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Animal Rescue information

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$21

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 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.

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 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 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 job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Humane Animal Rescue Of Pittsburgh rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

647th of 671 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Description:

Make A Difference Everyday

Are you passionate about animals and the people who care for them? Humane Animal Rescue is expanding the Volunteer Department and seeking a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to support and grow our dynamic Volunteer Program. Working closely with the Volunteer Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator plays a central role in creating a welcoming, well-supported volunteer experience across both of HARPโ€™s domestic shelters. This position serves as the primary trainer for domestic volunteers, providing hands-on guidance, ongoing support, and ensuring accurate tracking of volunteer hours, duties, and program compliance.In the absence of the Volunteer Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator acts as the main point of contact for volunteers, helping maintain strong communication, problem-solving, and adequate staff and volunteer coverage. This role is essential to fostering a safe, organized, and positive environment for both volunteers and the animals in our care.The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.


Why Youโ€™ll Love Working Here

  • Mission-Driven Work: Help animals in need while supporting pet owners, shelter operations, underserved communities, and more.
  • Progressive Animal Sheltering: Field trips, enrichment, community services, and a wide variety of other volunteer opportunities.
  • Professional Growth: Professional development opportunities and a supportive, collaborative team.
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, generous PTO, PSLF eligibility.


The Work Youโ€™ll Do:

  • Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh throughout all responsibilities of the position.
  • Assist the Volunteer Manager with recruitment and retention of volunteers.
  • Assist Volunteer Manager with screening and onboarding applicants to find the best possible volunteer candidates.
  • Train volunteers on an on-going basis to support the needs of a growing department and enhance the volunteer experience.
  • With the Volunteer Manager, work collaboratively with other departments to identify, develop, and implement new volunteer positions.
  • Screen, assign, and oversee volunteers for community service hours and special projects.
  • Attend and participate in volunteer meetings.
  • Contribute to weekly e-newsletter detailing volunteer activities and recognize volunteers for an outstanding performance.
  • Report problems and recommend changes that would help the program in a timely manner.
  • Maintain an open line of communication between all staff members to discuss issues, problems and ideas.
  • Assist in planning and implementation of annual Volunteer Recognition events and efforts.
  • Provide on-site tours of the domestic shelters.
  • Required to work one weekend day with occasional evening hours required..
  • Maintain regular communication through multiple program related email accounts.
  • Maintain a high level of communication and work collaboratively with all personnel in a manner that is consistent with company policy.
  • Perform other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Volunteer Manager.


Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, listen, hear; use hands to finger, manipulate, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This role routinely requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior and requires keen observational skills, as well as dexterity with a leash and other training equipment used with both cats and dogs. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.


About Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

HARP operates:

  • Two large open-door shelters with full-service Veterinary Medical Centers
  • A Wildlife Rehabilitation Center run by licensed specialists
  • A mobile veterinary unit bringing care directly to underserved communities

We serve thousands of animals every year while building a more compassionate future for our cityโ€™s pets and wildlife.


Travel

Travel between North Side, East Side and Wild Side locations will be required. Some travel for special circumstances may be required on a case-by-case basis.


Join Us

If youโ€™re ready to bring your skills, compassion, and commitment to a team that values both people and pets, weโ€™d love to hear from you.

?? Apply today and start your next chapter with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.

Requirements:
  • The ability to communicate with, supervise and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles - experience with volunteers preferred.
  • Knowledge of how to manage and coordinate volunteers and projects.
  • The ability to positively communicate and present program material to a varied range of ages.
  • The ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities.
  • The ability to keep detailed records.
  • Highly organized, flexible, and the ability to multitask.
  • Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
  • Experience with or willingness to learn Volunteer Management software.
  • Willingness to learn to appropriately handle domestic animals in public situations.
  • Availability on weekends and evenings.
  • Valid driverโ€™s license and reliable transportation a must.
  • Animal handling experience a plus.
  • High School diploma or two years relevant experience.