Companion Animal Caretaker
Salem, OR · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in ... local law.
Quick apply
Companion Animal Caretaker
Salem, OR · On-site
$20 - $22/hr
Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in ... local law.
Local Animal Rescue information
See Oregon salary details
$10.42 - $12.15
3% of jobs
$12.15 - $13.89
5% of jobs
$13.89 - $15.62
3% of jobs
$15.62 - $17.35
6% of jobs
$18.60 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.35 - $19.08
10% of jobs
$19.08 - $20.82
10% of jobs
$20.82 - $22.55
12% of jobs
The median wage is $22.71 / hr.
$22.55 - $24.28
12% of jobs
$24.28 - $26.02
14% of jobs
$26.07 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.02 - $27.75
16% of jobs
$27.75 - $29.48
10% of jobs
$10
$22
$29
How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Oregon is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, and why are they important?
To thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge, often supported by relevant training or certifications in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal first aid, and rescue equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with animals, the public, and fellow team members. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, facilitating successful adoptions, and maintaining positive community relations.
What are the most common challenges faced by team members in a local animal rescue organization?
Team members in local animal rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional aspects of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling unpredictable situations during rescues, and balancing a high workload with limited resources. Collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local authorities is crucial to ensure animal welfare and successful rehoming. Additionally, adapting to fast-changing priorities and maintaining effective communication within the team are key to providing the best possible care for animals in need.
What are local animal rescues?
Local animal rescues are organizations or groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, abandoned, or abused animals within a specific community or region. They often work with shelters, foster volunteers, and veterinarians to provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services. Unlike large national organizations, local rescues focus on the needs of animals in their immediate area, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare at the community level.
What is the difference between Local Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?
| Aspect | Local Animal Rescue | Animal Shelter Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | May require animal care certifications, CPR, first aid | Often requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling |
| Work Environment | Varies from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-call | Primarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment |
| Employer & Industry | Nonprofits, rescue groups, community organizations | Municipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Rescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunities | Shelter operations, daily animal care, adoption processes |
Both roles involve caring for animals, but Local Animal Rescue focuses on emergency and outdoor rescues, while Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily shelter operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon? For Local Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Local Animal Rescue jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:
$20 - $22/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 9 days ago
Job description
Employment Status: Full-time (40 hrs. weekly)
Location: Salem, Oregon
Schedule: 4 days / 10 hour shifts / 1 weekend day will be required (Saturday or Sunday)
Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 hourly
Benefits: Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, PTO, Paid Federal Holidays, 401k
Who We Are:
Location: Salem, Oregon
Schedule: 4 days / 10 hour shifts / 1 weekend day will be required (Saturday or Sunday)
Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 hourly
Benefits: Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, PTO, Paid Federal Holidays, 401k
Who We Are:
The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in need, with a commitment to end animal suffering and promote humane treatment. Through community education, advocacy, and hands-on care, we work toward a more compassionate world for animals.
Job Description:
As a Companion Animal Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their behavioral health and enrichment. Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and enhance the behavioral aspects of companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care for the animals. Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement behavior management plans and enrichment activities to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals. This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.
*Note:
Please read the full job description and required qualifications. Only candidates that meet all criteria will be considered for the position.
Responsibilities
Daily care includes:
- Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment.
- Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
- Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
- Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for the animals, including animals that may be in insolation and quarantine.
- Prompt communication around animal supply levels/inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment/supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
- Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
- Ensure animals are always supervised.
- Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
- Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
- Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.
Behavior Assessment:
- Conduct behavioral assessments of animals to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for enrichment.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of each animal's behavioral profile.
Enrichment Planning and Implementation:
- Design and implement behavior enrichment programs tailored to the individual needs and species-specific behaviors of animals.
- Create and introduce a variety of stimulating activities, toys, and environmental enhancements to promote natural behaviors.
Training and Positive Reinforcement:
- Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to train animals in cooperation with veterinary procedures, handling, and basic commands.
- Collaborate with staff to address and modify undesirable behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress for each animal.
- Communicate behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
- Stay current on best practices in animal welfare.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- 1-2 years experience working with dogs (REQUIRED)
- Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Excellent observational and analytical skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.
- A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history.
The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.