Description The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College ... Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies.
Description The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College ... Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies.
Description The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College ... Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies.
Description The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College ... Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies.
Local Animal Rescue information
See Tennessee salary details
$8.95 - $10.43
3% of jobs
$10.43 - $11.92
5% of jobs
$11.92 - $13.41
3% of jobs
$13.41 - $14.90
6% of jobs
$15.97 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.90 - $16.38
10% of jobs
$16.38 - $17.87
10% of jobs
$17.87 - $19.36
12% of jobs
The median wage is $19.49 / hr.
$19.36 - $20.85
12% of jobs
$20.85 - $22.33
14% of jobs
$22.38 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$22.33 - $23.82
16% of jobs
$23.82 - $25.31
10% of jobs
$8
$19
$25
How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Tennessee is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a local animal rescue?
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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive in a local animal rescue role?
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 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.
How to get started in a local animal rescue?
To start in a local animal rescue, research organizations in your area and volunteer to gain experience. Many rescues require basic skills such as animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of local regulations, and may ask for background checks or training certifications. Volunteering provides practical experience and helps build connections within the rescue community.
What do I need to work at a local animal rescue?
To work at a local animal rescue, you typically need a genuine interest in animal welfare, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely. Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may benefit from prior experience with animals or volunteer work. Depending on the role, certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling training can be advantageous.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Tennessee?
The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Tennessee are:
Assistant / Associate Professor in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine
Knoxville, TN • On-site
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
7.2
Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
385th of 622 rated colleges and universities
People enjoy working here
Good employer
Recommended by students
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Full-time
Re-posted 27 days ago
Job description
Description
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time clinical or tenure track faculty position in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position is at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level.
The successful candidate is expected to engage in the departmental mission by participating in clinical and didactic teaching to veterinary students and house officers; providing clinical service in zoological companion animal medicine with reciprocated coverage in zoological medicine; contributing to the development of a basic science or clinical research program commensurate with effort allocation; and participating in continuing education at local, national, and international levels. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team are required.
The position has a major clinical commitment to the Zoological Companion Animal and Wildlife Service, and faculty are responsible for instruction and supervision of veterinary students, interns, and residents. This service provides health care for privately owned zoo companion animals and native wildlife brought by members of the public and wildlife agencies. Faculty also work synergistically with the general zoo medicine service which is the other service within the Zoological Medicine Section and provides care to Zoo Knoxville, Tiger Haven (large felid sanctuary), Appalachian Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies. Teaching responsibilities include lectures and laboratories for DVM students, instruction and mentoring of house officers, and instruction to clinical year veterinary students. The successful candidate will help build a cohesive and positive working environment in the services for students, house officers, technicians, and faculty.
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center is a modern, fully equipped facility with extensive therapeutic and diagnostic equipment. The Zoological Medicine Section is currently supported by 4 faculty members, 3 house officers and 3 veterinary technicians. Hospital space and equipment are available to diagnose and treat all zoo companion, wildlife, and zoological patients presented to the hospital. The department includes tenured and clinical track faculty in supporting specialty services including anesthesiology, behavior, cardiology, dermatology, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, nutrition, dentistry, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, physical therapy/sports medicine, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Additionally, there are robust equine and farm animal patient populations and pathologists with strong interests in zoological medicine.
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine boasts a collegial environment committed to mentoring new faculty to be successful in their academic career. This includes a Master Teaching Program, which provides resources, programs and leadership to support the highest quality of professionalism and instruction within the various educational missions of the college and a Veterinary Social Work program that provides training and support in the areas of communication and conflict management, compassion fatigue, animal-related grief and bereavement, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. New faculty are assigned an experienced faculty mentor, and the Department has an excellent record in helping faculty successfully earn promotion and tenure.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee flagship campus and is a beautiful and friendly place to live. It is a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as several dog-friendly state parks and recreation areas. Outdoor recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, and water sports. Knoxville has a vibrant cultural downtown with excellent restaurants; bustling farmer's markets; live music of all genres, ballet, and theater; frequent art and cultural festivals; and men's and women's sporting events.
Qualifications
Requirements include a DVM/VMD or equivalent degree and certification or eligibility for certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified individuals are invited to apply. Applications should include a letter of intent with a statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time clinical or tenure track faculty position in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine. Depending on qualifications and experience, the position is at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level.
The successful candidate is expected to engage in the departmental mission by participating in clinical and didactic teaching to veterinary students and house officers; providing clinical service in zoological companion animal medicine with reciprocated coverage in zoological medicine; contributing to the development of a basic science or clinical research program commensurate with effort allocation; and participating in continuing education at local, national, and international levels. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team are required.
The position has a major clinical commitment to the Zoological Companion Animal and Wildlife Service, and faculty are responsible for instruction and supervision of veterinary students, interns, and residents. This service provides health care for privately owned zoo companion animals and native wildlife brought by members of the public and wildlife agencies. Faculty also work synergistically with the general zoo medicine service which is the other service within the Zoological Medicine Section and provides care to Zoo Knoxville, Tiger Haven (large felid sanctuary), Appalachian Bear Rescue (a black bear rehabilitation facility), other local zoos, and wildlife agencies. Teaching responsibilities include lectures and laboratories for DVM students, instruction and mentoring of house officers, and instruction to clinical year veterinary students. The successful candidate will help build a cohesive and positive working environment in the services for students, house officers, technicians, and faculty.
The University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center is a modern, fully equipped facility with extensive therapeutic and diagnostic equipment. The Zoological Medicine Section is currently supported by 4 faculty members, 3 house officers and 3 veterinary technicians. Hospital space and equipment are available to diagnose and treat all zoo companion, wildlife, and zoological patients presented to the hospital. The department includes tenured and clinical track faculty in supporting specialty services including anesthesiology, behavior, cardiology, dermatology, emergency/critical care, internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, nutrition, dentistry, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, physical therapy/sports medicine, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Additionally, there are robust equine and farm animal patient populations and pathologists with strong interests in zoological medicine.
The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine boasts a collegial environment committed to mentoring new faculty to be successful in their academic career. This includes a Master Teaching Program, which provides resources, programs and leadership to support the highest quality of professionalism and instruction within the various educational missions of the college and a Veterinary Social Work program that provides training and support in the areas of communication and conflict management, compassion fatigue, animal-related grief and bereavement, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. New faculty are assigned an experienced faculty mentor, and the Department has an excellent record in helping faculty successfully earn promotion and tenure.
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee flagship campus and is a beautiful and friendly place to live. It is a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as several dog-friendly state parks and recreation areas. Outdoor recreational opportunities include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, and water sports. Knoxville has a vibrant cultural downtown with excellent restaurants; bustling farmer's markets; live music of all genres, ballet, and theater; frequent art and cultural festivals; and men's and women's sporting events.
Qualifications
Requirements include a DVM/VMD or equivalent degree and certification or eligibility for certification by the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified individuals are invited to apply. Applications should include a letter of intent with a statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and the names of three professional references
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