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Exotic Animal Rescue Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

VCA Animal Hospitals

Patient Care Attendant

Fleming Island, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Animal Shelter, and other local rescue groups. We also love creating a welcoming and memorable ... Comfort handling dogs, cats, and exotic/pocket pets * Strong communication and teamwork skills

The Florida Aquarium

Veterinary Technician

Tampa, FL · On-site

... for The Florida Aquarium's main animal collection, off-site facilities, and/or animal ... Two years of experience in a veterinary technician position as well as experience with exotic ...

Florida Aquarium

Veterinary Technician

Tampa, FL · On-site

... animal care and health practices. This position will be based mostly at our main campus facility in Tampa, FL and provide support to the Aquarium's sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center in ...

NVA

Veterinarian

Naples, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rescue animals in need. At the heart of our practice is a belief in compassion, kindness, and ... Small animal GP focused mainly on cats and dogs, with interest in expanding services to include ...

All JobsExotic Animal Rescue JobsExotic Animal Rescue Jobs in Florida

Exotic Animal Rescue information

What is an exotic animal rescue?

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.

How do I become an exotic animal rescue?

To become an exotic animal rescue worker, gain experience with wildlife or exotic animals through volunteering or working at shelters, zoos, or rehabilitation centers. Obtain relevant certifications such as animal care or wildlife rehabilitation licenses, and develop skills in handling, habitat management, and animal health. A background in biology, veterinary technology, or related fields can also be beneficial.

What are common challenges faced by exotic animal rescue professionals?

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 skills and qualifications are needed for exotic animal rescue?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida?

For Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs in Florida are:

Exotic Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Rescue job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Technician

Hernando County Sheriff's Office

Brooksville, FL • On-site

$35K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF
JOB TITLE: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN
BUREAU: LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
SUPERVISED BY: ANIMAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR
PAY GRADE: 06N CREATED: 11/10/2024
FLSA STATUS: NON - EXEMPT REVISED:
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under the direction of the Supervisor, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for ensuring the well-being and health of the animals under their care. Key duties include cleaning and sanitizing cages and kennels to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, feeding animals and monitoring their dietary needs, and preparing daily enrichment activities to support their mental and physical health. The role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintain all kennels, livestock housing, animal runs, floors, hallways and reception area (clean, disinfect, sanitize). Launder bedding, toys, supplies, etc. Performs manual custodial/housekeeping tasks and preventative maintenance of equipment.
  • Provide daily care for all animals housed at the shelter (domestic animals, livestock, and/or exotic animals), including preparing/providing food and fresh water. Provide daily animal enrichment services (see Enrichment Guide).
  • Observes shelter animals and reports signs of illness, aggression, etc.
  • Assist with intake of animals to include, chip scan, heartworm test, deworming, vaccinations, check for injuries/illness, evaluation of behavior, and kennel assignment. Records details on each animal (name, weight, food intake, chip number, license number, etc.).
  • Participates in special events (on site and/or off-site) to promote animals available for adoption.
  • Assists with emergency calls, calls involving a large number of animals, calls requiring additional personnel in the field, and other calls as directed by supervisory personnel.
  • At the direction of the Veterinarian and/or the Director, may perform and/or assist with euthanasia.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • During an emergency, the Sheriff will determine who is considered an essential worker to maintain necessary operations of the animal shelter. This determination is subject to change based on staffing and operational needs of the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Training and Experience
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
  • Valid Florida Driver License which must be maintained throughout employment.
  • One (1) year of animal handling and/or clerical experience preferred.
  • Successful completion of state required euthanasia certification within one (1) year of employment.
B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to learn animal shelter operations to include care, common illnesses behavior, impoundment procedures, animal handling equipment, animal safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ability to always use sound judgment and maintain emotional stability while dealing with high stress situations. Ability to always maintain a professional demeanor.
  • Ability to maintain precise and detailed records of all activities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with citizens, coworkers, volunteers, rescue groups, etc.
  • Ability to effectively operate both shelter management software and commonly used office software and/or programs.
  • Ability to demonstrate effective verbal communication and prepare written documents using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and form.
  • Ability to work in an environment that will contain animals, which may be aggressive and/or diseased. Work environment may contain fleas, ticks, and/or other parasites. Animal euthanasia and storage of deceased animals will occur in this work environment. The animal shelter participates in the local inmate work program and inmates will be on property and always supervised
  • Ability to use euthanasia equipment and chemicals, cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, animal handling equipment, pressure washer, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to transport animals to various locations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
  • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stretch, stoop, bend, kneel, reach and climb frequently.
  • Ability to physically control highly active and/or aggressive animals, potentially weighing 80 pounds or more.
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
  • Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
  • Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
  • Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

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