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Exotic Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASPCA

$20 - $25/hr

Large, Small, Exotic, or Avian Animal Handling Specialist Forensic and Medical Exam Handler Forensic and Medical Exam Scribe Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Specialist Wildland Fire Rescue Specialist ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Pasadena, MD

Pasadena, MD

... Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, and Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. What Our Clients Love ... Optional opportunity to expand into exotic medicine through partnerships with PetSmart or Petco ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... exotic mammals a plus Qualifications Requirements Insured car and a valid driver's license Prior ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... exotic mammals a plus Qualifications Requirements Insured car and a valid driver's license Prior ...

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Exotic Animal Rescue information

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$29.5K

$48.6K

$63.5K

How much do exotic animal rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for exotic animal rescue in the United States is $48,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exotic Animal Rescue job?

An Exotic Animal Rescue job involves rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming exotic or non-domesticated animals in need. This can include reptiles, birds, small mammals, and even larger wildlife that have been abandoned, injured, or illegally kept as pets. Professionals in this field work with veterinarians, wildlife organizations, and law enforcement to provide medical care, proper housing, and behavioral rehabilitation. The goal is to ensure the animals' well-being and, when possible, reintroduce them to their natural habitats or find suitable sanctuaries or responsible homes.

What are some common challenges faced by Exotic Animal Rescue professionals in the field?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable or dangerous situations, such as handling frightened or aggressive animals and navigating challenging environments. They may also have to work odd hours, respond to emergencies on short notice, and manage the emotional aspects of animal distress and rehabilitation. Collaboration with veterinarians, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies is frequently required to ensure the safe and legal rescue of animals. Successfully overcoming these challenges demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to animal welfare, which can make the work deeply rewarding for those passionate about helping exotic species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Exotic Animal Rescue position, and why are they important?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals require extensive knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and emergency care, often supported by degrees in zoology, veterinary science, or related fields. Certifications such as animal handling permits, first aid for wildlife, and training with animal transport and containment equipment are commonly needed. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help them adapt to unpredictable situations and coordinate with law enforcement or veterinary partners. These competencies are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations.

More about Exotic Animal Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Exotic Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs are:
Exotic Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,581 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Remote

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview
The ASPCA National Field & Disaster Response (NFDR) Team deploys nationwide to remove animals from crisis situations created by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, floods, and wildfires, or by animal abuse like animal fighting, puppy mills, hoarding, or neglect.
We welcome responders with diverse skillsets including medical care, animal sheltering, transportation, logistics, technical rescue and more.
The role of the Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling is to help animals in our care by providing a humane, safe, and clean experience that helps reduce stress. This role observes, supports, and reports any behavioral or medical concerns to the proper point of contact.
About this Opportunity:
  • This is a contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.
  • The target hiring range for this role is $20-$25 per hour and may be modified in the future.
  • This role is part of an on-demand responder pool with unpredictable needs. Due to the high application volume and varying needs, application reviews will be conducted periodically when the NFDR team identifies a specific need. There may be a significant delay, or no follow-up, after applying.

Where and When You'll Work
Support is requested wherever and whenever the need arises. By joining our team as a Responder, you may have the opportunity to assist in field response, disaster response, or other emergent needs. Expectations are as follows:
  • Commitment of 7 or more days of travel (2 travel days and 5 working days) per deployment
  • This is a variable hour opportunity. NFDR cases can last weeks or months, and the NFDR team may call upon you to activate when your availability and credentials match our need.
  • The ability to deploy a minimum of 4 times per year.
  • Ability to activate quickly, often with only a few days to one week notice.
  • Animal Care and Handlers may often take rotations at our Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH.

What You'll Do
Animal Care and Handlers report directly to the Senior Manager, National Responder Strategy and have no direct reports.
Roles can include, but are not limited to:
  • Large, Small, Exotic, or Avian Animal Handling Specialist
  • Forensic and Medical Exam Handler
  • Forensic and Medical Exam Scribe
  • Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Specialist
  • Wildland Fire Rescue Specialist
  • Certified Behavior Specialist
  • Shelter Operations Lead
  • Licensed Boat Operator
  • Transportation Assistant- Animal Care
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Certified Veterinary Technician

Responsibilities
Responsibilities are listed in general order of importance. They include but are not limited to:
  • Provides safe and humane capture and containment of stray, abandoned, unattended, diseased, or injured animals.
  • Ensures safety precautions for the public and animals when working in potentially dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals.
  • Observes animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness and discontent in the shelter, field, or on transport.
  • Performs necessary cleaning and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in job assignments.
  • Understands and comply with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to animal handling, care, and transport whether in a field or shelter setting.
  • Maintains a safe, clean environment for team members to work and for animals to reside.
  • Other duties as assigned by the current Field or Shelter Lead.
  • Must follow all Responder Expectations, Policies and Code of Conduct.
  • Duties may be performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander and wet floors.
  • Duties may involve exposure to the elements which include but not limited to: working in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for long periods of time, exposure to potentially fractious animals (including the risk of animal bites and scratches) and exposure to zoonotic diseases (which can be transferred from animals to people).

Qualifications:
  • At least 1 year of animal handling experience with the ASPCA or another animal welfare organization is desired.
  • Utilizes a holistic approach to problem solving.
  • Ability to communicate calmly, clearly and effectively in high stress environments.
  • Ability to organize and guide individuals.
  • Flexibility to adjust to new conditions and challenges.
  • Has practical, relevant experience in small and/or large animal handling.
  • Can assess basic small and/or large animal behavior.
  • Ensures appropriate daily care is being provided.
  • Capable of safe and humane handling of fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals.
  • Experience utilizing specialized animal rescue equipment preferred.
  • Ability to bend, crouch, crawl, and kneel.
  • Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to understand and follow protocols on wearing and maintaining proper PPE.
  • Demonstrates care and concern for the well-being of animals.

Language:
  • English (Required)

Apply