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Animal Rescue Jobs in Scranton, PA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician I

Olyphant, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The Animal Care Technician I shall be responsible for the coordination, movement, and maintenance of facility equipment and supplies. Participate in sanitation through the central cage wash/ In-life ...

Animal Care Technician I

Olyphant, PA

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

The Animal Care Technician I shall be responsible for the coordination, movement, and maintenance of facility equipment and supplies. Participate in sanitation through the central cage wash/ In-life ...

Be Seen First

Shoemaker Avenue Animal Hospital is seeking a dependable, friendly, and detail oriented full-time Veterinary Receptionist to join our team. We are a busy small animal hospital committed to providing ...

Hospital Medical Leader

Exeter, PA · On-site

$39K - $54K/yr

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. We Invite You Unleash your ...

Veterinary Hospital Receptionist

Exeter, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

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. Position Purpose: The purpose ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Scranton, 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 Scranton, PA is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $24.76 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 Scranton, PA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Scranton, PA are:
What cities near Scranton, PA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Scranton, PA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Scranton, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $43,340 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Animal Care Technician I

Animal Care Technician I

Altasciences

Olyphant, PA • On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Altasciences rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Your New Company!
At Altasciences we all move in unison to assist and work in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of new drug therapies to get them faster to people who need them. No matter your role, we all play an important part and you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. By living our values of Employee Development, Customer Focus, Quality and Excellence, Respect and Integrity, we look to foster a passionate and collaborative work environment and we are looking for talented and enthusiastic people, like you, to join our growing team! Whether you're a recent college graduate or seeking your next career opportunity, it's time to discover your future at Altasciences.
We are better together and together We Are Altasciences.
About the role:
The Animal Care Technician I shall be responsible for the coordination, movement, and maintenance of facility equipment and supplies. Participate in sanitation through the central cage wash/ In-life and perform monthly environmental tasks for the facility. Provides basic husbandry services or perform tasks involved in the care, maintenance, and welfare of animals (e.g. mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, swine, non-human primates).
What You'll Do Here:
  • Completes training focused on general core skills for the area of work.
  • Comply with the appropriate safety and study requirements as described in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and regulatory authorities including but not limited to ALCOA+, USDA, AAALAC, and governmental regulations.
  • Comply with appropriate safety and health practices including personal protective equipment and barrier requirements, as applicable.
  • Handle, restrain, and manipulate animals consistently, professionally, and with empathy.
  • Recognize animal behavior, health status and report to appropriate channels.
  • Perform animal husbandry (cleaning, feed, sanitation, enrichment, etc.) on a regular basis.
  • Operate, maintain, and perform equipment tasks (e.g. cage washers, autoclave, cage movement) on a regular basis.
  • Observe and report any aberrations in animal room environments (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.).
  • Perform general facility cleaning, stocking, and inventory.
  • Receive, and distribute animals for isolation, study assignment or consolidation.
  • Meets acceptable data standards according to the data quality performance standards. Work is done with integrity and can be relied upon. Checks data upon completion. Deviations, edits, etc. are done in a timely manner.
  • Acts as support group for other departments (e.g., moving animals from building to building, cage changes, bringing animals to necropsy, etc.).
  • Participates in a weekend and evening rotations, as needed.
  • Meets acceptable data standards according to the data quality performance standards. Work is done with integrity and can be relied upon. Checks data upon completion. Deviations, edits, etc. are done in a timely manner.
  • Acts as support group for other departments (e.g., moving animals from building to building, cage changes, bringing animals to necropsy, etc.).
  • Participates in a weekend and evening rotations, as needed.

What You'll Need to Succeed:
Job requirements
Education:
High School Diploma and/or GED required; BS/BA in a scientific discipline
preferred.
Work Experience:
Minimum of 0-1 of related experience.
Supervisory Experience:
N/A
Certificates/Licenses /Registrations:
ALAT certification preferred.
Technical Skills:
MS Office suite. Able to adapt easily to new software programs.
Language(s) Skills:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and
maintenance instructions, software manuals, study documents, and
procedure manuals; and the ability to write routine reports and
correspondence.
Other Requirements:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Well developed interpersonal skills are required.
  • Personal/professional integrity and proven discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results.
  • Capable of managing multiple conflicting priorities.
  • Must be self-directed, motivated, and have a willingness to take the initiative to identify and anticipate client needs and make recommendations for implementation.
  • Relevant industry experience a plus. Ability to work cross functionally on process improvements.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Ability to multi-task and maintain organization in a fast paced, changing environment.
  • Ability to manage change.
  • Readily adapts to new projects.
  • Positive attitude toward work and co-workers.
  • Be comfortable communicating with all levels of
  • management and employees.
  • Able to identify and resolve problems as they are encountered.

What We Offer:
Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work.
Altasciences' Benefits Package Includes:
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
  • 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs

Altasciences' Incentive Programs Include:
  • Training & Development Programs
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Annual Performance Review

#LI-TA1
MOVING IN UNISON TO DELIVER A BIG IMPACT WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Altasciences is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other protected grounds under applicable legislation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process are available upon request. Join us at Altasciences!

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