The VRC is actively growing, and as new rescue partners are added, there is opportunity for ... Experience performing selected orthopedic procedures in dogs and/or cats (e.g., basic fracture ...
Quick apply
The VRC is actively growing, and as new rescue partners are added, there is opportunity for ... Experience performing selected orthopedic procedures in dogs and/or cats (e.g., basic fracture ...
In addition to daily care, this position is responsible for matchmaking dogs with adopters. The ... Experience working in an animal shelter or rescue organization is preferred. * Any combination of ...
In addition to daily care, this position is responsible for matchmaking dogs with adopters. The ... Experience working in an animal shelter or rescue organization is preferred. * Any combination of ...
Slide & Concessions Attendant
Merriam, KS · On-site
$11.25 - $14/hr
Waits on patrons and prepares items for consumption; including use microwave oven and a hot dog ... Must be a strong swimmer with ability to perform rescue functions in water and on land * Ability to ...
Slide & Concessions Attendant
Merriam, KS · On-site
$11.25 - $14/hr
Waits on patrons and prepares items for consumption; including use microwave oven and a hot dog ... Must be a strong swimmer with ability to perform rescue functions in water and on land * Ability to ...
Veterinary Technician/Assistant
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
The Veterinary Rescue Collaboration: providing high-quality medical care to smaller rescues and ... Able to safely restrain cats and dogs of various sizes. Working Conditions Work is performed in a ...
Quick apply
Veterinary Technician/Assistant
$15.50 - $19.75/hr
The Veterinary Rescue Collaboration: providing high-quality medical care to smaller rescues and ... Able to safely restrain cats and dogs of various sizes. Working Conditions Work is performed in a ...
Dog Rescue information
See Kansas City, MO salary details
$9.15 - $9.98
1% of jobs
$9.98 - $10.81
6% of jobs
$10.81 - $11.64
8% of jobs
$12.24 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.64 - $12.48
14% of jobs
$12.48 - $13.31
11% of jobs
The median wage is $13.77 / hr.
$13.31 - $14.14
18% of jobs
$14.14 - $14.97
14% of jobs
$15.18 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$14.97 - $15.80
12% of jobs
$15.80 - $16.63
8% of jobs
$16.63 - $17.47
6% of jobs
$17.47 - $18.30
2% of jobs
$9
$13
$18
How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Kansas City, MO is $13.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 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 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 the difference between Dog Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?
| Aspect | Dog Rescue | Animal Shelter Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | None mandatory; experience with animals helpful | Often requires animal care or shelter management training |
| Work Environment | Rescue missions, outdoor and varied locations | Indoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks |
| Employer & Industry | Nonprofits, rescue organizations | Municipal or private animal shelters |
| Common Search/Comparison | Rescue efforts, volunteer opportunities | Animal 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.
How do you become a dog rescuer?
To become a dog rescuer, individuals typically volunteer or work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, or shelters that focus on dog rescue. Gaining knowledge of animal care, handling skills, and sometimes obtaining certifications in pet first aid or animal behavior can improve prospects; a compassionate attitude and patience are essential. No formal education is required, but experience with animals and understanding rescue procedures are beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Dog Rescue jobs in Kansas City, MO?
For Dog Rescue jobs in Kansas City, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Rescue jobs in Kansas City, MO look for?
The top searched job categories for Dog Rescue jobs in Kansas City, MO are:
$75K/yr
Full-time
Medical, PTO
Re-posted 16 days ago
Key responsibilities
Perform high-quality surgical care for VRC partner animals, including high-volume spay/neuter, advanced soft-tissue procedures, dental procedures, and selected orthopedic procedures.
Provide medical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment planning for rescue animals within the VRC program, following established protocols and resource considerations.
Complete accurate, timely medical records and collaborate with the Medical Director on case review, follow-up planning, and population-level health strategies.
Job description
Weekend Specialty Surgical Veterinarian
Location
Kansas City, Missouri (serving the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas; services may be
provided at fixed facilities and via a licensed mobile RV clinic)
Position Overview
Always & Furever (A&F) is seeking an experienced Weekend Specialty Surgical Veterinarian to
provide high-quality surgical and medical care to rescue partners and, as capacity allows, the
broader community through its one-of-a-kind Veterinary Rescue Collaboration (VRC) program.
