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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Intake Supervisor works closely with pet owners, rescue partners, volunteers, and internal ... This role is ideal for experienced animal welfare professionals who thrive in fast-paced ...

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in Raleigh, NC is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.62 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 is typically provided on the job. Volunteers should be comfortable around animals and willing to learn basic care and handling skills. Commitment, patience, and a genuine interest in animal welfare are important qualities for new volunteers.

What do you need to become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescue volunteer, you typically need a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely. Some organizations require background checks, training, or certifications in animal care or first aid. Volunteering often involves physical activity and a flexible schedule to assist with rescue, sheltering, and adoption efforts.

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.

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

Animal rescue volunteers need basic animal handling skills, patience, and the ability to follow instructions. Good communication, compassion, and the ability to work in a team are also important, along with physical stamina for tasks like cleaning and lifting. Some shelters may require training or certifications in animal care or first aid.

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.

Can you volunteer to cuddle babies in the hospital?

Animal rescue volunteers typically do not cuddle babies in hospitals, as their roles focus on caring for animals. Hospital volunteer programs for cuddling or comforting infants are usually organized separately and require specific training and background checks. It is important to follow the guidelines of the hospital or organization involved.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:
Animal Shelter Attendant

Animal Shelter Attendant

Franklin County (NC)

Louisburg, NC • On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

General Statement of Duties Franklin County is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Animal Shelter Attendant to help care for the pets and animals that rely on us every day. In this role, you'll support the daily operations of the shelter, provide hands-on care, and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for animals awaiting their forever homes. Compensation: Estimated Hiring Salary Range: $36,161-$37,969 **To Be Determined Based on Experience and Qualifications** Benefits: Franklin County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity.

Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistance program. For more information about Franklin County benefit options please click here. An employee in this class performs duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter.

The employee will be responsible maintaining the cleanliness and inventory of the Animal Shelter and the care and health of the animals in it. The employee will also assist with adoptions and coordinating with rescues to attempt to prevent euthanasia of shelter animals. The employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions; conditions which may affect the respiratory system and the skin such as fumes, poor ventilation, or carbon monoxide gas; and working around significant noise.

Work in the animal services field is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Animal Services Manager and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed. Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Cleans and maintains animal confinement area, cleans, and disinfects cages; feeds and waters confined animals; makes routine inspections of animals and their cages to monitor health, safety, cleanliness of cages, etc.

Washes food and water bowls, shelter laundry, any shelter utensils and keeps facility sanitary. Encourages adoptions of sheltered animals; assists interested parties in claiming or adopting confined animals, processing required paperwork, collecting fees, and providing receipts, etc., as necessary. Provides customer service to visitors of the animal center looking for their lost pet or looking to adopt a pet

Ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility. Provides food and daily care for animals in the Animal Shelter Administers medication and vaccinations to animals in the Animal Shelter Maintains records of impounded animals Assists with destroying diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in a prescribed manner. Reports to the Animal Care Technicians any potential health or behavioral problems involving the animals in the Animal Shelter Maintains supply inventories.

Performs and/or assists in euthanasia of un-adoptable or diseased animals, and decapitation of animals for the purpose of rabies testing. Performs necessary weekend, after hours work and holiday schedule work as needed. May be scheduled to rotate weekends with other staff members to feed animals and clean Animal Shelter.

During a county disaster or emergency, employee will be scheduled to work shelters to care for pets and abandoned animals, animal rescue, etc. Additional Job Duties Administrative duties when needed. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment used in the maintenance and operation of animal shelters to include care and feeding of animals and the methods of cleaning and sanitizing animal quarters. Knowledge of relevant laws, rules and regulations pertaining to sheltering of animals. General knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of domestic animals.

Knowledge of common disease symptoms and behaviors domestic animals display. Knowledge of the practices and techniques in the welfare and humane treatment of animals. Working knowledge of department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public. Ability to deescalate irate citizens while maintaining a professional manner. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Desirable Education and Experience Completion of high school and some experience with animals; requires knowledge of animal handling skills, animal behavior, and animal care; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Other Information Possession of a valid NC driver's license. Must be able to obtain certification in animal euthanasia techniques.

Must be able to obtain certification in vaccinating animals for rabies.