1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Animal Shelter Attendant

Louisburg, NC · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

During a county disaster or emergency, employee will be scheduled to work shelters to care for pets and abandoned animals, animal rescue, etc. Additional Job Duties Administrative duties when needed.

Animal Resources Attendant

Pittsboro, NC · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Return to the Are you an animal lover with a heart for rescue and a drive to make a real difference? We're looking for a passionate, hardworking, and compassionate Animal Resources Attendantto join ...

Animal Technician Location: Durham, NC 27703-8481 Duration: 12+ Months (Possible Extension) Job Summary: * Performs daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal ...

Laboratory Animal Care Specialist This individual will perform daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routing cleaning and sanitation. All work ...

This individual will perform daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routing cleaning and sanitation. All work assignments will be performed ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animal Rescue information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Raleigh, NC 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 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,558 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Part Time Animal Shelter Attendant

Part Time Animal Shelter Attendant

Franklin County (NC)

Louisburg, NC

$16.96/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

General Statement of Duties Franklin County is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Part Time Animal Shelter Attendant to help care for the pets and animals that rely on us every day. In this role, you'll support the daily operations of the shelter, provide hands-on care, and help create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for animals awaiting their forever homes. An employee in this class performs duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter.

The employee will be responsible maintaining the cleanliness and inventory of the Animal Shelter and the care and health of the animals in it. The employee will also assist with adoptions and coordinating with rescues to attempt to prevent euthanasia of shelter animals. The employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions; conditions which may affect the respiratory system and the skin such as fumes, poor ventilation, or carbon monoxide gas; and working around significant noise.

Work in the animal services field is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Animal Services Manager and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of work completed. Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Cleans and maintains animal confinement area, cleans, and disinfects cages; feeds and waters confined animals; makes routine inspections of animals and their cages to monitor health, safety, cleanliness of cages, etc.

Washes food and water bowls, shelter laundry, any shelter utensils and keeps facility sanitary. Encourages adoptions of sheltered animals; assists interested parties in claiming or adopting confined animals, processing required paperwork, collecting fees, and providing receipts, etc., as necessary. Provides customer service to visitors of the animal center looking for their lost pet or looking to adopt a pet

Ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility. Provides food and daily care for animals in the Animal Shelter Administers medication and vaccinations to animals in the Animal Shelter Maintains records of impounded animals Assists with destroying diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in a prescribed manner. Reports to the Animal Care Technicians any potential health or behavioral problems involving the animals in the Animal Shelter Maintains supply inventories.

Performs and/or assists in euthanasia of un-adoptable or diseased animals, and decapitation of animals for the purpose of rabies testing. Performs necessary weekend, after hours work and holiday schedule work as needed. May be scheduled to rotate weekends with other staff members to feed animals and clean Animal Shelter.

During a county disaster or emergency, employee will be scheduled to work shelters to care for pets and abandoned animals, animal rescue, etc. Additional Job Duties Administrative duties when needed. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment used in the maintenance and operation of animal shelters to include care and feeding of animals and the methods of cleaning and sanitizing animal quarters. Knowledge of relevant laws, rules and regulations pertaining to sheltering of animals. General knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of domestic animals.

Knowledge of common disease symptoms and behaviors domestic animals display. Knowledge of the practices and techniques in the welfare and humane treatment of animals. Working knowledge of department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public. Ability to deescalate irate citizens while maintaining a professional manner. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Desirable Education and Experience Completion of high school and some experience with animals; requires knowledge of animal handling skills, animal behavior, and animal care; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Other Information Possession of a valid NC driver's license. Must be able to obtain certification in animal euthanasia techniques.

Must be able to obtain certification in vaccinating animals for rabies.