Is Animal Rescuer a real job?

Question

I would really love to be a Wild Animal Recuer for a job, but everywhere I've looked online seems to be stricly volunteer work, is there any jobs out there for this? I'm in AZ

Answer 1

Do you mean like a wildlife rehabilitator.  Not sure what you mean by "animal rescue"...what would you be rescueing these animals from?  Do you mean like if there is a bear in a neighborhood that needs to be relocated or is in some sort of danger?  This is usually done by US Fish and Wildlife Service or the Dept. of Fish and Game.  You would be a wildlife biologist or game warden.  If you are talking about wildlife rehab..taking in injured wildlife such as racoons, birds, coyotes, oppossums, etc...most of these jobs are unpaid or pay very little.  To work as a rehabber look here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/

To work as a biologist for a government agency you would have to go to school and earn at least a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, or other closely related topic.

Answer 2

In Arizona I know that there are some businesses that will relocate rattle snakes for you and I bet people will pay for that? so if you are planning to rescue the people from the animals, I think they would pay. As you know we also have havalinas and wild cats.  But if you are talking about domestic animals, there are a lot of shelters in Tucson. I've seen ads for paid workers several times. Maybe get some experience in a zoo?

Answer 3

I don't know of anything for wild animals as far as a job is concerned, I would imagine that would be volunteer work but you might want to check with your state and local Parks and Recreations department to be sure, I know Park Rangers are paid but don't know if their job entails rescuing wild animals.

Answer 4

I dont know, but as long as your working, you have a "real" job. A job that pays is "real" enough for me. And if you like doing the job, its even more "real".