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Animal Rescue Shelter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Humanepro

Chief Medical Officer

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... Animal Rescue League of Berks County's shelter animals and community patients. The CMO will oversee and direct the veterinary team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate, efficient ...

Humanepro

$150 - $200/hr

... Animal Rescue League of Berks County's shelter animals and community patients. The CMO will oversee and direct the veterinary team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate, efficient ...

gpac

Shelter Veterinarian

Hazel Park, MI · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Shelter Veterinarian 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 ...

gpac

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 ...

gpac

Shelter Veterinarian

Roseville, MI · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

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

gpac

Shelter Veterinarian

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

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

gpac

Shelter Veterinarian

Warren, 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 ...

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How much do animal rescue shelter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 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.

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.

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.

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. Physical stamina and good communication skills are also important for most roles.

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; common roles include animal care technician, volunteer coordinator, and shelter manager. Animal care technicians typically handle feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring, requiring knowledge of animal behavior and sometimes certifications in animal handling. Management roles involve overseeing operations and staff, often requiring experience in administration and animal welfare.
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Cities with the most Animal Rescue Shelter job openings:

What states have the most Animal Rescue Shelter jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Shelter jobs look for?

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Animal Rescue Shelter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Shelter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 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.

Veterinary Technician

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

762nd of 786 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Veterinary Technician staff at Humane Animal Rescue have a wide variety of responsibilities to ensure the medical care of both the animals in the shelter, and the owned animals seen through our Wellness Clinic. Every Vet Tech is required to rotate through all the areas of the shelter, including, but not limited to, surgery, kennel, isolation, clinic and reception.
Schedule:
Variable work schedule including evenings and weekends. Option to work four ten hour schedules.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
General:
  • Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue throughout all responsibilities of the position.
  • Understand and support the Open-Door Philosophy of Humane Animal Rescue.
  • Maintains positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, clients, and stakeholders.
  • Have open availability with ability to work evenings and weekends as scheduled.
  • Ability to work some holidays as scheduled.
  • Ability to learn multiple record keeping software programs.
  • Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
  • Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients and adopters
  • Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment.
  • Ability to recognize signs of illness or injury; ability to determine/triage priority of veterinary care
  • Ability to perform euthanasia on medically and behaviorally compromised animals
  • Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
  • Can handle client's medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
  • Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
  • Understands usage, dosage, and common side effects for commonly used prescription drugs.
  • Ability to properly log the usage and correctly handle controlled substances.
  • Can maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies.
  • Ability to frequently check work-provided email.

Kennel:
  • Triage all incoming kennel animals, which includes a full physical exam, administer vaccinations and preventions, and run necessary diagnostics according to pre-established guidelines, without direct veterinarian supervision.
  • Perform humane euthanasia for shelter and public pets without direct veterinarian supervision.
  • Ability to recognize signs of injury or disease in a wide array of species.
  • Provide medications to animals currently in the kennel.
  • Fill prescriptions for animals being adopted.
  • Communicate common medical issues with potential adopters.
  • Can explain necessary follow up and homecare instructions.
  • Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
  • Read and understand medical records from other facilities and use that information to determine next steps in proper care of the animal.
  • Can effectively position for and take radiographs.

Surgery:
  • Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids.
  • Can properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
  • Properly wrap and sterilize surgical packs, and properly identify the surgical instruments.
  • Develop a daily flow of animals receiving surgery in order to maximize the amount of surgeries done that day.
  • Input surgical notes into the proper computer system.

Clinic Tech and Clinic Desk:
  • Can effectively communicate with clients over the telephone regarding our Veterinary Medical Center. Must have the ability to answer general questions in a timely fashion, schedule appointments, make reminder calls and check out clients after their appointment is complete.
  • Room clients and get a history on the pet.
  • Educate clients on a wide array of pet ownership responsibilities.
  • Assist the veterinarian with the exam and vaccination of the animal.
  • Perform diagnostics as requested by the veterinarian.

Isolation:
  • Complete all husbandry of animals housed in isolation.
  • Following the URI and Kennel Cough Protocols, start animals on proper medication and ensure they receive that medication daily.
  • Monitor and record symptoms of isolated animals.
  • Provide enrichment for animal in isolation.
  • Keep the isolation area cleaned and stocked with supplies.

Other:
  • Assist the veterinarian with vet checks on shelter animals, which includes entering the records into computer software.
  • Discharge surgery patients and answer adopter's and client's questions.
  • Participate in department-wide and shelter-wide training seminars.
  • Provide coverage for staff call-offs and vacations.
  • Train new staff and/or students in an externship.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:
Incumbent may be exposed to hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. Individual will be required to lift, push, pull, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to stand for 6 or more hours. Must be able to read, see, hear, and speak. Incumbent will be required to use a computer with keyboard, telephone, or handheld mobile device for extended periods of time, and office machinery as needed. This description is representative of the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel:
This position will require working out of HARP's North Shore and/or East End locations.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) desirable but not required.
  • Two (2) year Veterinary Technician degree or equivalent/relevant experience
  • Experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of team members.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 50 lbs.); walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

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