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Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Animal Resources Attendant

Pittsboro, NC · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Become a part of the best local government in North Carolina click "Apply" in the top right corner ... Return to the Are you an animal lover with a heart for rescue and a drive to make a real difference ...

Local Animal Rescue information

See Durham, NC salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Durham, NC is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by team members in a local animal rescue organization?

Team members in local animal rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional aspects of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling unpredictable situations during rescues, and balancing a high workload with limited resources. Collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local authorities is crucial to ensure animal welfare and successful rehoming. Additionally, adapting to fast-changing priorities and maintaining effective communication within the team are key to providing the best possible care for animals in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge, often supported by relevant training or certifications in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal first aid, and rescue equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with animals, the public, and fellow team members. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, facilitating successful adoptions, and maintaining positive community relations.

What is the difference between Local Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectLocal Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsMay require animal care certifications, CPR, first aidOften requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVaries from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-callPrimarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, community organizationsMunicipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunitiesShelter operations, daily animal care, adoption processes

Both roles involve caring for animals, but Local Animal Rescue focuses on emergency and outdoor rescues, while Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily shelter operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and responsibilities.

What are local animal rescues?

Local animal rescues are organizations or groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, abandoned, or abused animals within a specific community or region. They often work with shelters, foster volunteers, and veterinarians to provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services. Unlike large national organizations, local rescues focus on the needs of animals in their immediate area, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare at the community level.

What qualifications do I need to be an animal welfare officer?

To become an animal welfare officer, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Experience with animal care, strong communication skills, and knowledge of animal laws and welfare standards are also important. Certifications in animal first aid or behavior can enhance employability.

How to get into animal rescue?

To get into animal rescue, you can volunteer at local shelters or rescue organizations to gain experience and understand the field. Many roles require compassion, basic animal care skills, and sometimes certifications like pet first aid. Building connections and demonstrating commitment can help you pursue a career or volunteer opportunities in animal rescue.

Can I volunteer with animals without experience?

Yes, many animal rescue organizations welcome volunteers without prior experience. Training and supervision are often provided, and volunteers may assist with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and socializing animals, making it accessible for beginners. Basic knowledge of animal care and a compassionate attitude are helpful but not always required.

What do I need to work at an animal rescue?

To work at an animal rescue, you typically need a genuine passion for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks. Relevant experience with animals, basic first aid or pet care certifications, and a flexible schedule are often beneficial. Some positions may require background checks or volunteer experience before employment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

WELCOME TO CHATHAM COUNTY'S APPLICATION PROCESS. To Apply: Become a part of the best local government in North Carolina click "Apply" in the top right corner. All sections of the application, including work experience, MUST be completed.

Please include the last ten (10) years of employment history. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications are stored on a secure site accessible only by authorized personnel.

Your application can be saved and used to apply for more than one (1) job opening. Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law. Chatham County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

Chatham County does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for our positions at this time. *Please Note: After submitting your application: Log into your GovernmentJobs account daily. You will receive emails and notices from hiring managers asking you to complete tasks.

You do not want to miss these. The references you provided will be asked to complete a form. This does NOT mean you will be interviewed.

It is an automated process in NeoGov. We recommend you sign up for text message alerts when you create your account. If you have issues with submitting your application, please contact Neogov Applicant Support at 1-855-524-5627.

Return to the Chatham County Homepage. Job Description Are you an animal lover with a heart for rescue and a drive to make a real difference. We're looking for a passionate, hardworking, and compassionate Animal Resources Attendant to join our dedicated team at the shelter.

Every day, you'll play a hands-on role in providing comfort, care, and a fresh start for animals in need. From feeding and cleaning to cuddles and enrichment, your work will help transform lives, both animal and human. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, get a little dirty, and help create a safe, loving environment for pets on their journey to forever homes, we'd love to meet you.

Performs intermediate skilled administrative and technical support work assisting with a variety of administrative, custodial, and medical tasks including call dispatch, records maintenance, daily cleaning, and animal care facilitation, assisting the public and performing related work as apparent or assigned. This position requires a Certified Euthanasia Technician and Certified Rabies status. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Animal Shelter Manager and serves at the pleasure of the Chatham County Sheriff.

Essential Functions Acts as a receptionist by greeting visitors, providing information, answering questions, and responding to inquiries and/or complaints over a wide variety of issues including animals available for adoption, animal reclamations/transfers, shelter policies and services, referrals, etc.; Facilitates animal care daily by feeding, watering, bathing, grooming, and administering medications and vaccines as needed; Dispatches calls to Animal Resource Officers; Assists the public with the completion of adoption documentation and other applicable paperwork and applicable counseling; Assists with rabies clinics as well as the preparation and packaging of any rabies specimens as needed; Assists with the daily cleaning and disinfection of facilities, including spot cleaning of kennels as necessary; Maintains documentation of all veterinary/medical routine health and disease assessments; Schedules spay/neuter appointments for shelter-owned animals; Assists with euthanasia as needed; Transports and stocks animal shelter food and supplies; Enters a variety of data into the computer, checks and reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to established standards and procedures, and enters and retrieves sensitive and restricted information into the computer system including records of all animals and financial transactions; Works with the contract veterinarian to ensure animals are given the proper medical treatment; Keeps inventory of all Animal Resource Center supplies; Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED, moderate experience working with the public, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have a basic knowledge of animal species, common animal diseases, and basic animal handling techniques

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and administrative techniques; Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic; Thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and general administrative policies and practices; Basic knowledge of species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals as well as the symptoms and behavior associated with common animal diseases; Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling of common domestic and wild animals; methods and equipment used in the care and handling of common domestic and wild animals; Basic knowledge of proper cleaning methods and the safe usage of cleaning materials, disinfectants, janitorial tools, and equipment; Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources; Ability to handle and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency conditions; Ability to operate and maintain a wide variety of animal control tools and equipment; Ability to perform and organize work independently; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Physical Requirements This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, handling or feeling and repetitive motions, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

Special Requirements Must possess or obtain Euthanasia Technician certification upon employment. Must possess or obtain Rabies Vaccinator certification upon employment. Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment. The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.