So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an informative, heartfelt, and surprisingly honest guide for young readers who love animals and may be curious about a future in rescue work. Written for middle-grade readers, especially ages ten and up, this book goes far beyond the simple idea that rescuing animals is just about cuddling puppies or helping cute wildlife. It gives children a realistic look at the patience, courage, knowledge, and emotional strength required to care for animals in need.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how clearly it explains the real work behind animal rescue. Readers learn that rescuers must understand body language, move slowly around frightened animals, follow laws and safety rules, and sometimes make difficult decisions when resources are limited. The book doesn’t hide the heartbreaking parts of the job, such as compassion fatigue or the reality that not every animal can be saved. This honesty makes the book more powerful because it helps young readers understand that rescue work takes dedication as well as kindness.

The book is also filled with fascinating examples that bring the profession to life. Wildlife rehabilitators feed orphaned birds with puppets so they do not imprint on humans. Caregivers at Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust sleep beside orphaned elephants. Search-and-rescue dog handlers even stage 'practice finds' to keep their dogs encouraged during long searches. These details make the book exciting and memorable while showing that animal rescue involves science, problem-solving, teamwork, and deep compassion.

Another excellent feature is the inclusion of real-life heroes such as Jane Goodall, Betty White, Cleveland Amory, and Sterling 'TrapKing' Davis. Their stories show children that helping animals can take many forms, from hands-on rescue to advocacy, education, fundraising, and public awareness. I especially appreciated how the book explains that helping animals often helps people too, such as when a rescued dog becomes a comforting companion for a child. This broader perspective gives the book emotional depth and helps readers see animal welfare as part of a larger community.

The illustrations are another highlight. They make the book visually engaging and help young readers connect with the material. The 'Day in the Life' section is especially useful for older children because it shows what a rescue worker’s schedule might actually look like. The glossary is also a valuable addition, introducing real rescue terminology in a way that builds vocabulary and confidence.

So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an excellent resource for children who love animals, classrooms studying careers, or families who want to encourage empathy and responsibility. It’s educational, accurate, engaging, and compassionate without being overly sentimental. This book shows that animal rescue is rewarding, but also demanding, and that even young people can begin making a difference. For any child who has ever seen a hurt animal and wanted to help, this book is a wonderful place to start."

"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker by Linda Soules offers a grounded introduction to a demanding field that speaks to both curious young readers and the adults guiding them. Written for ages ten to twelve, it presents the work with honesty and enough detail to hold a family conversation.

Inside, the book covers shelter rounds, field rescues, and matching animals with caring families. An hour-by-hour workday account gave me a clearer sense of how the role actually unfolds. Catch poles, microchip scanners, and wildlife care facts are the kind of detail kids tend to pause on. It also points to simple ways kids can help now, whether by volunteering, fostering, or putting together a supply drive. The harder side of the job, including compassion fatigue and legal limits, is handled with care. Young readers drawn to animals may finish feeling this work is closer than they thought. Parents will find useful context for the harder conversations that tend to follow.

Soules writes with warmth and directness. Short sections and second-person language keep complex ideas readable for kids while leaving parents room to weigh in. The images help children picture tools, shelter routines, and wildlife care moments. As part of the So You Want To Be A... series, it works on its own and may lead a family to another title.

A steady choice for families who care about animals and want something both generations can read and discuss together. It respects the subject, the young reader, and the quieter questions that often follow."

"Linda Soules introduces children to the reality of what it is like to be an animal rescue worker in So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker. Being an animal rescue worker is about more than just liking animals; there are many different aspects involved in the job. Linda shows the day-in and day-out work of animal rescuers (caring for abandoned pets, helping injured wildlife recover, and appreciating the wild) and provides examples of real events and valuable information. She also discusses the more difficult aspects of the profession, including legal issues, and that there are times when animal rescues will not end happily. Readers learn about the positive and negative aspects of becoming an animal rescue worker through her balanced approach to the profession.

