ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs

Animal Rescue information

See salary details

$9

$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 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.
More about Animal Rescue jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs are:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Development Manager

Development Manager

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Inc

Asheville, NC • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position: Development Manager
Department: Marketing and Development
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt, full time position
Immediate Supervisor: Senior Director of Strategic Development
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is excited to add a Development Manager to our growing team! We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated teammate to help carry out a strong development plan and deepen support for our lifesaving work.
The Development Manager will be part of Brother Wolf's Marketing and Development team, a five person team which leads all fundraising initiatives for the organization. This position will have a direct report to support development operations and execution, while also working alongside a collaborative team of marketing and development professionals. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, collaborative, creative, emotionally intelligent, and excited to connect people with a mission that saves animals' lives!
General Position Summary:
The Development Manager is responsible for helping implement and manage Brother Wolf Animal Rescue's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This position will support the execution of a comprehensive development plan alongside a collaborative team. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, follow-through, comfort with fundraising systems and data, and a genuine passion for companion animals and the people who love them.
About the Role:
The Development Manager is both a strategic implementer and a relationship builder. This person will help turn fundraising strategy into action by managing donor communications, coordinating fundraising initiatives, supporting campaigns, overseeing key development systems, and helping ensure supporters feel meaningfully connected to Brother Wolf's impact.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys both people and process; someone who can build authentic relationships while also keeping details, deadlines, data, and follow-up organized behind the scenes.
Essential Function/Major Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy Implementation:
  • Support the execution of Brother Wolf's annual development plan in alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Assist in carrying out fundraising efforts across individual giving, major gifts, legacy giving, grants, sponsorships, campaigns, special events, and donor engagement initiatives.
  • Manage assigned projects from planning through completion, ensuring deadlines, details, and follow-up are handled thoughtfully.
  • Support capital campaign and rebuilding-related fundraising initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Development team to support donor engagement and gratitude.
  • Contribute to a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Donor Relations, Events and Stewardship:
  • Build and maintain authentic relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community stakeholders.
  • Support donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, acknowledgment, and retention efforts.
  • Help create donor communications, including appeals, acknowledgment language, impact updates, sponsorship materials, reports, and campaign follow-up.
  • Represent Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at community events, fundraising events, and public engagement opportunities.
  • Help connect supporters to Brother Wolf's mission through thoughtful storytelling, clear impact reporting, and meaningful relationship-building.
  • Support grant and partnership efforts by coordinating materials, submissions, and reports alongside a grant writer.
  • Assist in coordinating fundraising events, donor gatherings, campaign launches, and community engagement opportunities, including logistics, partners, sponsorships, follow-up, reporting, and stewardship.

Development Operations, Data Management and Team Support:
  • Work collaboratively with the Marketing and Development team to support shared fundraising goals and department priorities.
  • Assign and review data entry tasks related to gifts, donor records, acknowledgments, campaign tracking, and CRM maintenance.
  • Prepare fundraising reports and updates for internal leadership, the Board of Directors, and campaign planning.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Minimum of 3 years of nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or related experience.
  • A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in place of formal education.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or securing philanthropic support through donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, campaigns, events, or related fundraising efforts.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Experience with donor databases, CRMs, or fundraising tracking systems.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
  • Comfort working with fundraising goals, donor data, reports, and metrics.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
  • Ability to take initiative, follow through, and ask thoughtful questions.
  • Ability to receive feedback with openness and professionalism.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and sound judgment.
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace or similar platforms.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
  • Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred:
  • Experience in a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
  • Experience with major gifts, annual giving, fundraising campaigns, or donor stewardship strategies.
  • Experience supervising staff, volunteers, interns, or administrative support.
  • Familiarity with animal welfare, community-centered nonprofit work, or companion animal programs.
  • A genuine passion for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue's mission and the future we are so lucky to build.

Compensation
Salary range:
$75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; employee assistance resources; professional development opportunities; employee wellness initiatives; and pet care support benefits.
Brother Wolf values work-life balance and sustainable workloads. This is a full-time position; some evening and weekend availability will be needed for fundraising events, donor meetings, or community engagement activities, with scheduling planned thoughtfully and flexibly whenever possible.
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position with hybrid flexibility, including the option to work remotely one day per week. The role will primarily include office-based work, community meetings, fundraising events, occasional evening or weekend commitments, and collaboration with staff across departments.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applicants.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace rooted in compassion, collaboration, and inclusion. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, creed, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification.

Apply