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Animal Rescue Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to ...

On-site - Animal Wellness Center Schedule: As-Needed Starting Pay Range: $80 Who We Are For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the ...

Veterinary Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to ...

Veterinary Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives... simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a ...

On-site - Animal Wellness Center Schedule: As-Needed Starting Pay Range: $80 Who We Are For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the ...

Relief Veterinarian The Relief Veterinarian supports Animal Friends' mission by providing high-quality, flexible veterinary care coverage for our clinic and community programs. This role helps ensure ...

Showing results 41-60

Animal Rescue information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Pittsburgh, PA is $20.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,505 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

Veterinary Technician

 Status: Part Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site
Schedule: Days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Starting Pay Range: $18-$20/hour


Who We Are

For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.


Position Summary

The Veterinary Technician plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends' mission by providing daily medical care and support to animals in our shelter. This position helps ensure animals receive appropriate treatment, are prepared for adoption, and experience safe, compassionate care throughout their stay. The role works closely with veterinarians and the Shelter Medicine team to support both medical outcomes and overall animal well-being.


Key Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities
Administer daily medical treatment as prescribed by veterinarians
Perform physical exams as directed and maintain accurate veterinary records
Prioritize non-critical cases to support timely movement of animals to the adoption floor
Contribute to maintaining cleanliness and organization of animal care areas
Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to after-hours emergencies


Other Duties
Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.



What We Offer


Paid time off and birthday pay
Employee Assistance Program
Continuing education and professional development opportunities
Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
A mission-driven team and meaningful work that makes a real impact


Our Commitment to Inclusion

Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.



Requirements


Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required
Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in animal care and welfare if not licensed/certified as a veterinary technician (shelter experience preferred)
Certifications/Licensures (if applicable): Veterinary Technician certification or licensure preferred but not required
Skills and abilities:

  • Strong working knowledge of medical terminology
  • Proficiency in administering injections (all routes), venipuncture, fecal and urine sample analysis, radiographs, animal restraint, and accurate recordkeeping
  • Familiarity with animal welfare and animal care best practices
  • Ability to safely handle and restrain dogs, cats, and rabbits of varying size, age, breed, and temperament
    Availability: Must be available for evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotation
    Must be at least 18 years of age
    Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals as applicable


Preferred Qualifications

Veterinary Technician or Assistant degree


Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands

This position:
Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Involves exposure to animals, noise, cleaning agents, and indoor/outdoor environments
May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal welfare
Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)


Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.Â