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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $25/hr

Are you someone who has already worked as a dog walker, pet sitter, dog daycare handler, groomer, vet tech, vet assistant, shelter staff, or animal rescue volunteer? WELL, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. This ...

ProspectBArk

Experienced Dog Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $25/hr

Are you someone who has already worked as a dog walker, pet sitter, dog daycare handler, groomer, vet tech, vet assistant, shelter staff, or animal rescue volunteer? WELL, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. This ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue Volunteer Jobs

Animal Rescue Volunteer information

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$19

$33

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 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 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.
More about Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs are:
Animal Rescue Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Wildlife Center Clinic Manager

Wildlife Center Clinic Manager

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Verona, PA • On-site

$46K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

656th of 682 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Description:

Summary

The Wildlife Center Clinic Manager works in close partnership with the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation to ensure the effective, safe, and compassionate operation of the Wildlife Center. This role provides leadership and oversight for wildlife rehabilitation staff, seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers while maintaining hands-on involvement in patient care.

The Clinic Manager is responsible for overseeing daily clinic operations, patient flow and outcomes, staff supervision, safety protocols, inventory and purchasing, and regulatory compliance. This position plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of animal care, facility cleanliness, staff training, and operational efficiency while supporting Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s mission and values.


Principal Responsibilities

  • Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue throughout all responsibilities of the position
  • Directly supervise the daily activities and performance of wildlife rehabilitators, animal care (both full and seasonal) in conjunction with interns, and volunteers ensuring daily cleaning, care, and treatments for patients
  • Directly manages the clinic team in its entirety including but not limited to clinic scheduling, disciplinary action, monthly meetings, assigning additional tasks, monitoring off-season projects and all other staff related subjects
  • Responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding for rehabilitators, animal care and seasonal animal care positions
  • Responsible for general licensed rehabilitator duties such as clinic shifts, triage, in-take exams, daily medication rounds, general husbandry needs and other essential clinic tasks
  • Assists the Volunteer and Operations Manager and Director in the coordination of new volunteer implementation and assists with the training process for general and seasonal volunteer positions including Nursery Bootcamp
  • Oversee daily volunteer actions and uphold all policies and procedures in accordance with the Volunteer and Operations Manager
  • Monitor and document the progression of animals through the rehabilitation process ensuring animal care needs are being met in a timely manner
  • Keep Director informed of animal intake, in-house patients and their status, animal care needs, quality of animal care, patient procedures and programmatic needs
  • Collaborate with Director and veterinary team to develop and carry out treatment plans and determine final disposition of animals undergoing veterinary care
  • Works with Director to create, refine and implement species protocols and rehabilitation treatment plans
  • Responsible for updating and maintaining husbandry manuals for staff, intern and volunteer usage
  • Ensure that animals are being handled in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety and that staff are trained and following safety procedures, and that protocols for infection control are being followed by rehabilitation and animal care staff
  • Develop and teach courses for volunteers and public outreach on wildlife rehabilitation and co-existence topics
  • Oversee and ensure proper upkeep of inventory and purchasing of supplies for the Wildlife Center within budget guidelines in conjunction with Wildlife Administrative Coordinator
  • Monitor, identify, and report to the Maintenance Director on enclosure and facility maintenance needs
  • Maintains records and oversees permits and licensing applications and renewals in conjunction with Director for state and federal agencies
  • Responsible for evaluating and deeming non-releasable patients for review and potential placement
  • Collaborate with other departments to manage social media communications; prepare and present information to promote public awareness, understanding of the organization's programs, activities, and objectives
  • Stay current on rehabilitation methods and captive care of wildlife through continuing education
  • Helps to create a professional environment, building positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and interns
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by Director


Work Environment

The Wildlife Center Clinic Manager works in a dynamic combination of office, clinical, and outdoor environments at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Wildlife Center. This role involves direct interaction with native wildlife species and exposure to loud noises, strong odors, allergens, and emotionally demanding situations, particularly during peak wildlife seasons.

The position requires adaptability and comfort working in all weather conditions and transitioning between administrative and hands-on operational duties. Professionalism and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential.

Travel between organizational locations and to off-site events is required. The employee must have reliable transportation and may operate company vehicles as needed. Mileage reimbursement is provided for personal vehicle use in accordance with organizational policy.

This position requires travel between organizational locations and to off-site events. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for personal vehicle use, and the employee may be placed on the organization's insurance to operate company vehicles.


Physical Demands

This position requires moderate physical activity, including standing or walking for extended periods, bending, lifting, and carrying supplies or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties include handling and restraining wildlife in a clinical setting. The role also involves frequent use of computers, phones, and office equipment.

Strong organizational and time-management skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, sometimes noisy and emotionally charged environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.


Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum two years management experience in a veterinary or animal welfare setting
  • Minimum two years experience in wildlife rehabilitation setting or equivalent experience
  • Must hold General permits for wildlife rehabilitation or achieve within a year of hire
  • Ability to provide leadership and training to staff regarding wildlife rehabilitation and animal care
  • Ability to work independently, be self-motivated and detail-oriented
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule which includes days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Ability to provide ongoing feedback to staff
  • Knowledge of state laws regulating the cleaning and operations of wildlife rehabilitation
  • Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 hours
  • Ability to use standard office equipment such as a personal computer using MS Word, Excel, and other related software
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history