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Humane Educator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends, Inc.

Special Events Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends ...

Animal Friends, Inc.

Relief Veterinarian

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$80/hr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends ...

Animal Friends

Veterinary Technician

Pittsburgh, PA

$18 - $20/hr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we ...

Animal Friends

Special Events Manager

Pittsburgh, PA

$50K - $55K/yr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends ...

Animal Friends, Inc.

Veterinary Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives... simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we ...

Animal Friends

Relief Veterinarian

Pittsburgh, PA

$80/hr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends ...

Animal Friends, Inc.

Veterinary Technician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do. At Animal Friends, we ...

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Humane Educator information

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$10

$22

$40

How much do humane educator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for humane educator in Pennsylvania is $22.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a humane educator?

Humane educators are professionals who teach people—often children, but also adults—about compassion, respect, and responsibility toward animals, people, and the environment. They design and deliver programs, workshops, and curricula that promote empathy, ethical decision-making, and positive social change. Humane educators may work in schools, animal shelters, nonprofits, or community organizations, aiming to inspire individuals to make choices that improve the well-being of all living things. Their work often includes interactive lessons, advocacy, and public speaking to raise awareness about issues like animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a humane educator?

To thrive as a Humane Educator, you need a background in education, animal welfare, or a related field, often supported by a degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with educational technology, curriculum development tools, and animal care protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively engaging diverse audiences and fostering compassion. These skills and qualities are essential for inspiring positive attitudes towards animals and promoting responsible behavior in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by humane educators, and how can they be addressed?

Humane educators often encounter the challenge of engaging diverse audiences with varying levels of knowledge and interest in animal welfare and social justice topics. To address this, educators tailor their approaches to be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, using interactive activities and real-life stories to foster empathy and understanding. Additionally, they may work in environments where resources are limited, so creativity and collaboration with colleagues or local organizations are essential to maximize impact. Building strong relationships with schools, community groups, and shelters can also help overcome logistical hurdles and broaden outreach.

What is the difference between Humane Educator vs Animal Care Specialist?

AspectHumane EducatorAnimal Care Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClassroom, community outreach, educational programsAnimal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, zoos, educational organizationsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinary clinics
Primary FocusEducating the public about animal welfare and responsible pet ownershipProviding direct care, feeding, and health monitoring of animals

While both roles involve working with animals, Humane Educators focus on public education and outreach, whereas Animal Care Specialists are primarily responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

What are popular job titles related to Humane Educator jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Humane Educator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Humane Educator jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Educator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Humane Educator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Humane Educator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,740 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Shelter Veterinarian (Full-Time)

Animal Friends, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Shelter Veterinarian
Status: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: On-site
Schedule: Primarily daytime hours; occasional weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities as needed
Starting Pay Range: $125,000 + (Based on experience)
Who We Are
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set - and raised - the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year.
Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it's what we do.
At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.
Position Summary
The Shelter Veterinarian plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends' mission by providing high-quality medical and surgical care to homeless dogs, cats, and rabbits in our shelter and foster programs. This position serves as an advocate for animals in our care, ensuring they receive progressive, compassionate, and evidence-based veterinary treatment while helping Animal Friends maintain its commitment to lifesaving.
Working closely with the Shelter Medicine team, Behavior Department, Humane Investigations staff, and foster volunteers, the Shelter Veterinarian contributes to positive outcomes for animals while advancing best practices in shelter medicine, animal welfare, and population health.
Primary Responsibilities
Shelter Medicine & Patient Care
  • Oversee the veterinary functions of shelter medical, surgical, and foster care programs to ensure quality, professionalism, and compliance with accepted standards of veterinary practice.
  • Provide medical care for dogs, cats, and rabbits residing in the shelter and foster care programs.
  • Diagnose and treat illness, injury, and disease in shelter animals.
  • Develop and implement treatment plans that support positive animal welfare outcomes.
  • Monitor shelter population health and contribute to disease prevention and management strategies.

Surgery
  • Perform routine and advanced surgical procedures, including but not limited to:
    • Ovariohysterectomy (including pediatric)
    • Castration/orchiectomy (including pediatric)
    • Tumor, mass, and cyst removals
    • Hernia repairs
    • Dewclaw removals
    • Dental procedures and extractions
    • Ocular procedures, including entropion repairs
    • Other soft tissue surgeries as indicated

Animal Welfare & Humane Investigations
  • Collaborate with the Humane Investigations and Behavior teams regarding the evaluation and disposition of animals.
  • Perform clinical forensic examinations and gross necropsies as needed.
  • Prepare reports for law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
  • Provide expert testimony and professional veterinary consultation for cruelty and neglect investigations when required.
  • Utilize accepted scientific methods in the analysis, documentation, and reporting of findings.

Shelter Operations & Collaboration
  • Partner with shelter staff, veterinary technicians, foster caregivers, and volunteers to ensure continuity of care.
  • Support the development and implementation of shelter medicine protocols and best practices.
  • Provide veterinary guidance regarding animal housing, enrichment, biosecurity, and population management.
  • Contribute to a culture of mentorship, learning, and continuous improvement within the Shelter Medicine team.

Other Duties
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.

What We Offer
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
  • Retirement plan with employer contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
  • Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
  • Opportunities for mentorship and growth in shelter medicine
  • Meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of homeless animals
  • A mission-driven team dedicated to creating a more humane and compassionate world for every animal friend

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.
Requirements
Education
  • Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD).

Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in small animal medicine and surgery.

Certifications/Licensures
  • Current Pennsylvania veterinary license in good standing.
  • Current DEA license.

Skills and Abilities
  • Strong medical, surgical, and diagnostic skills.
  • Knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal disease prevention, treatment, and population health principles.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Strong computer proficiency and ability to maintain accurate medical records.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, law enforcement personnel, and community stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage emotionally challenging situations with professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
  • Ability to safely handle dogs, cats, rabbits, and other species of varying sizes, breeds, ages, temperaments, and backgrounds.

Availability
  • Reliable transportation and regular onsite attendance required.
  • Ability to work occasional weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Animal Handling
  • Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals in varying states of health and behavior.

Preferred Qualifications
Nice-to-have experience that supports success but is not required:
  • Previous experience in shelter medicine.
  • Experience with veterinary forensic examinations and cruelty investigations.
  • Experience performing high-volume surgical procedures.
  • Experience with ShelterLuv or similar animal shelter management software.
  • Knowledge of shelter epidemiology, population medicine, and animal welfare best practices.

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands
This position:
  • Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Involves exposure to animals, animal dander, waste, cleaning agents, disinfectants, anesthesia, pharmaceuticals, and other veterinary-related materials.
  • Involves exposure to high noise levels in a shelter environment.
  • May involve risk of animal bites, scratches, and other animal-related hazards.
  • Requires frequent handling and restraint of animals of varying size, strength, and temperament.
  • May involve emotionally challenging situations related to neglect, cruelty, euthanasia, serious illness, injury, and end-of-life care.
  • Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Apply