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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Foster Team Lead

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Foster and Rescue Manager Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 Summary: LifeLine ... Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by working with the Volunteer Coordinator to ...

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

What is an animal rescue volunteer?

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.

What skills do you need to volunteer as an animal rescue volunteer?

Animal rescue volunteers need strong compassion, patience, and the ability to handle animals safely. Basic knowledge of animal behavior, good communication skills, and physical stamina are also important. Some organizations may require training or certifications in animal handling or first aid.

Where are animal rescue volunteers needed the most?

Animal rescue volunteers are most needed in areas with high populations of stray, abandoned, or abused animals, often in regions with limited shelter resources. Urban and rural communities facing animal overpopulation or disaster-affected zones typically require more volunteer support for rescue, care, and adoption efforts.

What challenges do animal rescue volunteers face 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal rescue volunteer?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Georgia are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Outcomes and Volunteer Coordinator

Athens-Clarke County, GA

Athens, GA • On-site

$49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary: $49,497.00 Annually
Location : Animal Control - 125 Buddy Christian Way, Athens, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-03886
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
REPORTS TO: Animal Services Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period
PAY GRADE: 115
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to facilitate and supervise the volunteer program within the Animal Services Department and to coordinate the programs and activities that increase live outcomes for shelter animals. Duties include but are not limited to: assessing volunteer program needs; training, supervising, supporting, and scheduling both new and existing volunteers; coordinating events; and supporting the increase of live outcomes through adoptions, rescue and transport partnerships. This role is also responsible for handling animals, groups, and facility tours, promoting adoptable animals, and performing additional duties as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent required, with one year of customer service, coordinating (events and/or people), volunteer support or management, and animal handling or animal welfare or related experience required.
Valid Driver's license required.
Criminal background must indicate eligibility for the supervision of inmates.
Must obtain security training for the supervision of inmate workers as set forth by the Georgia Department of Corrections Standard Operating Procedures within six months of the date of hire or first available opportunity.
Supervisory, marketing, and training experience are preferred.
Experience supporting shelter live-outcome programs - such as adoptions, foster, and rescue or transport partnerships - is preferred.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
In this hybrid role, responsibilities are divided between the coordination of the volunteer program and the management of shelter outcomes.
Volunteer Program Coordination
Provides proper onboarding and training for all volunteers (Excluding foster), including reviewing volunteers to ensure they demonstrate safe animal-handling techniques and review safety rules, as well as developing and maintaining volunteer logbooks, literature, and advertising materials.
Provides leadership, direction, and guidance in conducting the day-to-day functions of programs and services as they relate to all Animal Services volunteer programs.
Supervises volunteers while at the shelter to maintain safety and compliance with the volunteer guidelines, and ensures that volunteer activities do not interfere with, and are tailored to support, normal operations.
Identifies and coordinates volunteer needs for all volunteer programs, and provides operational support in conjunction with other staff and department teams.
Assists with special events, such as on- and off-site outreach and adoption events, by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers.
Coordinates scheduling of groups, breaking large groups into smaller ones, and ensures only a safe and manageable number of volunteers at the shelter at any given time.
Attends appropriate volunteer recruitment events and interfaces with the community to engage, recruit, assist, and onboard residents as potential volunteers and supporters.
Maintains an internal labeling system tailored to ensure safer animal handling for staff, volunteers, and animals.
Accurately enters and maintains volunteer information, and maintains accurate, up-to-date information in PetPoint and any existing volunteer management database as it relates to community program participants.
Manages the Doggie Day Out, Jail Dog Program, and other programs as assigned.
Communicates with volunteers in a timely and professional manner, which may include time outside of normal business hours, and communicates clear directions about after-hours events and activities.
Responds to inquiries and messages about all volunteer programs, and works with the public, staff, and volunteers to address any complaints or issues.
Supervises inmate labor, as well as supervises and assigns work to Community Service Workers.
Shelter Outcomes Coordination
Supports the increase of live outcomes for the shelter through adoptions, rescue and transport partnerships, strengthening core programs and building sustainable processes. Works alongside the Foster Coordinator for foster placement and return.
Assists in planning, promoting, and facilitating on-site and off-site adoption events, collaborating with staff and local partners to coordinate logistics, including scheduling, animal selection, volunteer assignments, marketing, and setup.
Supports matchmaking between adopters and animals by engaging with potential adopters to understand their needs, preferences, and lifestyle, and offers resources to ensure adopters feel confident and prepared, contributing to successful placements and reduced returns.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and supporting foster caregivers by identifying and engaging potential foster caregivers through outreach and in-person conversations, and assist with application reviews, training, and resource distribution.
Strengthens communication with partner rescues and transport organizations by contacting existing rescue and transport partners to identify placement opportunities, and shares detailed information on animals in need, including photos, medical and behavioral notes, and timelines.
Develops and sustains relationships with new partners by providing professional, timely, and transparent communication.
Prepares animals for transport by coordinating with staff to ensure animals selected for transport are medically and behaviorally cleared, have all required documentation, and are safely kenneled and labeled, and assists with pre-transport logistics.
Assists with taking quality photos and writing engaging, accurate pet bios to help promote adoptable animals across shelter platforms and social media.
Works alongside the leadership team, foster coordinator, and staff to develop and implement new, sustainable programs that align with the Animal Services strategic plan.
Maintains departmental reports, spreadsheets, and other data as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Animal Services Department as they relate to the position of Outcomes & Volunteer Coordinator.
Ability to apply proper animal handling skills, basic medical knowledge, and knowledge of individual animal temperament.
Knowledge of shelter live-outcome practices, including adoption, foster, and rescue or transport programs.
Ability to work independently, balance multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills to be used with people across a variety of skill levels, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Ability to work with volunteers, community partners, and co-workers in a professional manner.
Ability to speak and present information publicly and transparently on behalf of the Department and the Department's mission.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of and ability to use computer and database software.
Ability to show leadership with individuals and groups.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
Supplemental Information
ADA MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, restraint poles and similar devices. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, animals, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people and/or animals to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments from co-workers, assistants, volunteers or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of forms, informational documentation, directions, methods, or procedures. Requires the ability to complete reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including veterinary. Must be able to translate technical language into lay terms for volunteers.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; and multiply and divide.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with various animal control devices and office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using animal control or office equipment or in performing tasks.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as animal control devices and office equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency. Must be adaptable to managing conflict on a routine basis. Must be adaptable to coping with the grief associated with animal euthanasia.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Prescription drug plan

Wellness
  • Onsite Employee Wellness Center - free for employees, spouse, and children 18+
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness education and incentive programs
  • Annual Wellness Fair
  • Annual employee appreciation events
  • Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots)
  • Safety & Risk training and job-related vaccinations

Family and Career
  • Training and professional development opportunities through the Organizational Development Department
  • Opportunities and Career Development via the Government Wide Learning Management System

Time
  • Annual/Sick leave
  • 13 paid holidays per calendar year

Money
  • Robust Wellness Program - earn up to $175 per quarter for participation
  • Health Savings Account for medical and dependent care
  • Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service)
  • 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Program with employer match
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