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Cat Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinarian

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

We also work with local nonprofits including Tabby Town Cat Rescue. We offer generous compensation, flexible hours, medical insurance, continuing education stipend and signing bonus. Come meet the ...

NVA

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

York, PA · On-site

... cat rescue, as well as other dog and cat rescues, so you'll get a lot of hands-on shelter medicine • Care for the majority of police K9s in York and surrounding counties • Diverse medical ...

ALIVE Rescue

Foster Coordinator

Salem, WI · On-site

You will be the face of ALIVE Rescue to potential and current foster homes (who often become ... methods and cat and/or dog behavior. Tasks for this role include: * Processing foster home ...

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Cat Rescue information

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$8

$13

$18

How much do cat rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cat rescue in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 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.
More about Cat Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Cat Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Cat Rescue job openings:
What states have the most Cat Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Cat Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cat Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cat Rescue jobs are:
Cat Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cat Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.
Veterinarian

Veterinarian

National Veterinary Associates

North Tonawanda, NY

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description


Veterinarian needed in Western New York. We're offering a generous signing bonus, retention bonus, relocation and student loan assistance.  


Brighton Eggert Animal Clinic and Pet Resort


Our state of the art, high volume 13 doctor practice in a suburb of Buffalo, New York, is looking for at least one more doctor to join our exciting hospital. You will be joining an incredible team of doctors, who can share their 100+ collective years of experience in internal medicine, orthopedics, dentistry, emergency care, wellness, surgery, and so much more. Brighton Eggert also features an incredible support staff. We have 19 amazing Licensed Veterinary Technicians plus 13 Veterinary Assistants!


We’re fully equipped with new and sophisticated equipment including:

  • Ultrasound,
  • Digital x-rays, dental x-rays and dental suite,
  • Beautiful surgery suites, a huge fully equipped treatment area, surgivets, in-house labs, and much more. 
  • Our building showcases beautiful, large exam rooms with lift tables and separate dog and cat areas. 
  • We now have a resort-side with a thriving boarding, daycare and grooming service. 

Brighton Eggert is located in a growing shopping and dining destination area and the region’s only Whole Foods just opened across the street.  The Buffalo area is experiencing resurgence with great four-season opportunities from boating on Lake Erie in the summer to world class skiing in the winter and everything in between.  We boast the most loyal sports fans you’ll ever find anywhere.  We have several highly ranked colleges and universities and a growing nationally known medical campus in our bustling downtown area.


We have a special team of veterinarians who have practiced together for years and our support staff is second to none. Our team is growing, and we are like a big family. We also work with local nonprofits including Tabby Town Cat Rescue. We offer generous compensation, flexible hours, medical insurance, continuing education stipend and signing bonus.  Come meet the staff and tour our new 17,000 square foot location; we think you’ll like what you see.


Compensation:

  • Base salary of $115,000-$160,000
  • Production-based bonuses
  • Generous signing bonus

Benefits:

  • Health, dental and vision 
  • Life Insurance, Short term/Long Term disability
  • 401 (K) plan with match
  • Paid vacation, sick time and paid holidays
  • Paid State License and DEA
  • Paid dues/fees associated with professional societies
  • Formal Mentorship Program
  • Externship Stipend Program 


Skills and Qualifications:

Candidate must be a graduate from an AVMA accredited college or have successfully passed the ECFVG certification program or the PAVE certification. License in good standing to practice in New York State. 


Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of the company to afford equal opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran.

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.
At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:
 
• We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position
 
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
 
NVA 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, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US

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