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Animal Rescue Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Sight & Sound

Animal Caretaker (Part-Time)

Ronks, PA · On-site

The Animal Caretaker participates in the care of all Sight & Sound show animals and their facilities. This position will work up to 28 hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday. Essential Duties and ...

Allentown Animal Care

Associate Veterinarian

Allentown, PA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Make more meaningful moments at Allentown Animal Care! Associate Veterinarian | Mentorship ... rescue efforts. Life in Allentown, PA Living in Allentown, PA, offers an exciting blend of urban ...

Wyomissing Animal Hospital

Veterinarian

Reading, PA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Make More Meaningful Moments at Wyomissing Animal Hospital! Associate Veterinarian | Mentorship Available Companion Animal | General Practice + Surgery Full-Time or Part-Time or Relief | No After ...

Inotivco

Veterinary Technician

Denver, PA · On-site

Monitors animal health and welfare by working in collaboration with operations and VSRS, other veterinary technicians, training, animal care technicians and other stakeholders. Performs daily ...

Inotiv

Veterinary Technician

Denver, PA · On-site

Monitors animal health and welfare by working in collaboration with operations and VSRS, other veterinary technicians, training, animal care technicians and other stakeholders. Performs daily ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Reading, PA

Animal Rescue information

See Reading, PA salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Reading, PA is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.99 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 Reading, PA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Reading, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,047 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Veterinarian Medical Director | Small Animal + Exotic Practice

Allentown Animal Care

Allentown, PA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Make more meaningful moments at Allentown Animal Care!

Medical Director | Leadership Development Available
Small Animal (Exotics Welcome) | GP + Surgery
???? Allentown, PA

Allentown Animal Care in Allentown, PA, is seeking a Medical Director to lead our team. We are a well-established practice that offers comprehensive veterinary care for a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Our clinic is renowned for its compassionate care, cutting-edge technology, and a team of highly trained professionals who are committed to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine. As Medical Director, you'll continue practicing exceptional medicine while mentoring doctors, partnering with an experienced leadership team, and helping guide the medical direction of a hospital where your voice truly matters. Whether your passion is surgery, exotics, mentorship, or elevating clinical standards, you'll have the support and autonomy to make a lasting impact. If you've been looking for the opportunity to lead a hospital without sacrificing the medicine you love, this could be the role you've been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Diverse Caseload: Gain experience with a wide range of species, from dogs and cats to exotic pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
  • Mentorship and Growth: Benefit from a supportive team environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development for both new graduates and experienced veterinarians.
  • Advanced Technology: Work with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital radiology, ultrasound and advanced dental procedures, to provide the best care for your patients.
  • Established Reputation, Endless Opportunity: Allentown Animal Care has deep roots in the community and a loyal client base. You'll inherit a respected hospital while having the opportunity to introduce new ideas, grow services, strengthen the team and continue elevating the level of care.
  • Community Engagement: Join a clinic that is deeply committed to the community, providing compassionate care and engaging in local wildlife rescue efforts.

Life in Allentown, PA
Living in Allentown, PA, offers an exciting blend of urban amenities and natural beauty that caters to diverse lifestyles. As Pennsylvania's third-largest city, Allentown boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a dynamic arts scene. With numerous parks and recreational facilities, outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails, scenic rivers, and green spaces right in the city's backyard. Allentown's central location in the Lehigh Valley provides easy access to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, making it ideal for commuters.

The Allentown Animal Care+ CVP Difference
We’re part of the Community Veterinary Partners (CVP) fam, a veterinarian-led network that believes in freedom, support, and growth. That means:

  • Creative Compensation Packages: Crafted to intentionally align with your career aspirations and never include negative accrual.
  • Expansive Network: Collaborate with 600+ doctors across 140+ hospitals in 18 states, gaining unmatched support and expertise.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision + 24/7 Mental Health Support – Because you deserve to be taken care of, too.
  • Clinical Autonomy: Make the best medical decisions for your patients within a supportive team that has your back.
  • Top-Tier Growth & Mentorship: Benefit from structured onboarding, leadership development, and career advancement programs.
And through CVP’s shared values: Champion People, Elevate Care, Respect Each Other, Execute with Excellence, Seek to Understand. We create an environment where care flourishes, growth is encouraged, and your career can take the path you choose.
Additional Benefits of Our Community
  • Competitive compensation with sign-on bonus and relocation assistance available
  • No Negative Accrual — ever. Monthly Bonus and Reset.
  • Generous PTO, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
  • Annual CE allowance + paid CE time off
  • Paid licensing and fees (state license, DEA, AVMA PLIT, VIN & more)
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and 24/7 mental health support
  • 401(k) with match + Equity Opportunities
  • Pet care discounts + Most IDEXX labs free - because your own pets deserve great care, too
  • Team recognition and incentive programs that celebrate all hospital team members monthly
Want to Fall in Love with Veterinary Medicine Again?
At Allentown Animal Care, you’ll practice meaningful medicine, build lasting client relationships, and be supported by a team that genuinely cares — about you, your growth, and your wellbeing.


CVP does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


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