One of the best parts about So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker is its accessible writing style. Linda Soules explains things for her readers in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough and respectful manner, supported by photographs, fun facts, a glossary, and a section called “A Day in the Life.” These features help make the information more engaging and easier for younger readers to understand. By including animal advocate profiles, such as Jane Goodall, who studied chimpanzees and became a lifelong voice for wildlife conservation, this story shows how one person’s dedication can create a lasting impact in the world. Goodall’s work is a strong example of how passion for animals can grow into meaningful global change. Overall, readers will find an enjoyable and logically organized book that will be of interest to those who love animals or are interested in pursuing a career that makes a positive contribution to both animals and people."

"A surprisingly in-depth look at what it takes to be an Animal Rescue worker. If your child has expressed an interest in this field, or even just a love of animals, this is a great resource to help them learn what this job entails. Each section contains great information that is to-the-point and easy to read. The illustrations are great, too. This would be a great addition to any elementary classroom library!"

"As a first-grade teacher, I’m always looking for books that introduce students to careers they may not have considered, and So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker by Linda Soules does exactly that. This book does a wonderful job of showing young readers what it means to care for and advocate for animals in need.

What I appreciated most was how the author presents the work in a realistic yet encouraging way. Students often think working with animals is just playing with cute pets all day, but this book helps them understand the responsibility, compassion, and dedication that animal rescue workers bring to their jobs. It opens up great conversations about empathy, kindness, and helping those who cannot help themselves.

The writing is clear and engaging, making it accessible for younger readers while still providing meaningful information. My students were especially interested in learning about the different ways rescue workers help animals find safe and loving homes. The photographs and examples kept them engaged and sparked lots of thoughtful questions.

I would highly recommend this book to teachers, parents, and anyone looking to inspire children to explore careers that make a positive difference in the world. Linda Soules has created another informative and engaging resource that encourages both career exploration and compassion for animals."

"I initially downloaded this book for my students to read for an upcoming career discussion. I didn't realize how detailed and informational it would be! My students absolutely loved it and I noticed that they huddled around the i-pad in groups having in depth discussions over what they were reading. I noticed that there are other books with career topics from the same author. I will definitely be purchasing these books to have in my classroom next year!"

"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an inspiring and educational book that introduces kids to the rewarding world of animal rescue and rehabilitation. It highlights the compassion, dedication, and hard work involved in helping injured and abandoned animals while making the information easy for young readers to understand. A wonderful read for any child who loves animals and wants to make a difference in their lives."

"A subject very close to my heart. This was well handled and thoroughly executed, per Linda’s usual style. I think kids who love animals will be inspired to at least be responsible pet owners and maybe even volunteer, if not actually pursue this as a career field. Definitely recommend to 10 and up."

"I cannot say enough wonderful comments about this book. As an animal lover and advid rescuer, this book is actually beneficial for all ages. The book provides information that is not overwhelming and gives a very good idea and representation about the life of rescuing animals. I hope this book inspires many people to become involved somehow in rescuing animals but we need more out there!"

"This book gives an excellent explanation for kids wanting to be an animal rescue worker. It explains the things the worker sees, as well at giving an example of what a day looks like. It explains the downsides to the job as well. I love the artwork and pictures of the dogs and cats no matter the emotions and the artist has almost every emotion shown in the pictures. The book also describes what it takes to be a rescue worker as well as the skills needed. This is for ages range of 10 to 12 years. For any child wanting to do research the book lists some famous rescue workers as well as some interesting facts in history."

"Amazing book on how to be an animal rescuer! Not only do you need trust, you need to be calm when working with rescues. It takes time for them to trust you. This book includes facts on animal rescuing and some things you wouldn't think this profession needs. Get your detective eye out and help us rescue these sweet animals!"

"This book was amazing. This definitely gives really good information to any young child or young adult trying to figure out what they want to do in life. Really good read for any age."

"This is a great resource for someone, especially a child, interested in animal care. The author does a great job identifying the pros and cons of the job, as well as what an average day looks like. This is a series of many different careers...check them out!"

"Really great book explaining what it takes to be an animal rescue worker. I have so much respect for these workers for all they do to protect animals."

