelters, caring for animals, and facilitating adoptions. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests in animal welfare.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree include roles such as commercial truck drivers, sales managers, real estate brokers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, or experience but do not necessarily require a college degree.
What are popular job titles related to Cat Rescue jobs in Massachusetts? For Cat Rescue jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cat Rescue jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Cat Rescue jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Cat Rescue job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,345 per year, or $15.1 per hour.
Veterinary Assistant and Scheduling Coordinator

Veterinary Assistant and Scheduling Coordinator

Tufts University

North Grafton, MA • On-site

$24.90 - $28.90/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Tufts University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Overview
The Luke and Lily Lerner Clinic (LC) provides students at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine with opportunities for both pre-clinical and clinical surgical training while serving pets and people in need. The Clinic provides high level primary care surgical services to shelter and community animals while training veterinary students in the clinical competencies needed for anesthesia and surgery of healthy feline and canine patients. The pre-clinical surgical training program run in the Lerner Spay Neuter clinic is Introduction to Anesthesia and Small Animal Surgical Techniques (ISAAST), which is a required class for all third-year students. We offer a fourth-year clinical elective, Primary Care Procedures (PCP), which has a focus on spay neuter, other primary care surgery, anesthesia, and dentistry. We also host periodic Community Cat Clinics. Finally, we assist with dental training labs and other clinical skills laboratories run by our colleagues.

What You'll Do
The Scheduling Coordinator is responsible for scheduling all clinic surgeries. Work with animal rescues, animal shelters, municipal animal control officers, and private individuals to promote the mission and activities of the Lerner Clinic. Field all communications (phone calls/emails) regarding medical conditions and appropriately answers medical and surgical related questions or relays the information to the faculty. Provide veterinary assisting and communications support for the junior spay lab (ISAAST) and for the Primary Care Procedures (PCP) clinical rotation. In addition to scheduling and communications, the Coordinator works in the electronic medical records to enter charges, fill medications, and complete required paperwork for patients. All staff within the Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter clinic support the dual mission of supporting veterinary student surgical education while helping pets in need.

  • Surgery Scheduling and Coordination:
    • Communicates with animal shelters, rescues, animal control officers, and individuals across New England to procure eligible dogs and cats for participation in the spay lab, primary care surgery and dentistry electives, high-volume surgery days, and community cat clinics.
    • Determine animal health status prior to inclusion in ISAAST to ensure they are appropriate patients to receive surgery in the Lerner Clinic for this programming
    • Arrange for the timely delivery and discharge of animals
    • Maintain medical records
    • Track services provided and ensure charges are entered correctly into the electronic medical record
    • Process payments and coordinate billing with accounting department
    • Help complete medical record, including filling prescriptions, completing rabies certificates, and completing discharge instructions for each patient.
  • Veterinary Assistant functions:
    • Assist in the operation of junior surgery course including orientation, the surgery course, and paperwork associated with the patients in the course
    • Assist in operation of advanced surgery electives, high-volume days, and community cat clinics
    • Assist in placing intravenous catheters, instructing students in animal restraint and husbandry, instructing students in anesthesia, surgical preparation and maintenance of sterile field
  • General Program Support:
    • Monitor clinic voicemail and email for messages
    • Communicate and promote the mission of the Lerner Clinic
    • Modify day-to-day functions, as requested, to address emerging clinic needs
    • Provide support for the Cummings School open house
    • other functions as assigned

What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
  • High School Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by completing High School/GED degree or equivalent experience.
  • 1-3 years veterinary clinic or shelter medicine experience.
  • Excellent computer skills (particularly MS Word and MS Excel).
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in written and verbal expression.
  • Outstanding organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate or bachelor's degree, CVA or CVT strongly preferred.
  • Experience working within an educational environment.
  • Individual should be highly organized with outstanding communication skills and experience in an educational environment.
  • An understanding of the organizational mechanics of animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal control officers is an advantage in communication with students about the program.
  • Experience working with dogs and cats in a clinical setting or desire for this training is preferred.
  • Ability to safely and humanely handle canines, felines, and other small domestic animals (some may have limited socialization and unknown aggressive backgrounds).
  • Experience as a veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, or veterinary receptionist is considered a strongly desired background.

Pay Range
Minimum $20.90, Midpoint $24.90, Maximum $28.90
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

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