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Dog Rescue Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Sponsors a Canine Companions service dog each year and covers medical expenses * Provides free first wellness exams for pets adopted through shelters and rescue organizations * Supports organizations ...

Dog Rescue information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Portland, OR is $14.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Dog Rescue, and why are they important?

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 Portland, OR? For Dog Rescue jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dog Rescue jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Rescue jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,157 per year, or $14.5 per hour.
Veterinarian - Portland, OR

Veterinarian - Portland, OR

Rose City Veterinary Hospital

Portland, OR • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Who we are:
Practice Exceptional Medicine in Portland's Oldest Veterinary Hospital
Rose City Veterinary Hospital has been serving pets and their families for generations and proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest veterinary clinic in Portland. Our colorful, welcoming hospital combines deep community roots with modern medicine, advanced diagnostics, and a collaborative team culture that encourages continual growth. We're seeking an Associate Veterinarian who is passionate about providing comprehensive, relationship-based care and who wants to practice high-quality medicine in a supportive environment where mentorship, teamwork, and work-life balance are genuinely valued.
Why Rose City?
At Rose City, we believe in managing as much of our patients' care as possible in-house. Our doctors routinely work up and treat cases that many general practices refer elsewhere, creating an intellectually stimulating and rewarding environment.
Our services include:
  • Preventive and wellness care
  • Internal medicine
  • Advanced dentistry and oral surgery
  • Comprehensive abdominal ultrasound
  • Advanced diagnostics
  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Urgent care appointments
  • Long-term case management
Common procedures performed in-house include:
  • Splenectomies
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Cystotomies
  • Enucleations
  • Amputations
  • Mass removals
  • Advanced dental extractions
For veterinarians who enjoy solving challenging medical cases, Rose City offers exceptional opportunities to grow clinically while building lasting client relationships.
Our Ideal Candidate
At Rose City, we work hard, laugh often, and genuinely enjoy practicing together. We're looking for a teammate who thrives in a busy practice, wants to be part of a team that goes above and beyond for our patients, and shares our desire to continuously improve. The ideal candidate would be open to:
  • A schedule with an appointment focus and limited surgery days or just appointments only
  • USDA accreditation or be open to obtaining it to help with international health certificates
  • Enjoy excellent work-life balance
  • No on-call responsibilities
  • Collaborating with supportive teammates
  • Creative thinking & enjoys challenging cases
  • Strong client relationships and excellent compliance
  • A workplace that celebrates individuality and authenticity
  • Our available flexible schedule:
  • Three-week rotating schedule
  • Every third Saturday
  • Flexible weekday scheduling
  • Hospital hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A Mentorship Program Built Around You
Whether you're a new graduate or an experienced veterinarian looking to expand your skill set, our mentorship approach is individualized and adaptable.
You'll have the opportunity to:
  • Work directly alongside an American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Diplomate
  • Receive one-on-one surgical and procedural training
  • Develop confidence in dentistry and advanced extractions
  • Learn abdominal ultrasound and diagnostic imaging interpretation
  • Participate in collaborative case discussions
  • Build strong clinical decision-making skills with supportive guidance
Our philosophy is simple: support associates at their own pace while helping them become confident, capable, and fulfilled veterinarians.
State-of-the-Art Equipment & Facilities
Our standalone hospital offers dedicated parking, five exam rooms, a large treatment area, boarding facilities, and recently expanded clinical space designed to support high-quality patient care.
Technology and equipment include:
  • Paperless medical records
  • Complete in-house laboratory
  • Digital radiography
  • Digital dental radiography
  • Dedicated dental suite with two dental tables & another table in the treatment area
  • Ultrasound with full probe array and cardiology package
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Surgical laser
  • Cryotherapy
  • Tonopen
  • Dedicated surgery suite
  • Dedicated ultrasound room
We currently perform 10+ dental procedures every week, making Rose City an outstanding hospital for veterinarians interested in developing advanced dentistry skills.
Incredible Support Staff
Our team includes:
  • 4 Registered Veterinary Technicians (with a fifth joining soon)
  • 2-3 technicians or assistants assigned per doctor
  • Dedicated exam-room assistants
  • Cross-trained team members who support one another
  • Experienced anesthesia, surgical, and inpatient nursing staff
Our support team embraces teaching, collaboration, and shared problem-solving, allowing doctors to focus on delivering excellent medicine.
Community Involvement That Matters
Giving back is an important part of who we are. Our hospital proudly:
  • Partners with the Neighborhood Housing & Care Program to provide discounted veterinary care to Portland residents living with HIV/AIDS
  • Sponsors a Canine Companions service dog each year and covers medical expenses
  • Provides free first wellness exams for pets adopted through shelters and rescue organizations
  • Supports organizations including Guide Dogs for the Blind and Northwest Animal Companions
Join Our Team
If you're looking for a hospital where you can practice advanced medicine, build meaningful client relationships, receive exceptional mentorship, and enjoy a balanced, rewarding career, we'd love to meet you.
What's in it for you:
Benefits include:
  • Base salary plus quarterly production bonus (no negative accrual)
  • Signing and/or relocation bonus offered
  • Medical benefits (health, dental and vision)
  • 401(k)
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • CE allowance + CE PTO
  • Vacation + sick time
  • Professional dues and licensing fees reimbursed
  • Provided liability coverage
  • and so much more!
Our practice has a positive, wellbeing-focused culture that we'd love to tell you about. Get the conversation started by applying today!
Where we are:
Life in Portland
Portland offers an unmatched quality of life for veterinarians who value both adventure and culture. Enjoy:
  • Easy access to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country
  • Weekend trips to Mount Hood
  • The Columbia River Gorge
  • The Oregon Coast
  • The Willamette Valley wine country
  • Beautiful rivers, lakes, and outdoor recreation
  • A nationally recognized food, coffee, craft beer, and wine scene
  • Vibrant arts and live music venues
  • Walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods
  • Distinct communities full of character and creativity
  • Beautiful summers and abundant green space year-round

It's no surprise so many people fall in love with Portland and never leave.