"This is a great guide/book for those teenagers and pre-teens who want to work as a vet or with animals. This book covers the good and bad of this career along with the tools of the trade. I enjoy this series because of the immense amount of information provided. The author takes the time to do in-depth research to help dispell myths so that the reader can see the truth behind the expectations of this field. Like the other books in this series the writer is able to list the attributes and competencies required for this kind of work. I recommend this book for teachers, guidance counselors and anyone who works in middle school or high school career counseling."

"This book really highlighted how fulfilling this career can be and how many animals you could help. I am so glad there are people out there who love animals this much and I hope this book inspires more people who will go into animal rescue as a career."

"Very well written! Easy to read for kids to understand but it also taught me a few things as well. I love the Things You Can Do To Prepare Right Now section. That's so helpful for kids that want to start right away! The Glossary was perfect."

"I bought this book for my niece, who is a massive animal lover, and it has completely blown us away. It is so rare to find a book that treats them with such respect, skipping the sugar-coated fairy tales and showing them what it actually takes to be a real-life hero for animals.

​What makes this book so immersive is how it immediately puts you into the emotional heart of rescue work. The cover artwork perfectly captures that incredible, quiet patience required to earn a terrified animal's trust on a busy overpass. That same level of care and detail carries through every single page.

​The book is packed with fascinating, real-world insights, including:

​True-life hero stories: From wildlife rehabbers feeding orphaned birds with puppets to caregivers sleeping beside baby elephants in Kenya.

​The real science and psychology: Teaching kids how to read a frightened animal's body language and understanding the emotional grit needed for the job.

​A 'Day in the Life' breakdown: Giving young readers a very clear, honest look at dawn-to-dusk rescue operations, complete with real rescue vocabulary.

​My niece was completely glued to it. It doesn't just make them dream about the future; it empowers them by showing what they can do right now, like volunteering at shelters or fostering. If you have a young animal lover in your life who has a big heart and a desire to make a real difference, this is the perfect gift. Highest recommendation!"

"This book is great for anyone interested in animal rescue. It tells all about what goes into being an animal rescuer, not just about being with the animals but about caring for them, seeing them, and helping them. If you have ever thought about being an animal rescuer or have a child that shows an interest in it this is the book for them. It’s simple to read and understand, it breaks down the different aspects of the job, and has cute pictures that relate to what it’s talking about. It’s a quick read so it would be a great informational book for a kid or an adult that doesn’t want to spend a lot of time reading. Even though it is a shorter book it is packed full of goodness and very informative!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It covered all aspects of being an animal rescue worker including the good and the bad. There was a ton of details that I really appreciated. I recommend it."

"My favorite so far in this series! I am a huge animal lover, particularly shelter dogs. This really paints a nice picture of what these workers do."

"This is a very detailed career book for children wanting to help rescue animals. It states the truth behind the important work of an animal rescue worker and continues to bring interest into the career."

"I just really love this series of books! So many kids think they want to be something because they don’t have a real grasp on what the job actually entails. I love that each occupation begins with an interest and then thoroughly explains what it would take and what each step to help them get there if they decide it’s truly something they want to do! Being an animal rescue worker can be a heartbreaking yet honorable and rewarding job as well!"

"This book is full of information on what it takes to be a hero for animals. How animal rescues are done. How rehabilitation works. Using puppets to feed orphaned birds. If your child loves animals and wants to help them this book is a great starting point. This book is part of a series that help children learn about careers they might be interested in."

"This book was very good! I loved how informed it was. It educates you on what rescue workers go through on a daily basis. It explains how we, as humans, can help (reduce the population of animals-spay/neuter , volunteer, and foster). Def recommend and it’s a short read!"

"Excellent book! It teaches about not only how they rescue the animals but how they house and care for them ,treat them at the vet if needed and rebuild them up to trust again for adoption. But I do see a major point in this book - spay and neuter because too many animals end up at the shelter. A good educational book for all ages."

"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is a warm, thoughtful, and honest book for kids who care deeply about animals. What I liked most is that it shows animal rescue as both beautiful and difficult. It does not make the job seem like simply playing with dogs and cats all day. Instead, it explains that rescue workers are medical first responders, behavioral detectives, advocates, matchmakers, social workers, and a source of strength when the work gets hard.

