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Animal Friends Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends, Inc.

Relief Veterinarian

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$80/hr

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to ...

Animal Friends of the Valleys

Operator

Wildomar, CA

$18/hr

Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV) is the leading animal shelter for the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and small parts of Riverside County. We are a ...

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How much do animal friends jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal friends 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 are Animal Friends?

Animal Friends typically refers to organizations, charities, or groups dedicated to the welfare and protection of animals. These groups often focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership and advocating for animal rights. Staff and volunteers at Animal Friends may work directly with animals, organize adoption events, provide veterinary care, or educate the public about animal welfare issues. Their goal is to ensure animals are treated humanely and find loving homes.

What is the difference between Animal Friends vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal FriendsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries by employer, often no formal certification requiredTypically requires a certification or degree in animal science or veterinary technology
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, pet adoption eventsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet adoption agenciesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Friends vs Animal Care Technician

Animal Friends generally refers to organizations or individuals involved in animal rescue and welfare, often with minimal formal credentials. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians are trained professionals working in veterinary settings, requiring certifications or degrees. While both roles focus on animal well-being, Animal Friends typically operate in rescue and adoption contexts, whereas Animal Care Technicians work in medical environments providing hands-on care and treatment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need knowledge of animal behavior, handling and care, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certifications in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding schedules, and basic veterinary tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help you connect with animals and notice health or behavioral changes early. These skills are critical for ensuring the well-being of animals and maintaining a safe, healthy environment.

What are common challenges faced by Animal Friends team members when working with diverse animal species?

Team members at Animal Friends often work with a variety of animal species, each with unique needs and behaviors. A key challenge is adapting care routines and communication styles to ensure the well-being of every animal, from dogs and cats to more exotic pets. Staff must also collaborate closely to monitor animal health, manage stress, and address behavioral issues, which requires strong teamwork and continuous learning. Overcoming these challenges is rewarding, as it leads to improved welfare for the animals and a supportive, knowledgeable work environment.
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Animal Friends jobs near you
Relief Veterinarian

Relief Veterinarian

Animal Friends, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$80/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Status: As-Needed Part Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site - Animal Wellness Center
Schedule: As-Needed
Starting Pay Range: $80
Who We Are
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year.
Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do.
At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Position Summary
The Relief Veterinarian supports Animal Friends' mission by providing high-quality, flexible veterinary care coverage for our clinic and community programs. This role helps ensure continuity of care for pets by assisting with wellness services, high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccination clinics.
Working alongside a skilled and supportive veterinary team, the Relief Veterinarian plays an important role in delivering compassionate, efficient care in a judgment-free environment-helping expand access to critical services for animals and the people who love them.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Examine, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for canine and feline patients during assigned shifts
  • Perform surgical procedures as needed, including spay/neuter and other soft tissue surgeries
  • Provide wellness and sick care services, including administering vaccinations
  • Perform humane euthanasia services when necessary
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including controlled substance requirements
  • Maintain accurate and complete medical records
  • Educate clients on preventative care, diagnoses, and treatment plans
  • Collaborate with veterinary team members to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality care

Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide coverage for scheduled clinic days, HQHVSN clinics, and vaccination events
  • Support community outreach initiatives as available and interested
  • Communicate effectively with staff, clients, and volunteers to maintain a positive clinic environment

Other Duties
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs

What We Offer
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Opportunity to work with an experienced, supportive veterinary team
  • Meaningful, mission-driven work that expands access to veterinary care
  • Continuing education opportunities (as applicable for relief roles)
  • Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)
  • Experience: Demonstrated ability to perform routine wellness exams and surgical procedures
  • Certifications/Licensures:
    • Current Pennsylvania veterinary license in good standing
    • DEA license required
  • Skills and Abilities:
    • Strong clinical judgment and surgical skills
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members
    • Adaptability and flexibility in a relief-based role
    • Compassionate, solution-oriented approach to animal welfare and client care
  • Availability: Ability to accept flexible, as-needed shifts including occasional events
  • Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals in various conditions and temperaments

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) settings
  • Previous relief or contract veterinary experience
  • Experience in nonprofit, access-to-care, or community-based veterinary services
  • Ability to efficiently manage caseloads in a fast-paced clinic environment

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands
This position:
  • Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Involves exposure to animals, noise, cleaning agents, and indoor/outdoor environments
  • May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal illness, injury, or euthanasia
  • Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.

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