1

Dog Rescue Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Introduction Our client is a hospital providing care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, exotics, and ... Employer paid purr-rental leave (3 days leave for adoption of a rescue pet) * Employer paid ...

During your interview, you will be greeted by our Chief Happiness Officer (our sweet rescue dog Nala) and learn more about the job, our inclusive culture, Stay-On Bonus, and More! Start a new career!

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

... rescue coordinator and offer to host the next adoption event * join the conversation when you hear a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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 a team member assisting a neighbor in choosing between three very good natural dog food brands ...

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

Showing results 21-37

Dog Rescue information

See Massachusetts salary details

$10

$15

$20

How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Massachusetts is $15.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a dog rescuer?

To become a dog rescuer, individuals typically volunteer or work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, or shelters to gain experience. Relevant skills include animal handling, knowledge of canine behavior, and sometimes certifications in pet first aid or animal care; a compassionate attitude and patience are essential. Training programs or workshops may also be available to improve skills and understanding of rescue procedures.

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

AspectDog RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; experience with animals helpfulOften requires animal care or shelter management training
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, outdoor and varied locationsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue organizationsMunicipal or private animal shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, volunteer opportunitiesAnimal shelter jobs, animal care roles

Dog Rescue involves actively saving dogs from dangerous or neglectful situations, often requiring outdoor work and rescue skills. Animal Shelter Workers typically manage daily care, administrative tasks, and shelter operations. While both roles focus on animal welfare, Dog Rescue emphasizes emergency and outdoor rescue activities, whereas Animal Shelter Workers focus on shelter management and daily animal care.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in dog rescue, and how can they be managed?

Dog rescue professionals often encounter emotional challenges, including working with abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions about their care. Managing high volumes of animals and coordinating with volunteers and adopters can also be demanding. To cope, it's important to practice self-care, seek support from team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building strong communication skills and staying organized can help professionals handle the fast-paced and emotionally charged environment typical of dog rescue organizations.

What is dog rescue?

Dog rescue refers to the process of saving dogs from dangerous, neglectful, or abusive situations and finding them safe, loving homes. Dog rescue organizations often work to rehabilitate and care for dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or found as strays. They provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to ensure each dog has the chance for a better life. Many dog rescues also advocate for responsible pet ownership and work to educate the public about animal welfare. The goal is to reduce the number of homeless dogs and help each animal find a permanent, caring family.

What do I need to work at a dog rescue?

To work at a dog rescue, you typically need a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle dogs of various temperaments. Relevant experience with animals, basic knowledge of dog care, and sometimes volunteer or prior rescue experience are beneficial; certifications in pet first aid can also be helpful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dog rescue?

To thrive in Dog Rescue, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a background in veterinary assistance or animal welfare. Familiarity with animal management software, first aid certifications, and basic handling equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and crisis management skills help you stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of rescued dogs while effectively coordinating adoptions and rehabilitation efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Rescue jobs in Massachusetts?

For Dog Rescue jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,230 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant and Scheduling Coordinator

Tufts University

North Grafton, MA • On-site

$20.90 - $28.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Tufts University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 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.

What Tufts University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom