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Exotic Animal Rescue Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Exotic Animal Rescue information

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$27.5K

$45.3K

$59.2K

How much do exotic animal rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for exotic animal rescue in Texas is $45,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $53,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exotic Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Rescue job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,261 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Director of Animal Health

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Texas State Aquarium
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Texas State Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Animal Health to lead our Animal Health team and veterinary medical program.
This position combines hands-on zoological medicine with departmental leadership, providing preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for a diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial species. The Head Veterinarian leads a dedicated Animal Health team that includes an Associate Veterinarian, Senior Veterinary Technician and Hospital Manager, and licensed veterinary technician, while working closely with Animal Care leadership and staff across the organization. The position also provides veterinary oversight and support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and emergency response.
The ideal candidate is a skilled zoological veterinarian who enjoys practicing medicine, leading and mentoring a veterinary team, collaborating across disciplines, and continuing to develop a comprehensive veterinary program.
Veterinary Program & Facilities
The Aquarium offers a diverse clinical caseload with particular depth in aquatic animal medicine. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities include digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, anesthesia and surgical equipment, and computed tomography (CT).
The veterinary team also collaborates with universities, veterinary specialists, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, and other zoological institutions, providing opportunities to participate in research, conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and collaborative clinical work.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the Aquarium's comprehensive veterinary medical program and Animal Health team
  • Provide medical and surgical care across aquatic and terrestrial taxa
  • Direct preventive medicine, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, pathology, quarantine, disease surveillance, and emergency care
  • Develop and maintain veterinary protocols, preventive health programs, and hospital procedures
  • Provide medical oversight for complex cases, animal transfers, quarantine, nutrition, and other aspects of animal health
  • Provide veterinary oversight and clinical support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and emergency response
  • Manage departmental personnel, goals, budget, pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, equipment, and hospital resources
  • Ensure compliance with applicable AZA standards and federal, state, and local requirements
  • Collaborate with Animal Care staff, veterinary specialists, universities, wildlife agencies, and other professional partners
  • Support mentorship, research, conservation, and professional development opportunities
  • Participate in after-hours emergency response and veterinary on-call coverage
Qualifications
Required
  • DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited university
  • Licensed or eligible for veterinary licensure in Texas
  • Minimum six years of professional veterinary experience with zoological, aquatic, wildlife, exotic, or other non-domestic species
  • Experience providing veterinary care across multiple taxa
  • Demonstrated veterinary leadership or program management experience
  • USDA Category II Accreditation and DEA registration, or ability to obtain
  • Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record
Preferred
  • Eight or more years of zoological veterinary experience
  • Experience within an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium
  • Significant aquatic animal medicine experience
  • Clinical experience with marine mammals and sea turtles
  • Wildlife rehabilitation and emergency response experience
Professional Development
The Texas State Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, conferences, collaborative work, research, specialized training, and other professional opportunities.
For veterinarians interested in pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification, the Aquarium may provide additional support. Board certification is not required, and pursuing certification is not an expectation of the position.
Living & Working in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a mid-sized South Texas city located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Bend is particularly well suited for those who enjoy a coastal lifestyle, warm climate, and easy access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.

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