One specific part I really liked was the 'Day in the Life' section. The moment where a terrified dog who arrived three days earlier finally takes a treat from the rescue worker’s hand was simple, but very moving. I also loved how that same dog later meets her new family at 5:00 PM, and the worker quietly lays a fresh blanket in the empty kennel for whoever comes next. That little detail captures the heart of rescue work perfectly: happiness, heartbreak, and the need to keep going.

The book also does a great job explaining patience. I liked the section about 'The Rescuer’s Calm,' where it says a frightened animal reads your calm before anything else. That is such an important lesson for children and adults.

The illustrations are gentle, emotional, and inviting, especially the scenes with shelter animals, field rescues, and adoption day. This would be a wonderful book for animal-loving kids, classrooms, libraries, or anyone curious about what rescue workers really do. It is inspiring without hiding the hard parts."

"I enjoy the 'So You want to be…' series as an informative and entertaining resource about a variety of interesting careers and this one was particularly good.

The story opens with an emotionally resonant scene that immediately connects with any empathetic animal lover. From the beginning, readers get a sense of both the deep compassion and the real challenges involved in this work. Soules strikes an excellent balance of prose that is warm and evocative without sacrificing facts. Young readers come away with a clear, realistic picture of a day (and a career) in animal rescue which encompasses everything from helping healthy animals find homes to the harder realities of caring for those who are too sick to recover, witnessing suffering, and sometimes not being able to save every animal.

That honesty is one of the book’s greatest strengths. It doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional weight of the job, which makes the portrayal feel respectful and authentic. At the same time, the hopeful tone and focus on the rewarding aspects ensure the book remains encouraging rather than discouraging for its target audience.

The soft colored illustrations complement the text beautifully. They’re gentle, visually engaging, and maintain a consistent tone that keeps the pages inviting. I’m not certain whether the art is ai generated but It is similar in style to ai illustrations I’ve seen in the past. That may be a turn off for some readers or caregivers, but the illustrations are tasteful, purposeful, and well-integrated with the story. They should help hold visual interest, especially for younger readers.

One minor drawback is length. At its full span, the book feels long for the average 10 year old’s attention span unless they are already deeply interested in animals or this particular career path. For those kids, however, it will be a gem. The book would make an excellent addition to elementary and middle school libraries, where curious students can discover it at their own pace."

"I was very impressed with this book, well written and accurate as a person who has been in animal rescue. I loved how it highlighted all the positives, but even more important it mentioned compassion fatigue. This book didn't just describe the positives of rescue work, it also talked about the hard parts. Following rules, being limited by laws, since animals are considered property. I think it gave a well rounded and accurate look for kids interested in the industry."

"This book gives a very honest description of what it takes to be an animal rescue worker. I loved how honest the author was about the emotional resilience and patience the job takes. The author talked about some of the systemic issues that people in this career field face such as the law or a lack of resources. For an individual who wants to become an animal rescue worker this is a must read! The illustrations are beautifully done as well."

"This is a fantastic book for parents, teens and kids. I think it’s great for a parent who has a child that is showing interest in this area to read and learn exactly all what is involved in this profession. Then they can explain to their younger kids.

I myself have rescued many cats in my life and I know how important this profession is. It really takes a very special person to be able to do this kind of work day in and day out…. There are many ups and downs you go through as a part of the profession but the rewards of helping animals survive, trust again and find a new life and a new home outweigh the downside.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t interested in going into this profession; if you are an animal lover, it contains a lot of interesting information and is beautifully illustrated!!"

"I enjoyed this book and found it to be engaging. The illustrations and content were well done and easy to follow. I especially liked learning about the different ways you can work with animals. This would be a great choice for kids who want to learn more about what they want to do when they’re older."

"I found this book very helpful. It taught me skills to help in catching scared animals and ways to not be discouraged when I feel I can't help enough."

"More than a career book, this is a heartfelt reminder that small acts of kindness can change lives. The fascinating rescue stories, engaging facts, and realistic approach make it easy for young animal lovers to understand both the challenges and the rewards of helping animals. An educational and uplifting book that's hard to put down."

