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Animal Rescue Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Animal Technician

Durham, NC

$20 - $21/hr

Laboratory Animal Care Technician Adecco Healthcare & Life Sciences is currently looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual to support daily animal care in a research environment. Job Type ...

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC

$34K - $38K/mo

The term "animal resources" includes not only animal housing facilities but also animal husbandry services, veterinary care, technical services, expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine ...

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

The term "animal resources" includes not only animal housing facilities but also animal husbandry services, veterinary care, technical services, expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine ...

NCSU

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Position Information Posting Number PG194972TM Position Number 19PLS05612 Position Type Temporary Essential Job Duties Animal Care/Maintenance Technician needed to provide direct daily care to ...

NCSU

Large Animal Attendant

Raleigh, NC

Job Posting Information Posting Number PG195098SP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Large Animal Attendant Anticipated Hiring Range $39,000 Work Schedule Sunday-Thursday 6pm-3am, on call, ...

Dog Gone Happy

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12/hr

You'll learn animal behavior in order to provide a safe environment, including studying canine body language and learning how to make dogs comfortable in a kennel and playgroup environment.

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Durham, NC

Animal Rescue information

See Durham, NC salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Durham, NC is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC? For Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Durham, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,307 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Part Time Animal Care Techinician

Part Time Animal Care Techinician

Animal Protection Society of Durham

Durham, NC • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

PART-TIME ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN
Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS)
Durham, NC
20–27 Hours Per Week
$16–$18 per hour
Must be available to work Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

JOIN THE APS TEAM!

Do you believe every animal deserves compassionate care, a clean environment, and a chance at a better life?

The Animal Protection Society of Durham is seeking dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate Part-Time Animal Care Technicians to join our Animal Care team. 

This is a hands-on position where every shift directly impacts the health, comfort, and wellbeing of hundreds of animals waiting for their new homes. Animal Care Technicians are the backbone of shelter operations. From providing daily care and enrichment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, you'll play a vital role in helping animals thrive during their stay at APS.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Provide compassionate daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and animal housing areas using established shelter protocols.
  • Feed animals and ensure fresh water is always available.
  • Observe animals closely and report medical or behavioral concerns promptly.
  • Assist with animal intake, including vaccinations and moving animals safely throughout the shelter.
  • Help unload Animal Services vehicles and safely transfer incoming animals.
  • Maintain laundry, dishes, and other shelter sanitation needs.
  • Stock food, supplies, and equipment throughout the shelter.
  • Assist with enrichment activities and provide positive interactions with animals whenever possible.
  • Support other departments as needed to help ensure excellent care for every animal.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Compassion for animals and the people who care about them.
  • Dependable, hardworking, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
  • Comfortable working around animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, kennel, daycare, farm, or rescue organization.
  • Experience handling dogs and cats safely.
  • Knowledge of Fear Free or low-stress animal handling practices is a plus.
  • Experience administering vaccines or medications is helpful but not required.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures and around cleaning chemicals, animal dander, noise, and occasional unpleasant odors.
  • Comfortable working with animals that may be frightened, stressed, sick, or injured.
  • Must be available to work Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as part of a regular schedule.
  • Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software.

WHY APS?
Every day at APS is different—but every day matters. Whether you're comforting a frightened puppy, preparing a kennel for a new arrival, or helping an animal begin its journey to a new home, your work makes a real difference.

At APS, you'll join a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate care, supporting one another, and creating positive outcomes for animals and our community.

Apply today and help make a difference—one animal, one family, and one community at a time.
Animal Protection Society of Durham
2117 E. Club Blvd.
Durham, NC 27704

APS of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.