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Animal Rescue Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... animal rescue groups; processing adoptions, transfers, reclaims and city registrations; providing guidance to community service workers and volunteers; maintaining daily / monthly records, and ...

Animal Care Technician

Irving, TX · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

... animal rescue groups; processing adoptions, transfers, reclaims and city registrations; providing guidance to community service workers and volunteers; maintaining daily / monthly records, and ...

Animal Behaviorist

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Behavior and Rescue Manager Summary Under the direction of the Behavior and Rescue Manager, the ... The Behavior Supervisor serves as a key resource for staff, fosters, volunteers, and leadership on ...

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Description Under direct supervision, volunteer performs various duties to assist Animal Shelter ... Transport animals to rescue groups; Deliver recyclables to the recycling center; Perform related ...

... Animal Rescue Training. This position is an essential, emergency duty status worker and may not be relieved of duty when the Parish President or his designee recommends a voluntary or mandatory ...

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Animal Rescue Volunteer information

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$19

$33

How much do animal rescue volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue Volunteer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Animal Shelter Assistant

Animal Shelter Assistant

City of Gillette (WY)

Gillette, WY • On-site

$17.56/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

ATTENTION!. NEW JOB POSTING!. If you wish to claim veteran's preference (Wyoming State Statute 19-14-102), please atttach the appropriate documentation (DD214 Form) to your application substantiating your claim.

ATTENTION!USE GOOGLE CHROME AS YOUR BROWSER, SAFARI DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS PLATFORMTHANK YOU. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT AT THE LINK PROVIDED:https://us.openforms.com/Form/fe4b62e3-7e45-4539-84ea-fe5d1527957a PLEASE COMPLETE & SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENT IMMEDIATELY THEN COME BACK TO THIS PAGE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. This position performs duties related to the care and management of shelter animals

Provides care to animals; vaccinates and medicates shelter animals; provides food and water. Assists in evaluating and placing animals; conducts temperament assessments; evaluates pets for adoption; networks with rescue groups to place animals; processes adoptions. Schedules animals for trips to veterinarian appointments; transports animals.

Answers telephone and greets visitors; provides information and assistance. Performs animal euthanasia as required. Performs animal intakes; assesses animals; records pertinent information.

Assists customers in locating lost animals; prepares lost animal reports. Maintains department records. Receives and records complaints; dispatches officers; prepares incident/accident reports.

Trains new employees, volunteers, and community service workers. Assists with outreach activities. Cleans and sterilizes animal shelter, cages, and equipment.

Launders towels, blankets, etc. Receives payments for fees, balance cash register. Performs related duties.

Knowledge of customer service principles and practices. Knowledge of animal care principles. Knowledge of the principles and practices of animal shelter operation.

Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs. Skill in the provision of animal care. Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

Skill in oral and written communication. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Animal Control Supervisor assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES Guidelines include city animal control ordinances and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK The work consists of related animal care and shelter maintenance duties.

Frequent interruptions contribute to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to provide care for animals in the animal shelter and to participate in the maintenance the shelter facilities. Successful performance contributes to the effective housing and care of animals.

CONTACTS Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, pet owners, veterinarians, representatives of animal rescue groups, volunteers, vendors, and the general public. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching.

The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and utilizes the sense of smell. The work is typically performed in an animal shelter and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals.

The employee uses protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY None. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Wyoming for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Possession of or ability to readily obtain state certification as a Euthanasia Technician.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE CITY OF GILLETTE. Equal Opportunity Employer. Pre-Employment Drug Screening conducted.