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Animal Rescue Shelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Shelter Coordinator

Yreka, CA · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

... Division; to greet animal shelter visitors and answer the telephone, return calls, provide ... Maintain a working relationship with established rescue groups to effectively utilize space and ...

New

Shelter Veterinarian

Roseville, MI · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

I am seeking a Shelter Veterinarian for a non-profit practice that provides veterinary services to the general public, animal shelter agencies, animal rescue organizations and municipalities . It is ...

Shelter Veterinarian

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

I am seeking a Shelter Veterinarian for a non-profit practice that provides veterinary services to the general public, animal shelter agencies, animal rescue organizations and municipalities . It is ...

$20 - $25/hr

... Rescue Specialist Certified Behavior Specialist Shelter Operations Lead Licensed Boat Operator Transportation Assistant- Animal Care Veterinary Assistant Certified Veterinary Technician ...

$75 - $85/hr

Home Fur Good is a shelter-based animal rescue and placement group located near 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard. We've been working in the community for over 16 years and have rescued and found homes ...

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Animal Rescue Shelter information

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How much do animal rescue shelter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal rescue shelter in the United States is $55,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal rescue shelter?

An animal rescue shelter is a facility dedicated to taking in, caring for, and rehoming animals that are lost, abandoned, abused, or surrendered by their owners. These shelters provide food, medical attention, and a safe environment while working to find permanent, loving homes for the animals. Many shelters also promote animal welfare through education, community outreach, and spay/neuter programs. Staff and volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day care and socialization of the animals.

What do I need to work at an animal rescue shelter?

To work at an animal rescue shelter, you typically need a genuine interest in animal welfare, basic knowledge of animal care, and the ability to handle animals safely. Some positions may require prior experience, certifications such as pet first aid, or a high school diploma, and physical stamina for tasks like cleaning and lifting. Volunteering experience can also be beneficial for employment opportunities.

What is the best job to have at an animal rescue shelter?

The best job at an animal rescue shelter depends on individual skills and interests; roles such as animal care technician, veterinarian, or shelter manager are essential for effective operation. Animal care technicians typically handle daily feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring, requiring compassion and basic animal handling skills. Management positions involve overseeing shelter operations, staff, and fundraising efforts, often requiring experience in administration and animal welfare.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Shelter vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Rescue ShelterAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications varyHigh school diploma; certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentRescue facilities, shelters, outdoor and indoor settingsVeterinary clinics, shelters, animal hospitals
Employer & IndustryAnimal shelters, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue Shelters focus on rescuing and rehoming animals, often working outdoors and in shelters. Animal Care Technicians provide daily care in veterinary or shelter settings, focusing on health and treatment. While both roles involve caring for animals, their work environments and responsibilities differ, making this comparison helpful for those exploring careers in animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal rescue shelter worker?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Shelter Worker, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling, and basic medical knowledge, often supported by experience or certification in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, vaccination protocols, and safe handling equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills distinguish individuals in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring animal well-being, supporting adoptions, and maintaining a safe, effective shelter environment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at an animal rescue shelter, and how can they be managed?

Working at an animal rescue shelter can be emotionally demanding, as staff frequently care for animals that have experienced neglect or trauma. Common challenges include managing high volumes of animals, handling emotionally charged situations with pet owners or adopters, and preventing compassion fatigue. To manage these challenges, shelters often provide training in animal handling, encourage teamwork and open communication, and offer support resources such as counseling or wellness programs. Building strong relationships within the team and maintaining a positive, mission-driven outlook can also help staff navigate the emotional aspects of the role.

How hard is it to work at an animal rescue shelter?

Working at an animal rescue shelter can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging due to the need to handle distressed or injured animals and manage busy schedules. It often requires strong communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sometimes including weekends and holidays.
More about Animal Rescue Shelter jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue Shelter jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue Shelter job openings:
What states have the most Animal Rescue Shelter jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue Shelter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Shelter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Shelter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Shelter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,973 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Animal Shelter Coordinator

County of Siskiyou

Yreka, CA • On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry. For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website. DEFINITION Under general supervision, to perform a variety of Shelter, general support, telephone, office, computer and domestic animal care for the County Animal Control Division; to greet animal shelter visitors and answer the telephone, return calls, provide information, adopt animals to new owners, research to identify owners of lost animals, and refer visitors/callers to others; dispatch calls to officers in the field via phone and radio; work in mandated low-cost rabies clinics; operate and use computers and office equipment; clean kennels/pens, feed, water and give care to domestic animals, provide vaccinations, medical care and maintain shelter cleanliness; assist in euthanasia; and do related animal control work as required and instructed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single position classification for providing general daily management in the County Animal Control and Care Shelter and assistance in the daily duties of the Animal Control Department and Animal Control Officers. The incumbent has responsibility for performing a variety of domestic (including livestock) animal care functions, shelter, office and general support work. Incumbent oversees humane animal custodial and remedial care, admissions, and adoptions; ensure the safety, sanitation, and upkeep of the facility; prepares operational reports and educates the public about responsible pet ownership and County animal regulations and laws.

