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Animal Rescue Jobs in Lancaster, PA (NOW HIRING)

NVA

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

York, PA · On-site

Leader Heights Animal Hospital is a busy small-animal practice staffed with an experienced ... rescue, as well as other dog and cat rescues, so you'll get a lot of hands-on shelter medicine • ...

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Animal Rescue information

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$9

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$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Lancaster, PA is $20.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.28 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Lancaster, PA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Lancaster, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Lancaster, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Lancaster, PA are:
What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Lancaster, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,550 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Part Time Animal Care Taker - Comparative Medicine

Penn State University

Hershey, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

181st of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Comparative Medicine, in Hershey, PA is seeking a part time animal caretaker.
Duties include:
  • Sanitize animal facility caging and equipment by the use of operating cage washing equipment.
  • Maintain maintenance logs and daily temperature logs.
  • Set up, operate and service cage washing machines and sterilizing equipment as needed.
  • Load, unload and store food, bedding and other facility equipment.
  • Check cages and other equipment for needed repair. Clean and repair equipment for daily service such as cage washers, autoclaves, bottle filling stations, and bedding dispensers.
  • Assemble caging supplies with properly sterilized feed, bedding and water (acidified or autoclaved) in a manner that assures that they remain sterile throughout the handling process.
  • Follow standardized procedures; assure that animal waste is disposed of properly.
  • Provide animal related equipment to personnel to ensure appropriate schedules are maintained.
  • Maintain various records of supplies used for the purpose of cleaning, sanitizing, repairing and or dispensing of waste materials.
  • Comply with animal facility and Penn State Hershey medical center policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain cage wash rooms, animal rooms and facility hallways in a clean state.
  • Operate battery powered cart and/or University motor vehicle (box truck/pickup truck) as necessary.
  • Comply with animal facility and Penn State College of Medicine policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Attend meeting and training sessions on all aspects of laboratory animal care and uses of animals in biomedical research as assigned by the management staff.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
  • Work with a variety of animals, including handling, restraint, feeding, watering and the general husbandry of the animals.
  • Change cages or pens following aseptic and conventional technician and assure animals are not contaminated when outside of their primary enclosure.
  • Will perform duties within various animal biosafety levels. Will follow posting pre-cautions and wear provided PPE.
  • Record critical facility data on a daily basis which is required by local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

This is an entry level position, some experience in the cleaning or care and handling of animals is preferred. This position requires the knowledge and ability to learn to use various technical animal care and research equipment, including cage washers, autoclaves, class II bio-safety cabinets, ventilated cage rack systems, and micro isolator cages.
This position requires proficient verbal and written English and mathematic skills pertinent to the duties of this position and situations encountered in the animal facility. Demonstrate proficiency for core SOP's. Requires the ability to work independently and in a team setting. Customer-focused attitude and enjoy working with other similarly dedicated persons is a must. Requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and requires long periods of standing.
The animal facility has a variety of environmental conditions including exposure to noise, dust, chemical, heat and animal waste products. The use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment may be required and will be provided when required along with the proper training.
Work requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid driver's license.
This is a part-time position working up to 20 hours per week.
The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position:
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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