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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in Atlanta, GA is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 I volunteer at a local dog shelter?

Animal rescue volunteers can often assist at local dog shelters by helping with animal care, cleaning, and socialization. Most shelters require volunteers to complete an application and training, and some may have age or time commitment requirements.

How do you become an animal rescue volunteer?

To become an animal rescue volunteer, you typically need to contact local shelters or rescue organizations to learn about their volunteer programs. Most require volunteers to be at least 18 years old, complete an application, and attend an orientation or training session. Volunteers may assist with animal care, adoption events, or administrative tasks, and some organizations may require background checks or specific skills.

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 roles may require training or certifications in animal care or first aid.

Where can I volunteer to work with animals near me?

Animal rescue volunteers can find opportunities at local shelters, humane societies, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. These organizations often seek volunteers for tasks such as caring for animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with adoption events, and may require basic training or orientation before starting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Atlanta, GA?

For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:

Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,278 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Animal Rescue Partner Coordinator

ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY AND SOCIETY

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Animal Rescue Partner Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the safe transportation of animals to, from, and within the organization. Maintains harmonious relationships with county animal shelters, rescue groups, humane societies, and out of state agencies to create lifesaving opportunities for companion pets. Works closely with shelter management, volunteers, and various other departments to coordinate transportation plans, organize transportation resources, and help manage an overall healthy animal population at AHS.

  • Supports a culture of teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence
  • Assist in coordinating and scheduling transfers between AHS facilities, working supportively and efficiently with shelter teams
  • Collaborates with animal welfare partners to move animals in and out of the organization
  • Drives company vehicles to safely transport animals, including occasional,all-expense paid,all-day or overnight travel
  • Upholds industry best practices pertaining to the safe and humane transportation of animals including animal stress reduction, safe animal handling, and preventative measures for disease control
  • Coordinates transportation for animals in AHS' Pets in Crisis Program
  • Creates connections and builds relationships with local, state, and out of state partners to create opportunities and save more animal lives
  • Communicates with partners regularly regarding partner agreements, admissions standards, and upcoming calendar dates
  • Assesses animal suitability for transport based on predetermined health, temperament, safety,AHS placement standards and availability of resources
  • Supports the shelter in assessing, vaccinating, and medicating incoming animals
  • Ensure transported animals arrive/depart with all required documentation per AHS and Department of Agriculture guidelines
  • Work closely with department staff and volunteers to accomplish departmental and organizational goals
  • Creates various reports and provides detailed department data
  • Reports damaged or missing equipment and maintenance needs of transport vehicles promptly
  • Ensures transport vehicles stocked with the appropriate supplies and cleaned after use
  • Ensures compliance with all organizational, state, and federal safety policies and procedures in addition to SDS rules
  • Other duties as assigned

Coordinating/Administrative duties - 30%

  • Assist in coordinating and scheduling transfers between AHS facilities, working supportively and efficiently with shelter teams
  • Collaborates with animal welfare partners to move animals in and out of the organization
  • Ensure transported animals arrive/depart with all required documentation per AHS and Department of Agriculture guidelines
  • Creates various reports and provides detailed department data
  • Ensures compliance with all organizational, state, and federal safety policies and procedures in addition to SDS rules

Communication - 30%

  • Creates connections and builds relationships with local, state, and out of state partners to create opportunities and save more animal lives
  • Communicates with partners regularly regarding partner agreements, admissions standards, and upcoming calendar dates
  • Must be able to communicate with and work well with a diverse clientele, different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.
  • Supports a culture of teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence

Animal Handling/Intake Assistance - 30%

  • Supports the shelter in assessing, vaccinating, and medicating incoming animals
  • Assesses animal suitability for transport based on predetermined health, temperament, safety,AHS placement standards and availability of resources
  • Upholds industry best practices pertaining to the safe and humane transportation of animals including animal stress reduction, safe animal handling, and preventative measures for disease control

Driving/Travel - 10%

  • Drives company vehicles to safely transport animals, including occasional, all-expense paid, all-day or overnight travel
  • Upholds industry best practices pertaining to the safe and humane transportation of animals including animal stress reduction, safe animal handling, and preventative measures for disease control
  • Reports damaged or missing equipment and maintenance needs of transport vehicles promptly
  • Flexible schedule; required to drive AHS transport vehicles locally and out-of-state - in some instances requiring overnight stays
  • Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail
  • Minimum High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Preferred minimum one-year animal handling experience
  • Ability to self-start and work independently
  • Preferred knowledge of animal diseases, medications, and treatment protocols
  • Preferred knowledge of animal behavior and ability to read animal body language
  • Computer literate in a Windows environment
  • Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive and complex situations
  • Willingness to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments
  • Ability to travel to partner locations, the majority located within the Southeastern US
  • Valid GA driver's license or ability to obtain a valid GA driver's license and must be insurable by Society's insurance company
  • Ability to multi-task and handle a high stress, emotional environment
  • Must be able to set aside personal judgement for the betterment of the client and the animals
  • Must be able to communicate with and work well with a diverse clientele, different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.
  • Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations; driving and sitting for extended periods; ability to work in a high noise level area

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