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Part Time Animal Rescue Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Veterinarian

Buffalo, NY

$145K - $150K/yr

We have one part time vet & are recruiting another vet to join our team full time. Our location ... Advocate for cats, educate public, Ten Lives Club volunteers and staff on all aspects of animal ...

Part Time Animal Rescue information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do part time animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time animal rescue in Buffalo, NY is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time animal rescue workers, and how can they be managed?

Part-time animal rescue workers often encounter challenges such as balancing rescue shifts with other commitments, handling emotionally difficult situations, and adapting to unpredictable animal behavior. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help ensure coverage and prevent burnout. Additionally, ongoing training and support from experienced staff are available to help part-time workers develop skills in animal care and safely respond to emergencies. Collaborating closely with both volunteers and full-time staff fosters a supportive environment where everyone can learn and contribute effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Animal Rescue Worker, you generally need experience with animal handling, basic animal care knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal shelter software, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid or CPR are valuable. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under stress are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals, effective teamwork, and safe, efficient rescue operations.

What are part time animal rescue jobs?

Part time animal rescue jobs involve working with organizations or shelters to help rescue, care for, and rehome animals in need, but on a part-time schedule. Duties may include feeding and cleaning animals, assisting with adoptions, administering basic medical care, and supporting fundraising or outreach activities. These positions are ideal for people who are passionate about animal welfare but may only be available to work a limited number of hours per week. Part time roles can also be a good way to gain experience in animal care or nonprofit work.

What is the difference between Part Time Animal Rescue vs Part Time Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectPart Time Animal RescuePart Time Animal Shelter Worker
ResponsibilitiesRescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in needAssisting with daily shelter operations, caring for animals, and adoption support
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, community eventsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, sometimes certifications in animal handlingAnimal care experience, sometimes certifications in shelter operations

While both roles involve caring for animals, Part Time Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing animals from dangerous situations and rehoming them, often in outdoor or community settings. In contrast, Part Time Animal Shelter Worker primarily supports shelter operations, caring for animals within a shelter environment. Both roles require compassion and animal care skills but differ in work setting and specific duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Buffalo, NY? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Buffalo, NY are:
What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Part Time Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Part Time Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Animal Rescue job openings in Buffalo, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,411 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Veterinarian

Ten Lives Club

Buffalo, NY

$145K - $150K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Examine, diagnose, and treat cats within the program.

  • Perform surgeries including spay/neuter, eye enucleations, tail amputations, euthanasia, and emergency surgeries.

  • Advocate for cats and educate the public, volunteers, and staff on animal health while ensuring a safe and effective clinic environment.


Job description

THIS IS A FULL TIME POSITION, WORKING 30-35 HOURS per WEEK

Ten Lives Club is a 501c3 cat shelter in Western New York with 18 additional adoption locations. We have one part time vet & are recruiting another vet to join our team full time. Our location cares for strays and surrenders as well as offering a community clinic for reasonable cost spays, neuters, and other veterinary care. Our Vet Clinic provides spay/neuter & medical care to TLC residents, fosters & newly adopted sick cats. This position will work closely with our veterinarians, and other staff and volunteers. This position allows you to develop skills in shelter veterinary medicine, high volume spay/neuter clinics & emergency medicine.

Position Summary: Shelter Veterinarian will provide quality medical care for cats and kittens. Veterinary services are provided to our Ten Lives Club cats, TNR cats, employee cats, and some public animals (i.e. other rescue groups' cats, and low income family pets).

Responsibilities:

  • Relate professionally to volunteers, new adopters, Veterinary staff, Management and other TLC departments regarding the health of TLC residents, fosters & post adopters.
  • Responsible for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of cats within our program.
  • Performing surgeries as required. This includes, but is not limited to, mid-to-high volume spay and neuter, eye enucleations, tail amputations, euthanasia and emergency surgery.
  • Using our dental x-ray machine and dental equipment as needed on our cats and public cats.
  • Using our digital xray machine do xrays and read the results of our cats.
  • Advocate for cats, educate public, Ten Lives Club volunteers and staff on all aspects of animal health, and ensure a safe and effective clinic environment.
  • Collaborate with clinic staff as well as department managers as needed on medical cases.
  • Promote continuing development of medical care through continued education.
  • Delegating duties and responsibilities to technical support staff to ensure proper care and comfort of ill patients
  • Keeping abreast of veterinary concerns and trends in the animal welfare movement.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience:

  • Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, VMD) or equivalent required.
  • Experience with cats a must.
  • Proficient at spays and neuters of cats
  • Interest in shelter medicine.
  • Work experience preferred, but new graduates will be considered for the position.
  • License in good standing with state veterinary board.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. The ideal person for this job would be a team player, personable, professional, upbeat, and energetic, takes initiative, uses tact and diplomacy.
  • Strong communication skills to discuss recommendations and explain treatment options to the animal's caregiver and to give clear instruction to staff.
  • Able to maintain clear communication with internal staff on all levels.
  • Written and oral communication skills
  • Strong problem solving skills
  • Interest in continuing veterinary education and exploration of new technologies and treatment modalities.
  • Work requires continual attention to detail. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated good working habits in an environment that requires multitasking and multiple demands on time.
  • Valid Driver's License with access to transportation.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time while performing work requiring concentration and manual dexterity.
  • Lifting, moving and restraining cats: bending, stooping and walking on a daily basis.
  • When working with animals that are frightened or in pain there is a risk of being bitten or scratched. In addition when working with diseased animals there is a risk of being infected by zoonotic disease.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 1 - 3 years
Salary: $145,000 - $150,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No