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Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue Jobs in Raleigh, NC

FT Key Holder

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

... Full Time Sales Associate Key Holder models our Mission and Core Values. Striving to be the ... We don't sell animals - we are deeply committed to supporting local non-profit animal related ...

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Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue information

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$9

$20

$27

How much do full time non profit animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time non profit animal rescue in Raleigh, NC is $20.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a non-profit animal rescue?

To become a non-profit animal rescue, you need to establish a legal entity by registering as a 501(c)(3) organization, develop a mission and operational plan, and obtain necessary permits and licenses. This process often involves creating bylaws, applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS, and setting up fundraising and volunteer systems. Having experience in animal care, nonprofit management, and fundraising can support successful operation.

What is the difference between Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectFull Time Non Profit Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal care often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, rescue operationsShelter facilities, animal care, cleaning, and feeding
Employer & IndustryNon profit organizations dedicated to rescue and rehoming animalsMunicipal or private animal shelters

Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue roles focus on rescuing animals from various situations, often involving fieldwork and community outreach. In contrast, Animal Shelter Workers primarily operate within shelter facilities, handling daily animal care and shelter maintenance. Both roles require a passion for animal welfare but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

In the field of animal rescue and related roles, veterinary surgeons typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Specialized veterinarians, such as those in exotic animal or emergency care, tend to have higher pay due to advanced skills and certifications. Management positions in large organizations or animal-related industries can also offer higher compensation.

How to get into animal rescue work?

To get into animal rescue work as a full-time non-profit animal rescuer, gaining experience through volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations is essential. Developing skills in animal care, handling, and basic veterinary knowledge, along with strong communication and organizational abilities, can improve job prospects. Some positions may require certifications such as animal first aid or CPR, and understanding local regulations is also beneficial.

How much do animal rights activists get paid?

Animal rights activists working in full-time nonprofit animal rescue roles typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and organization size. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and some positions may require volunteer or advocacy experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Non Profit Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Non Profit Animal Rescue jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Full Time Non Profit Animal Rescue job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,560 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Animal Care Specialist - SPCA Wake (Full-Time)

Animal Care Specialist - SPCA Wake (Full-Time)

SPCA of Wake County

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $21.00hr

Animal Care Specialist
If you have a passion for working with animals and enjoy seeing goals met through daily scheduled activities, the Animal Care Specialist may be the most rewarding career journey of your life.


Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 per hour with scheduled salary increases at anniversary of hire date


Who We Are Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Wake County (SPCA Wake)
Founded in 1967 in Raleigh, NC, SPCA Wake is a progressive and innovative private, non-profit animal welfare and sheltering organization. Our organizational core values are the foundation of a positive work culture that values employees just as much as our mission. We are committed to creating a better future for pets and people and we work hard to achieve our goals and offer a rewarding workplace. SPCA Wake provides competitive pay and excellent benefits (see below). Working at SPCA Wake is about more than just a paycheck, its about making a difference every day in the lives of pets and people.

With locations in Raleigh and Garner, SPCA Wake rescues, heals and adopts more than 4,000 pets annually and provides assistance to more than 30,000 families and individuals each year. We never place a time limit on how long cats, dogs and other pets stay at our shelter. Our vision is to create a humane community for pets and people. If you are looking to make an impact and to save lives, SPCA Wake is the perfect place for you.


Our Core Values:
1- Hell, Yeah!
2- Be Kind
3- Do What You Say
4- Forward Focused
5- Loose & Wiggly
6- Drop the Mic


Position Overview
As an Animal Care Specialist you (and your teammates) are responsible for the daily care and enrichment for shelter animals who are just entering our care or are waiting to be adopted. You will work with a dynamic assortment of volunteers and customers. The Animal Care Specialist improves the quality of life for homeless pets at SPCA Wake with training, feeding, exercise and socialization. The job is so much more than cleaning kennels, although there is a fair amount of that, to be honest. We practice fear-free animal handling at all times. Training is provided. While this is a front-line position, we dont consider it an entry level position, as it takes some time to build the skills needed to excel for the betterment of the animals. One more thing -- you must be comfortable kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead and lifting, carrying, and pulling up to 50 lbs.


You might be a born Animal Care Specialist if:
Youre equally comfortable talking to pets or people you can communicate with either!
You consider yourself to be a bit of a time management freak you love nothing more than thinking about the most effective way to get your work done.
Youre the first to notice when one of your, or your familys, pets isnt acting right and do something about it.
Youve never considered yourself only a dog person or a cat person; youd snuggle up to any critter that would let you.


Required:

Must love animals and care about people

Previous professional animal handling experience

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays and Sundays, some holidays

Valid drivers license (some animal transport van driving required)

A high school diploma or equivalent

Must be comfortable kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead and lifting, carrying, and pulling up to 50 lbs.

Previous customer service experience

Previous animal handling experience


Benefits:

  • Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full-time)
  • Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy
  • Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care

PAID TIME OFF

  • All part-time and full-time staff receive paid time off.
  • Paid Holidays - 9 paid holidays per year (full-time)
  • Vacation Time - 10 paid vacation days per year (full-time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date
  • Sick Time - 6.5 paid sick days per year (full-time)

FINANCIAL

  • Healthcare: Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k Plan
  • Coastal Federal Credit Union Membership
  • 20% discount on pet adoptions and in SPCA Wake retail store

OTHER

  • Bereavement time off
  • Federal & State Leave of Absence options

Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls or emails, please well have our people call your people!