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Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Hays County

Deputy Officer

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$72K - $87K/yr

Enforces the laws of Texas and Federal, State and local criminal laws of Texas. * Follows up on ... Enter and exit vehicles quickly to perform rescue, arrest, or emergency operations. * Determine ...

All JobsLocal Animal Rescue JobsLocal Animal Rescue Jobs in Austin, TX

Local Animal Rescue information

See Austin, TX salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Austin, TX is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.76 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?

AspectLocal Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsMay require animal care certifications, CPR, first aidOften requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVaries from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-callPrimarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, community organizationsMunicipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunitiesShelter 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 Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:

Local Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Animal Rescue job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,398 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Services Manager

San Marcos, TX • On-site

City of San Marcos, TX
See more jobs at City of San Marcos, TXexternal

$89K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $89,232.00 - $111,550.40 Annually
Location : Animal Services - 750 River Road, San Marcos, TX
Job Type: Full-time Exempt
Job Number: 1230
Department: NE - Animal Services
Division: NE - ANIMAL SHELTER
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 5:00 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Work Hours: Monday - Friday; may vary depending on department needs
JOB SUMMARY
Turn compassion into impact-help guide our Animal Shelter as San Marcos' next Animal Services Manager!
The Animal Services Manager provides strategic leadership and unified direction for the City's Animal Services Division. This role is essential to maintaining humane animal care, protecting public health, enforcing state and local regulations, supporting high live-outcome operations, and fostering collaboration with regional partners, volunteers, rescues, fosters, and community advocates. The position serves as the City's primary representative for animal-related issues, ensuring best-practice operations, progressive program development, and strong community engagement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
  • Lead staff, volunteers, contractors, and partner agencies in a fast-paced, high-energy environment by setting expectations, ensuring accountability, and effectively anticipating and managing conflict through professional mediation.
  • Analyze operational and animal-care data to guide decision-making and implement strategies that maintain a live-outcome rate of 90% or higher.
  • Present operational reports, data, and recommendations to City leadership, City Council, and regional partners.
  • Ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing animal care, shelter operations, controlled substances, and record-keeping.
  • Serve as the City's Local Rabies Control Authority and enforce the Texas Rabies Control Act.
  • Develop, update, and implement policies and procedures that prioritize safety for animals, staff, and the public.
  • Select, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate personnel in accordance with City policies and operational needs.
  • Coordinate public relations efforts with the Communications Department; lead community outreach, educational programming, fundraising efforts, and partnership development.
  • Serve as liaison to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, rescue groups, fosters, and animal-welfare partners.
  • Manage the division's operating budget; approve expenditures, identify cost-control opportunities, and oversee procurement of goods and services.
  • Track and report key operational statistics, anticipate resource needs, oversee grants and donations, and perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in animal science, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in a complex work environment requiring negotiation and resolution of sensitive or controversial issues, including three (3) years of supervisory experience in a government animal-services organization. Additional experience may substitute for education at a rate of two years of relevant experience for one year of education.
  • Valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience developing and implementing progressive programs that increase live outcomes in animal services or animal welfare organizations.
  • Experience managing multi-jurisdictional/regional animal shelter operations and Animal Control field staff.
  • Experience handling search and seizure warrants, cruelty cases, and dangerous dog cases.
  • Experience collaborating with animal advocacy groups, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
  • State of Texas Certified Euthanasia Technician.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of animal welfare laws, regulations, shelter operations, humane handling, and rabies control requirements.
  • Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to coach, train, motivate, and manage staff effectively.
  • Skill in resolving conflict professionally and maintaining composure in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and develop policies that enhance safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Skill in analyzing operational data, preparing reports, and using findings to improve programs and animal outcomes.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage the public, respond to concerns, and represent the division professionally.
  • Ability to build productive relationships with volunteers, rescues, regional partners, and community organizations.
  • Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, grant oversight, and resource management.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and solve complex problems effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires lifting up to 35 pounds rarely, with assistance when needed. Frequent requirements include vision, hearing, and talking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, sitting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, climbing, balancing, and use of foot controls. Kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, and twisting may occur infrequently.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings and may involve exposure to extreme weather, dangerous animals, zoonotic diseases, hazardous chemicals, and interactions with distressed or irate members of the public. The role may involve potential rabies exposure; pre-exposure rabies vaccination may be required at the City's expense. This is a safety-sensitive position.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
View Our
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts
Retirement
  • Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
  • Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • City-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical Concierge Service
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • Holidays
  • Longevity pay
  • Activity Center Membership
  • Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos is committed to supporting a flexible and positive work/life balance. Certain eligible positions may offer remote telework opportunities based on departmental operations and the nature of the work. Telework is not a fully remote arrangement, and eligibility and frequency are determined by the department director based on operational needs and the city's commitment to providing quality services to the community.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in animal science, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, or do you have additional relevant experience that could substitute for the education requirement at a rate of two years of experience for one year of education?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a complex work environment requiring negotiation and resolution of sensitive or controversial issues?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have three (3) years of supervisory experience in a government animal-services organization?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please select all that apply.
  • Experience developing and implementing progressive programs that increase live outcomes in animal services or animal welfare organizations.
  • Experience managing multi-jurisdictional/regional animal shelter operations and Animal Control field staff.
  • Experience handling search and seizure warrants, cruelty cases, and dangerous dog cases.
  • Experience collaborating with animal advocacy groups, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
  • State of Texas Certified Euthanasia Technician.

Required Question

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