"I bought this book for my teenager who wants to volunteer at a shelter, and I ended up reading the whole thing myself. So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker by Linda Soules is exactly what the animal welfare world needs. Many kids' books make rescue look like just cuddling puppies and bottle-feeding kittens. This book changes that narrative in the best way possible. It gives a totally honest, realistic look at the job without being too scary for younger readers.

The 'Day in the Life' section is fantastic. It details the sheer amount of hard work rescuers do, from scrubbing messy kennels to keeping medical charts. It teaches readers to read animal body language, explaining that a dog frozen in the back of a cage isn't just "tired," but deeply terrified. It emphasizes how much patience it takes to earn an animal's trust.

The book also goes way beyond standard cat and dog shelters. It dives into wildlife rehab—the parts about feeding baby birds with puppets so they don't bond with humans was fascinating! It even highlights global rescue efforts, like elephant caretakers in Kenya.

What I appreciate most is that the author doesn't talk down to kids. She tackles tough concepts like 'triage'—making hard choices when you don't have enough space or money to save every animal. She also covers the frustrating legal realities of animals being treated as property under the law.

To keep things inspiring, the book includes short biographies of real-life rescue heroes. These range from Jane Goodall to Sterling 'TrapKing' Davis, showing kids that there are many different ways to use their unique talents to help animals.

If you have a child, niece, nephew, or student who loves animals and is serious about protecting them, get them this book. It is the perfect mix of heart, science, and practical advice on how they can start volunteering and making a difference right now. Highly recommended!"

"Linda Soules shows what saving animals is really like. Many people think the job is just playing with puppies and kittens, but this book proves it actually takes a lot of skill, bravery, and patience."

"Such a cute and inspiring book for children to read! My nieces loved it and were inspired to help rescues!"

"Great series, love the walk through + still easy enough for kids to digest. Great amount of illustrations to balance out a ton of good info!"

"This book is a must read for both children and adults. Too many animal in this world are abandoned and neglected but this book shines a light on the people who dedicate their careers and lives to saving those animals and quite possibly saving their lives as well. I love how this little book gives factual information about how these animal are found as well as the information on what a person can do to help even if they don't have an official job title as an animal rescue worker. Official job or not, we can still make a difference saving these animals. Of course having that awesome job title is an added bonus and it is an honor for anyone to be able to hold. Kudos to this author and I can't wait to read about the other careers they have written about."

"My daughter has wanted to own a cat rescue for as long as I can remember. This bo9ks helped her realize that it is something she could really do someday. We both loved the day in life section, as well as the look at famous animal rescue workers. This was a wonderful addition to the series."

"Loved this book! Even as an adult, I enjoyed reading this book. The information was clear and concise and the pictures helped decipher what the words were saying. Loved the subject also, as I am an animal lover! Great book for adults and kids, especially those who love animals!"

"I have always wanted to work in animal control or animal rescue. This book breaks down all the aspects of the job into easy to understand explanations. It also includes some touching illustrations. Great for a kid who loves animals but doesn't know the full picture of animal rescue."

"Compelling and compassionate, this book is a beautifully written glance into the career of an animal rescuer.

It explains aspects of the job such as physical tools animal rescuers use and personal qualities necessary to work as an animal rescuer, the daily routine, and the types of people rescuers work with. It also goes into the realities of pitfalls of the job, and highlights meaningful and rewarding moments both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It tugs at the heart strings of any animal lover.

Accompanied with gorgeous illustrations, this book is packed with knowledge and is a valuable resource for anyone, child and adult alike, interested in pursuing this career path. I cannot recommend this book enough."

"This series does an amazing job explaining different jobs so that children can understand the importance of the work, but also the struggles. I love the honesty in these books.

My oldest daughter has been learned a lot about animals and all the different ways to help animals. She has learned about veterinarians, zoo keepers, and advocates so far, so I can't wait to offer her another career to learn about that revolves around helping animals."

"A beautifully written book about the role animal rescuers play in saving the lives of vulnerable, injured or abused animals. It highlights both the positive and not so positive aspects of the jobs as well as the effects it can have on mental health. People of all ages could benefit from learning about this."

