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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Farmed Animal Care Manager

Monroe, WA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Experience working in an animal sanctuary, rescue organization, or nonprofit. * Experience with volunteer management. Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. * Ability to ...

Farmed Animal Care Manager

Monroe, WA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Experience working in an animal sanctuary, rescue organization, or nonprofit. * Experience with volunteer management. Physical Requirements * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. * Ability to ...

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$32.39 - $36.60/hr

We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs ... Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$32.39 - $36.60/hr

We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs ... Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them.

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$32.39 - $36.60/hr

We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs ... Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them.

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$9

$21

$38

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in Seattle, WA is $21.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $22.98 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,299 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

$60K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Farmed Animal Care Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily care, health, safety, and well-being of all farmed animal residents at the sanctuary. This position develops and maintains high standards of animal welfare, facilitates veterinary care, and ensures a safe, enriching, and compassionate environment for every farmed animal resident.


Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

  • Oversee daily care of all farmed animal residents, including feeding, watering, cleaning, grooming, and enrichment.
  • Ensure animals receive species-appropriate nutrition, housing, and behavioral enrichment.
  • Monitor residents for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes and communicate concerns promptly to the Medical Operations team.
  • Maintain accurate health, treatment, and behavior records.
  • Design and implement training and enrichment plans for residents in designated areas.
  • Assist the Sanctuary Director with emergency response and disaster preparedness planning.
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed by veterinarians and Medical Operations staff.
  • Create and implement training protocols for designated areas and facilitate training with new staff and volunteers.
  • Engage volunteers during shifts and provide regular feedback and appreciation.
  • Foster a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven team culture.
  • Ensure barns, pastures, fencing, shelters, and animal spaces remain clean, safe, and well maintained.
  • Coordinate maintenance needs with facilities staff.
  • Monitor feed, bedding, and supply inventories on a monthly basis and coordinate with the Operations Manager to maintain appropriate stock levels.
  • Maintain sanitation and biosecurity standards.
  • Develop and maintain standard processes for animals in designated areas.
  • Provide input to Sanctuary Director for annual budget and assist in budget management throughout the fiscal year.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable animal welfare regulations and sanctuary policies.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for the Pasado's Safe Haven mission and vision.
  • Assist with educational tours, donor visits, volunteer events, and community outreach, when requested.
  • Help educate visitors and volunteers about compassionate care and the needs of rescued farmed animals.


Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience caring for farmed animals.
  • At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the care and behavior of multiple farmed animal species, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and equines.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work independently.
  • Strong personal commitment to animal welfare and the highest standards of animal care.
  • Personal values consistent with the organization's values; animal-centered, dedicated, and compassionate.
  • Valid WA state driver's license.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience working in an animal sanctuary, rescue organization, or nonprofit.
  • Experience with volunteer management.


Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Comfortable walking long distances over uneven terrain.
  • Ability to safely handle large and small farmed animals.
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and emergency animal care as needed.


Employee Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (100% employer paid premium for employee coverage)
  • 401(k) + Company match up to 2% - Fully vested on day 1
  • Discretionary Time Off
  • Paid Holidays (9 per year)
  • Supplemental Insurance Benefits available
  • At cost veterinary care, medications and pet food,when available
  • Pawternity leave and animal family member bereavement
  • Relocation assistance for out of WA state candidates
  • Opportunities for Advancement


Job Specifications

  • Full-time, Non-exempt (36 hours per week)
  • Onsite at our sanctuary in Monroe, WA
  • Occasional local travel required
  • Availability for weekends, holidays, and emergency animal care as needed.
  • Starting Salary Range: $60,320-$64,480 annually


Pasado's Safe Haven provides equal employment opportunity. At Pasado's Safe Haven, we believe compassionate action is fundamental to dismantling systems of oppression for all living beings. We courageously live this belief every day through our work to end animal cruelty and our commitment to respect and kindness.We can only be successful by embracing the diversity and power of each individual's lived experience as we all work together toward an expanded circle of compassion.