1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The animal shelter is extremely busy with lots of hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public. Responsibilities include processing incoming animals ...

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, ...

Animal Care Technician

Raleigh, NC

$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 ...

The Intake Supervisor works closely with pet owners, rescue partners, volunteers, and internal ... This role is ideal for experienced animal welfare professionals who thrive in fast-paced ...

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.
Animal Care Technician

Animal Care Technician

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

$34K - $38K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Information
Posting Number PG194644SP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Animal Care Technician Anticipated Hiring Range $34,320 - $38,000 (commensurate with education & experience) Work Schedule M-F Day Shift Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Animal Resources About the Department
The mission of Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) is to provide NCSU faculty with optimal animal resources at the least practical cost. 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, and assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies for animal care and use. LAR is responsible for assisting faculty in conducting animal experimentation in keeping with these standards and is committed to assuring the well-being of experimental animals while providing services that facilitate their humane and reasonable use.
North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
This position is responsible for the daily care of animals used in research and teaching.
Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Husbandry and animal enrichment
  • Administers routine medications and prepares experimental or maintenance diets for research subjects
  • Applies and maintains sanitation and safety procedures in animal care facility
  • Must maintain accurate animal census records, daily room logs, and medical treatment logs
  • Driving/Transport of animals
  • This position is classified as mandatory personnel and can require weekend and holiday work.
Other Responsibilities
  • Maintain accurate animal records
  • Perform basic animal husbandry on a wide variety of species
  • Administer routine medications
  • Maintain sanitation and safety procedures in accordance with regulations
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in animal husbandry
  • Wide variety of species care (especially livestock/poultry/aquatics)
  • AALAS certifications
Required License or Certification
  • Valid Driver's license, obtain NC license within 60 days of hire.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/19/2025 Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 07/17/2025 Notice to Applicants
Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.
Special Instructions
Along with your completed application, please include as attachments a resume and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00044420 Position Type SHRA Position Classification Band Title Research Technician Position Classification Band Level Contributing Position Classification Salary Range $ 34,320 - $ 72,734 Salary Grade Equivalency GN04 Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies Time Limited Position No Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable) Department Id 193001 - Animal Resources EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

What North Carolina State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


North Carolina State University logo

About North Carolina State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887