"So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker does an excellent job detailing the many facets of working as an animal rescuer. It describes the joys of saving an animal who has been abandoned or abused, and helping find forever homes for animals living in the shelter. It does not shy away from the hardships of the job. The author describes dealing with legal issues, lack of funding, and animals that cannot be saved. The descriptions and vocabulary are appropriate for this age group. The book includes a glossary, index, and websites to find out more. I wish it went into more detail about the training and education involved in pursuing this career. Overall, this is a great choice for children interested in working with animals."

"I read this book aloud with my 9 year old daughter and, she was so intrigued. She absolutely adores animals and, spoke of wanting to be an animal vet since she was younger so, this book was a great read for her. I enjoyed the book as well because it highlighted the many hats an Animal Rescue worker wears that I wasn't aware of before now. It's so heart warming and enlightening to see how much care and love is put into the work of rescuing animals and, it inspires one to want to do the same.

I like how the book mentions the reality of not being able to save all of the animals all the time so, they save the ones they can and, all of the legalities behind everything. It gives the reader an even deeper understanding of what goes into the job. I think children and adults of all ages would love this story and can really enjoy it. I recommend for anyone considering being a rescue worker or vet, or even who just wants to be educated on the life and work of."

"Down to earth review on animal management. Well written and easy to understand. All parts of this position are covered with thorough review. The animation throughout the book is beautifully displayed."

"We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together, and found the illustrations to be very well done and lifelike. We loved the day in the life, and found the fact on the baby elephant rather emotional. The amount of text was perfect, and the vocabulary used was perfect for children."

"This is a very informative book for young readers to get an insight into what it would be like to work as an animal rescue worker. It doesn't just talk about the positive parts about the role, but highlights the negatives that should be taken into consideration.

The extra reading list at the end is a great addition for the readers that are serious about this career path and gives them somewhere to continue to research about following through with this role.

My expectations have been far exceeded by this book and as this is the first book of the series I have read, I will definitely be looking for the other books in the series for my own children to read. I will also be recommending this series to my friends with children."

"I love this book series. It is very informative and super cute. I read them to my 12 year old and my 4 year old. I feel like we all learn something. I highly recommend these adorable books!"

"A must have book for every shelter, rescue, adoption center, etc… This book is the plain and simple version of the field. A great read and explanation in the simplest of terms. Being involved in rescue for over 20 years sometimes it’s hard to explain WHY it’s not what you do, it’s WHO you are."

"I love these books. They always have great and colorful pictures that depict exactly the job that they are writing about. The wording is easy for anyone to read whether an 8-year-old or an adult. I enjoyed it at the end they put some of the famous people who helped rescue animals and they also reminded the reader the things that are important if you want to be an animal rescue worker. Always a good series, this was a very good book."

"I was pleasantly surprised by how detailed and insightful this book was. Being an animal rescue worker is not an easy job. There are wonderful days where you earn the trust of a frightened dog or get to see one of the kennel residents go home with their forever family. This is the part I expected to read about. But, also included are the really bad days. The author doesn't shy away from compassion fatigue and other events that wear rescue workers out. It points out the traits of someone who would make a good rescue worker and lists other books for the reader to pour over if they want more information. I would highly recommend it as an early book for youth adults to read if they are considering this as a career."

"This book does a very good job of explaining the occupation. It certainly gives the reader an idea of the highs and lows of the job without the rose coloured glasses. Great for any young person curious about the role and wanting to know more."

"I loved the style of this book. I had never heard of this book series previously, however I am very curious to check out some other books.

The book is a fun and educational way of approaching the topic of Animal Rescue Workers. The book not only touched on what an animal rescue worker does, but it talked about challenges workers may face, such as compassion fatigue or lacking in monetary support. It also talked about the overwhelming amount of animals requiring support and some initiatives that are being used to help reduce the number of shelter animals, such as spay and neuter programs. The book talked about the rewarding aspects of the job and ways that people of all ages including children could be involved and supporting rescued animals. This book feels like it was be an appropriate level for my own children as the text was easy to read, well organized, and the photos helped to bring it all together."

"This is one of many in a fantastic series focused on helping kids learn about different jobs. It explains the unseen aspects of being an animal rescue worker in an engaging and age appropriate way without staying away from the less exciting parts of the job. I think this series would be a great addition to any classroom, homeschool library or other learning environment."