Rescue Operations & Animal Care Specialist Lucky Dog Refuge Stamford, CT Job Details Part-time | Full-time $20 - $27 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Companion animal handling Pet care experience in outdoor settings Outdoor work experience Dog handling Patience Full Job Description Lucky Dog Refuge is looking for dedicated, hardworking animal lovers who are deeply passionate about rescue to join our team. We are not simply looking for someone who loves dogs. We are looking for someone who believes in what rescue stands for — giving dogs who have experienced abandonment, neglect, abuse, medical challenges, and instability the chance to heal and start again. This work has to matter to you. Rescue is incredibly rewarding, but it is also demanding. We take in dogs who are often overlooked because they are sick, injured, scared, behaviorally challenging, or simply need more time and support than other environments can provide. We believe every dog deserves to be seen as an individual and given the care, patience, medical treatment, training, and love they need to have a real second chance. That means our team gets to be part of some incredible transformations. You may meet a dog on one of the hardest days of their life and later watch them leave healthy, confident, and loved by a family of their own. We are also deeply rooted in our community. Our staff, volunteers, fosters, veterinary partners, adopters, and supporters all play a role in helping our dogs succeed. When you work at Lucky Dog, you are not simply completing a shift. There will be hard days. There will be messy days. There will be dogs who require extraordinary patience. But every day, the work you do directly helps save lives.

Who We're Looking For:

The right person for this role has a strong work ethic, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to animal rescue. We want someone who takes ownership, cares deeply about doing things correctly, supports their teammates, and understands that every task — from scrubbing a kennel to safely handling a difficult dog — contributes to the larger mission.

You should be someone who:

Is genuinely passionate about animal rescue and wants to make a difference in the lives of dogs Understands that caring about animals also means doing the difficult, physical, and sometimes unglamorous work they need Has professional dog handling or animal care experience Is comfortable working with fearful, reactive, strong, or behaviorally challenging dogs Has experience with dog playgroups or group play Is dependable, observant, and calm under pressure Takes pride in being part of a team and contributing wherever needed Wants to learn, grow, and become an important part of the Lucky Dog Refuge community Is looking for a meaningful, long-term role rather than seasonal or short-term work Wants to be a part of Lucky Dog's long term vision

HOURLY RATE DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE.

Pay:

$20.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: 20.0 - 30.0 per week

Work Location:

In person