The VRC is a structured, invitation-only program that provides dedicated surgical and medical
capacity to rescue partners through a tiered monthly retainer model. The program emphasizes
high-impact care for shelter and rescue animals, including high-volume spay/neuter, and advanced
soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures. The VRC is actively growing, and as new rescue partners
are added, there is opportunity for expanded responsibilities and hours over time for the right
candidate.
Clinical services are delivered at fixed facilities and, at times, through a licensed mobile RV clinic
serving partner locations within the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas.
This role is designed for an experienced practitioner who can work independently without onsite
collegial support, with established protocols and remote backup available as needed. The position
is benefits-eligible and offers a predictable daytime weekend schedule with no mandatory
overnight ER shifts.
We are committed to building a sustainable, practitioner-first environment with competent
support staff, modern equipment, clear protocols, and a culture that respects the boundaries
of this role — because a well-supported veterinarian delivers the best outcomes for the
animals and partners we serve.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Medical Director.
Compensation and Benefits
• Base salary: $75,000 per year
o Salary may be negotiable based on experience, surgical caseload history, and ability to
perform advanced soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures
• Schedule:
o Clinical hours: Friday through Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Benefits (per organizational policies):
o Health insurance
o 40 hours of paid time off (PTO) per year
o Professional liability coverage
o Support for licensure and continuing education (CE)o Mission-driven, collaborative rescue and veterinary team environment
Key Responsibilities
• Perform high-quality surgical care for VRC partner animals, including:
o High-volume spay/neuter
o Advanced soft-tissue procedures, such as mass removals and mastectomies,
gastrointestinal foreign body surgeries, cystotomies, splenectomies, aural hematoma
repairs, cherry eye repairs, and enucleations
o Dental procedures, including extractions
o Selected orthopedic procedures appropriate to a rescue or shelter setting, such as basic
fracture stabilization, limb amputations, patellar luxation repair, and femoral head and
neck ostectomy, with more complex cases referred to orthopedic or specialty centers as
indicated
• Provide medical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment planning for rescue animals within
the VRC program, consistent with established protocols and resource considerations
• Deliver care at fixed clinic locations and, when indicated, within a mobile RV clinic setting,
maintaining appropriate standards of sterility, safety, and workflow in both environments
• Work efficiently and safely in a largely independent weekend environment, following VRC
standards of care and clinical guidelines
• Complete accurate, timely medical records, including operative reports, discharge
instructions, and communication with partner organizations
• Collaborate with Medical Director on:
o Case review and follow-up planning
o Population-level health strategies and programmatic decisions related to animal welfare
• Participate in limited, pre-agreed after-hours involvement (e.g., triage input or program-
related communication outside weekend clinic hours), with clear expectations and
boundaries
Qualifications
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) from an accredited institution
• Current license (or eligibility for licensure) to practice veterinary medicine in Kansas and
Missouri, as required for program locations
• Current (or willingness to obtain) USDA accreditation
• Experience in high-volume spay/neuter and advanced soft-tissue surgery
• Experience performing selected orthopedic procedures in dogs and/or cats (e.g., basic
fracture stabilization, patellar luxation stabilization, femoral head and neck ostectomy), with
appropriate case selection and postoperative management
• Prior shelter, rescue, or high-volume clinical experience preferred, not required.• Demonstrated ability to work independently and confidently in a surgical and medical setting
without onsite collegial backup, while collaborating effectively with leadership and staff
• Commitment to mission-driven, welfare-focused care for animals and to respectful, trauma-
informed interactions with clients, partners, and team members
• Excellent communication skills and comfort with written and electronic tools for case
management and protocol implementation
• Comfort working in both fixed-facility and mobile clinical environments, including RV-
based surgery or clinic setups
Ideal Candidate
• Thrives in a structured yet dynamic weekend environment with a consistent schedule
• Enjoys surgery and problem-solving in a resource-conscious, rescue-oriented setting and is
energized by a mix of routine, advanced soft-tissue, and selected orthopedic procedures
• Practices spectrum-of-care medicine utilizing best practices to provide both preventative care
and illness workup Values a role that blends hands-on clinical work with program-level
impact through protocols, case review, and collaboration with partner organizations
• Is comfortable taking ownership of weekend clinical decision-making within a clear
framework of VRC protocols and organizational support
• Is motivated by a growing program and excited by the opportunity to expand their role as the
VRC scales