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Animal Disaster Response Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASPCA

$20 - $25/hr

Overview The ASPCA National Field & Disaster Response (NFDR) Team deploys nationwide to remove ... We welcome responders with diverse skillsets including medical care, animal sheltering ...

ASPCA

$20 - $25/hr

... Disaster Response (NFDR) Team deploys nationwide to remove animals from crisis situations created by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, floods, and wildfires, or by animal abuse like animal ...

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How much do animal disaster response jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal disaster response in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of environments and situations do Animal Disaster Response professionals typically work in?

Animal Disaster Response professionals often work in fast-paced, unpredictable environments affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Assignments can range from field rescue operations and temporary animal shelters to working alongside emergency management teams in coordination centers. Teamwork is a central part of the job, frequently collaborating with veterinarians, local authorities, and other first responders. Candidates should be prepared for challenging conditions and variable schedules, but also for deeply rewarding experiences saving animals and supporting communities in crisis.

What is an Animal Disaster Response job?

An Animal Disaster Response job involves rescuing, caring for, and sheltering animals affected by natural or man-made disasters. Professionals in this field work with emergency responders, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of pets, livestock, and wildlife during crises. Responsibilities may include search and rescue, emergency medical treatment, temporary shelter setup, and reunification of lost animals with their owners. This role requires training in disaster preparedness, animal handling, and crisis management to provide effective support in emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Disaster Response position, and why are they important?

To excel in Animal Disaster Response, you need expertise in animal handling, emergency response protocols, and a background in animal science or veterinary care. Certifications such as FEMA Incident Command System (ICS), animal first aid, and familiarity with GPS and communication equipment are highly valuable. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience are crucial soft skills in high-stress environments. These competencies ensure effective coordination, safety, and compassionate care for animals and people during disaster situations.

More about Animal Disaster Response jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Disaster Response jobs? Cities with the most Animal Disaster Response job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Disaster Response jobs? The most popular types of Animal Disaster Response jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Disaster Response jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Disaster Response jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Disaster Response jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Disaster Response jobs are:
Animal Disaster Response jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Disaster Response job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Remote

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
The ASPCA National Field & Disaster Response (NFDR) Team deploys nationwide to remove animals from crisis situations created by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, floods, and wildfires, or by animal abuse like animal fighting, puppy mills, hoarding, or neglect.
We welcome responders with diverse skillsets including medical care, animal sheltering, transportation, logistics, technical rescue and more.
The role of the Professional Responder - Animal Care & Handling is to help animals in our care by providing a humane, safe, and clean experience that helps reduce stress. This role observes, supports, and reports any behavioral or medical concerns to the proper point of contact.
About this Opportunity:
  • This is a contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.
  • The target hiring range for this role is $20-$25 per hour and may be modified in the future.
  • This role is part of an on-demand responder pool with unpredictable needs. Due to the high application volume and varying needs, application reviews will be conducted periodically when the NFDR team identifies a specific need. There may be a significant delay, or no follow-up, after applying.

Where and When You'll Work
Support is requested wherever and whenever the need arises. By joining our team as a Responder, you may have the opportunity to assist in field response, disaster response, or other emergent needs. Expectations are as follows:
  • Commitment of 7 or more days of travel (2 travel days and 5 working days) per deployment
  • This is a variable hour opportunity. NFDR cases can last weeks or months, and the NFDR team may call upon you to activate when your availability and credentials match our need.
  • The ability to deploy a minimum of 4 times per year.
  • Ability to activate quickly, often with only a few days to one week notice.
  • Animal Care and Handlers may often take rotations at our Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, OH.

What You'll Do
Animal Care and Handlers report directly to the Senior Manager, National Responder Strategy and have no direct reports.
Roles can include, but are not limited to:
  • Large, Small, Exotic, or Avian Animal Handling Specialist
  • Forensic and Medical Exam Handler
  • Forensic and Medical Exam Scribe
  • Flood and Swiftwater Rescue Specialist
  • Wildland Fire Rescue Specialist
  • Certified Behavior Specialist
  • Shelter Operations Lead
  • Licensed Boat Operator
  • Transportation Assistant- Animal Care
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Certified Veterinary Technician

Responsibilities
Responsibilities are listed in general order of importance. They include but are not limited to:
  • Provides safe and humane capture and containment of stray, abandoned, unattended, diseased, or injured animals.
  • Ensures safety precautions for the public and animals when working in potentially dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals.
  • Observes animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness and discontent in the shelter, field, or on transport.
  • Performs necessary cleaning and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in job assignments.
  • Understands and comply with relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) pertaining to animal handling, care, and transport whether in a field or shelter setting.
  • Maintains a safe, clean environment for team members to work and for animals to reside.
  • Other duties as assigned by the current Field or Shelter Lead.
  • Must follow all Responder Expectations, Policies and Code of Conduct.
  • Duties may be performed in a kennel environment with regular exposure to high noise levels, chemical cleaning agents, animal dander and wet floors.
  • Duties may involve exposure to the elements which include but not limited to: working in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) for long periods of time, exposure to potentially fractious animals (including the risk of animal bites and scratches) and exposure to zoonotic diseases (which can be transferred from animals to people).

Qualifications:
  • At least 1 year of animal handling experience with the ASPCA or another animal welfare organization is desired.
  • Utilizes a holistic approach to problem solving.
  • Ability to communicate calmly, clearly and effectively in high stress environments.
  • Ability to organize and guide individuals.
  • Flexibility to adjust to new conditions and challenges.
  • Has practical, relevant experience in small and/or large animal handling.
  • Can assess basic small and/or large animal behavior.
  • Ensures appropriate daily care is being provided.
  • Capable of safe and humane handling of fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals.
  • Experience utilizing specialized animal rescue equipment preferred.
  • Ability to bend, crouch, crawl, and kneel.
  • Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to understand and follow protocols on wearing and maintaining proper PPE.
  • Demonstrates care and concern for the well-being of animals.

Language:
  • English (Required)

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