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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Customer Service Representative

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

... public as well as rescue groups/shelters with scheduling animals for surgery. Effectively ... animal cages/kennels as needed. Handle all payments coming through clinic including donations ...

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Indiana? For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, and 61% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$44K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview Agency Summary The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Job Summary This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating the rescue program for Animal Care Services. The incumbent in this position will plan, organize, administer, and coordinate programs for the utilization of rescue groups and work closely with the Kennel Manager to recruit, engage and enhance ACS rescue partners. Independent judgment and actions are an essential part of the incumbents position.

The incumbents other actions are dictated by established policies and procedures, civil and criminal laws, and the codes established by the city and county. Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license. Position reports to the Kennel Manager.

Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities Organizes and maximizes the effectiveness of the current rescue program and ensures program operates in accord with ACS objectives Devises methods for improving, modifying, or expanding the current program and recommends changes in established policies and procedures Works closely with the Kennel Manager to ensure coverage within the kennel team Coordinates all rescue activity including recruitment, training, placement, recognition, transportation, and evaluation Works closely with kennel, medical, and enforcement team members to coordinate efforts and maximize efficiencies Represents the city, department, and division during outreach activities Maintains all documentation regarding the rescue program, policies, and procedure Manages, maintains, and updates program providing data and reports on activities and serves as a liaison between ACS administration, team members, and rescue partners Targets community-based organizations to develop partnerships for rescue opportunities Prepares clear, sound, accurate and detailed statistical reports on programs Counsels and evaluates individual rescue partners Assists in marketing the agency and its programs through both traditional and more innovative methods utilizing and maintaining social media and the sites Must maintain confidentiality at all times This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a related field required. Position requires knowledge of animal care and behavior, cat and dog breeds, micro-chipping procedures, and administration of routine vaccines. The candidate must have an interest and commitment to the community and animals.

Must be knowledgeable of local community organizations and resources. Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions.

Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office and Social Media. Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications Associates' Degree in Administration, Business Management, or a related field with two (2) years experience in a related field required.

Position requires knowledge of animal care and behavior, cat and dog breeds, micro- chipping procedures, and administration of routine vaccines. The candidate must have an interest and commitment to the community and animals. Must be knowledgeable of local community organizations and resources.

Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members.

Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office and Social Media. If your qualifications meet the requirements of the posted position, your application will be referred to the hiring agency. Once the agency receives your application, all further communication during the interview and selection process will be handled directly BY THE AGENCY.

It is IMPERATIVE that you record the contact information of the individual who is scheduling your interview. City-County HR will not have access to this information, is not involved in the interview or selection process, and can only confirm whether an application has been referred. After selection of the successful candidate, an official offer of employment will be made by HR.

Working Conditions Essential functions are regularly performed at a shelter with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Physical Conditions Sitting at a desk as well as standing and walking for long periods of time Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of 50 pounds Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals Tasks require the ability to communicate orally