ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pixel Fund

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

Company Description The Pixel Fund, a division of Pixel's Posse, operates with an all volunteer ... animal rescue, public relations or marketing. We'd love a student who can bring new and fresh ideas ...

The Pixel Fund

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

Company Description The Pixel Fund, a division of Pixel's Posse, operates with an all volunteer ... animal rescue, public relations or marketing. We'd love a student who can bring new and fresh ideas ...

Happy Life Animal Rescue

Be Seen First

Animal Care Technician

Pawling, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Happy Life is committed to helping rescue dogs and cats not just from the local area but also ... Work collaborative and in a positive manner with all volunteers and staff * Walk dogs as needed and ...

Happy Life Animal Rescue

Be Seen First

Animal Care Technician

Pawling, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Happy Life is committed to helping rescue dogs and cats not just from the local area but also ... Work collaborative and in a positive manner with all volunteers and staff * Walk dogs as needed and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue Volunteer Jobs

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I volunteer with animals without experience?

Animal rescue volunteer roles often do not require prior experience, as training and supervision are typically provided. Volunteers may need to learn basic animal handling skills and follow safety protocols, making it accessible for beginners interested in helping animals.

What are animal rescue volunteers?

Animal rescue volunteers are individuals who dedicate their time and effort to help save, care for, and rehabilitate animals in need. They often work with shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife rehabilitation centers to assist with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, transporting them, and sometimes assisting with adoption events. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and supporting the organizations’ missions. Their efforts help give animals a second chance at finding loving, permanent homes.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue Volunteer vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal Rescue VolunteerAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; some experience or training preferredHigh school diploma; training provided on-site
Work EnvironmentOutdoor rescue sites, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, daily care
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, rescue organizationsAnimal shelters, humane societies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue Volunteers primarily assist in outdoor rescue efforts and emergency situations, often with minimal formal credentials. Animal Shelter Workers typically work within shelter facilities, providing daily care and support, often with basic training. Both roles are vital in animal welfare but differ mainly in work environment and scope of responsibilities.

Can you volunteer at PetSmart?

Animal rescue volunteers typically do not work directly at PetSmart stores, but some PetSmart locations partner with local rescue organizations to host adoption events and support volunteer efforts. To volunteer at PetSmart, you should contact the store or the partnering rescue organization to learn about available opportunities and requirements, which may include training or background checks.

Can I earn money by volunteering?

Animal rescue volunteers typically do not earn money for their work, as volunteering is unpaid. However, some organizations may offer stipends, stipends, or cover expenses like food and transportation. Paid positions in animal rescue, such as staff or foster coordinators, are separate from volunteer roles and provide compensation.

What skills do you need to volunteer at an animal shelter?

Animal rescue volunteers need basic animal care skills, such as handling and feeding animals, as well as patience, compassion, and good communication. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a team are also important, and some shelters may require training or certifications in animal first aid or behavior management.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue volunteers, and how can they be managed?

Animal rescue volunteers often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for injured or neglected animals and witnessing difficult cases of abuse or abandonment. Managing these challenges involves practicing self-care, seeking support from fellow volunteers or supervisors, and focusing on the positive impact of your efforts. Team collaboration and regular training can also help volunteers handle stressful scenarios more effectively and ensure the well-being of both the animals and themselves.

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

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Volunteer, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, though formal qualifications are often not required. Familiarity with animal shelter management systems, intake protocols, and sometimes animal first aid training can be helpful. Strong communication, teamwork, and emotional resilience are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, effective collaboration with staff, and providing compassionate care during often stressful situations.
More about Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs are:
Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Animal Rescue Medical Coordinator

HART 2 HEART ANIMAL RESCUE

Warminster, PA • Remote

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Volunteer Medical Coordinator will make sure all the animals coming to the Rescue have their medical paperwork in order and schedules those that need to be seen by the vets. Tasks include coordinating appointments at several locations and completing and distributing all associated paperwork, scanning or downloading paperwork and adding it to each animal’s pet portal profile and in the animal’s virtual folder. The Coordinator follows up with fosters/adopters after surgery to be sure the animal is doing well and to answer any questions.

Some rescue experience or medical experience is required. This position is mainly remote but we are looking for someone close to Warminster, Bucks County, PA.

Apply