This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position. REPORTS TO Chief Animal Control Officer and Agricultural Commissioner CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory class. Examples of Duties Essential functions: Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, assess the nature and severity of situations, and determine the appropriate level of officer response.

Provide vital instructions to callers before help arrives and maintain detailed documentation. Transmit details to officers in the field. Track the real-time location and status of units to ensure rapid back-up and coordinate responses with other agencies.

Identifies animals for possible euthanasia and reports those findings to the Chief Animal Control Officer. May be asked to assist qualified personnel with restraining, medicating, and vaccinating animals, or administering euthanasia. Ensure that files, records and statistics are properly maintained including animal intake, disposition, adoption, medical care and procedures of shelter animals.

Maintain a working relationship with established rescue groups to effectively utilize space and systematically respond to seasonal influxes of animals. Support the pet spay/neuter and adoption program to ensure interested and acceptable individuals are quickly united with adoptable pets. Perform daily inspection of shelter facilities to monitor the general health of shelter animals and ensure proper medical care is rendered in a timely, humane, safe and efficient manner.

Recognize sickness and disease (including infectious disease) in shelter animals, take steps to reduce continued exposure to other shelter animals and to humans entering and working in the shelter. Administers vaccines, medications and preventative care to Shelter animals. Perform in-house testing and medical treatments under veterinary guidance.

Regularly inspect shelter property for needed repairs and maintenance and report findings to Chief Animal Control Officer if repairs are needed to maintain buildings and grounds. Prepare reports on operational statistics and shelter activities. Interpret and convey ordinances, state statutes, regulations and County policies to the general public.

Help ensure that appropriate fees are collected from pet owners. Monitor shelter supplies. Maintain a comprehensive public relations program to ensure all web and printed information reflects a consistent message.

Meet and greet the public and answer questions regarding animal shelter operations and policies. Assist ACOs in the field as needed. Maintain a flexible work schedule, including weekends, holidays, and extended hours, to insure continuous animal shelter operations, provide dispatch coverage, and respond to emergencies or other operational demands.

Knowledge of: All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential function of the job. Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques. Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances relating to proper treatment of sheltering animals.

Principals and techniques for properly handling and caring for injured animals. Principals and techniques for properly handling fractious animals. Principals and techniques for properly handling/caring for infectious animals Hazards and safety precautions involved in operating an animal shelter.

Customer service skills and techniques. Desired skills: Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.

Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior and safely handle sick, injured, frightened, dangerous, or unpredictable animals. Handle needles, administer injections, assist with medical treatment, and perform duties involving exposure to injuries and animal waste. Work effectively in environments containing fumes, disinfectants, airborne particles, loud noise, and in all types of weather conditions.

Stand for extended periods of time and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl while inspecting shelter enclosures and performing shelter operations. Manage the mental and emotional stress associated with injured animals, animal euthanasia, and other difficult situations. Work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as required.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Assist in planning and coordinating County and volunteer events for the Animal Shelter.

Implement and maintain programs that promote the adoption of shelter animals. Exercise good judgment, self-restraint, and professionalism in stressful situations. Define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw sound conclusions.

Manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously while meeting established deadlines. Use persuasion and diplomacy to build consensus and cooperation, particularly on difficult or sensitive issues. Exercise initiative, ingenuity, and sound judgment in decision-making and problem-solving.

Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive, personnel, medical, investigative, and shelter-related information. Remain flexible and adapt to changing priorities, assignments, interruptions, and deadlines. Foster positive, collaborative, and professional working relationships with staff, volunteers, the public, and outside agencies by leading through example.

Typical Qualifications Typical Qualifications: Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: -Prior experience with domestic animals and livestock is highly desirable. Special Requirements: -Possession of a valid driver's license.

-High School Diploma or equivalent Supplemental Information TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, communications radio equipment, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in an office environment of an animal shelter; continuous contact with animals, other staff, and the public. Working conditions are subject to animal noises and shelter odors.

Work schedule may be flexible, including weekends, holiday, and extended hours, to ensure continuous animal shelter operations, provide dispatch coverage, and respond to emergencies or other operational demands.