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Animal Rescue Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Leading training initiatives e.g. animal observations, technical procedures, etc. * Providing mentorship, training and guidance for less experienced staff. * Participating in internal and external ...

Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital is Hiring an Experienced Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Experienced Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant ...

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events. Your Petco Grooming Career:

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Animal Rescue information

See Reading, PA salary details

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$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Reading, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,047 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Veterinary Technician works closely with the Clinical and/or Attending Veterinarian, Operations, QA and VSRS team in supporting the treatment and care of RMS's small animals at the RMS production location.
  • Observing animals for signs and or symptoms of illness or abnormal behavior, including morbidity and mortality reporting.
  • Participating in and driving health monitoring programs, including collecting and submitting samples and necropsies where needed.
  • Handling and restraining animals using positive reinforcement techniques for routine animal handling tasks.
  • Leading training initiatives e.g. animal observations, technical procedures, etc.
  • Providing mentorship, training and guidance for less experienced staff.
  • Participating in internal and external audits and regulatory site visits.
  • Socializing animals according to animal welfare requirements and assists with behavioral assessments.
  • Performing assessments and physical examinations.
  • Performing non-invasive surgeries with veterinary support.
  • Administering therapeutic modalities as directed by the veterinary and clinical staff
  • Supporting the surgical staff, including monitoring anesthesia and recovery.
  • Obtaining and submitting diagnostic samples to the laboratory.
  • Serving as health representative in other departments, e.g. behavior, hospital, shipping, quarantine and outdoor housing.
  • Participating in and providing feedback for special projects when required by management.
  • Ensuring accurate and concise communication between veterinary staff and technicians.
  • Effectively applying knowledge of regulatory requirements, guidelines and SOPs.
  • Demonstrating effective quality control and documentation skills.
  • Ensuring proper documentation of controlled substances.
  • Fulfill any other assigned duties that may be required by the business.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • 1 to 5 years' experience in Veterinary or animal science field.
  • LVT/CVT licensure/certification preferred but not required
  • Proficient with advanced skills using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • Experience with laboratory animals including rodents and rabbits preferred but not required
  • Experience using Laboratory Information Management System
  • Ability to work either independently or as part of a team
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to relate complex concepts in a concise and easy to understand manner with high attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple demands, often under tight time constraints
  • An individual capable of operating effectively in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Adherence to strict quality control and quality assurance principles
  • Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills that establish trust, credibility and respect with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including management
  • Effectively work with peers, leadership, and stakeholders in a productive collaborative environment.
  • Ability to understand and comply with confidentiality and privacy rules and protect company property and confidential information.
  • Empathetic, positive attitude with a desire to help our customers reach their goal

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we "Play to Win" in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There's an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual's unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people's lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.