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Animal Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Volunteer Job Number: 00514 Department: ANIMAL SERV & CONTROL Opening Date: 01/01/2026 Closing Date: 12/31/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Description Iredell County Animal Services is the only municipally ran ...

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Description Under direct supervision, volunteer performs various duties to assist Animal Shelter staff with care of animals and the Animal Shelter facility. This position is distinguished from the ...

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Animal Volunteer information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do animal volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animal volunteer do?

As an Animal Volunteer, you may assist with feeding, cleaning enclosures, socializing animals, supporting adoption events, or helping with administrative duties. The specific tasks often depend on the organization and the types of animals in their care. You’ll likely work closely with staff and other volunteers to ensure animal welfare and may be asked to follow specific protocols for safety and hygiene. Animal handling training is commonly provided, and flexibility is valued as needs can change day to day.

What is an animal volunteer?

Animal volunteers are individuals who offer their time and effort to help care for animals in shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers without receiving monetary compensation. Their duties can include feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, assisting with adoptions, and supporting fundraising or community outreach events. Animal volunteers play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for animals and increasing their chances of finding permanent homes.

What is the difference between Animal Volunteer vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimal VolunteerAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsNone typically required, training provided on-siteMay require certifications or training in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVolunteering at shelters, rescue centers, or community eventsPaid positions in shelters, clinics, or veterinary practices
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, animal shelters, rescue groupsAnimal hospitals, veterinary clinics, shelters
Common Search & ComparisonVolunteer roles focused on supporting animals without formal employmentPaid roles involving direct animal care and medical support

Animal Volunteers typically support shelters and rescue organizations without requiring formal credentials, often working as volunteers. Animal Care Assistants are paid staff who may need certifications and perform more hands-on medical and daily care tasks. Both roles are essential in animal welfare but differ mainly in employment status and level of training required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal volunteer?

To thrive as an Animal Volunteer, you typically need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and safety protocols, often gained through on-site training rather than formal qualifications. Familiarity with animal shelter management systems and basic first aid for animals can be beneficial. Compassion, reliability, and strong communication skills help volunteers work effectively with both animals and staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring animal well-being and supporting smooth shelter operations.
More about Animal Volunteer jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Volunteer jobs? Cities with the most Animal Volunteer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs? The most popular types of Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Volunteer jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Volunteer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animal Volunteer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Therapy Animal Volunteers Needed in Mahoning, Columbiana, and Trumbull counties.

Ocean Healthcare

Youngstown, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

) Unpaid Therapy Animal Volunteer- Youngstown and Tri-county area
Our primary goal is to make sure that the end-of-life experience is as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Beyond alleviating pain and symptoms, we emphasize emotional health and a harmonious mindset. Likewise, we address the spiritual and social needs of family members both during and after the end-of-life period. Our Harmony Volunteers are an essential part of that mission, providing support in a variety of ways.

Harmony Hospice is currently searching for a dedicated volunteer therapy animal and their person to bring compassionate support to hospice patients and their families in private homes, long term care facilities, and at events in the Brunswick area.
Qualifications
• Therapy animals are required to be licensed with an appropriate therapy organization (i.e. Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, etc.) and be up to date on their vaccinations.
• Human volunteers will go through an onboarding and orientation process that will familiarize you with hospice and set you up for success. No experience with hospice required.
  • Availability of time and skills that pertain to the volunteer activity
  • Ability to communicate well and work independently.

Time commitment
This volunteer position is flexbile bassed on our volunteer's availabiltiy and desired time commitment.