1

Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Wake County, NC (NOW HIRING)

... of local ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals for the Animal Services ... Certification in Large Animal Rescue Certification in Bite Stick Certification in Pepper Spray ...

Animal Control Officer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and ... Certification in Large Animal Rescue Certification in Bite Stick Certification in Pepper Spray ...

Animal Control Officer

NC · On-site

$44K - $56K/yr

Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and ... Certification in Large Animal Rescue Certification in Bite Stick Certification in Pepper Spray ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Local Animal Rescue information

See Wake County, NC salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue in Wake County, 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.

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 cities near Wake County, NC are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Wake County, NC with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Iredell County

Statesville, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Iredell County rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Animal Control Officer

Under general supervision, performs public safety work in the enforcement of local ordinances and statutes related to the control of animals for the Animal Services & Control Department. Work involves capturing, confining, returning, and humanely euthanizing stray, diseased, vicious and nuisance animals; maintaining records pertaining to collection of animals and animal activity; and enforcing animal laws and ordinances. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in ensuring proper capture of animals. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of animal control work. Reports to the Operations Supervisor.

Responds to calls for service in assigned area of the County to ensure public compliance with state and county animal control laws; explains animal control laws to citizens and answers questions; notes violations of animal control laws and issues citations or warnings to citizens, and picks up or otherwise controls stray animals, as needed; captures and confines stray, diseased and bothersome animals, including domestic and wild animals, livestock and fowl; impounds animals and places them within the animal shelter according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up; reports diseased or injured animals to shelter veterinarian; uses traps and/or firearms equipped with tranquilizing ammunition to subdue animals, as necessary.

Receives and investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect; completes extensive, detail oriented reports; appears in court and testifies, as needed; investigates animal bite cases and ensures that confinement of such animals is proper and complete according to public health law; prepares diagnostic specimens for testing by State labs.

Humanely euthanizes and disposes of animals, as appropriate.

Prepares a variety of reports, including animals collected and confined, animal bites, poultry and livestock damage caused by other animals, animals destroyed by department, etc.; maintains routine activity reports.

Assists shelter staff and local veterinarians in conducting periodic rabies vaccination clinics for the public; collects monthly vaccination reports from local veterinarians.

Picks-up and properly disposes of dead animals, as necessary.

Maintains County-owned vehicle.

Will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays on a rotating schedule, or as assigned.

Subject to emergency callback in the event of a disaster or other local emergency.

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of animal behavior, handling techniques, and relevant state and local animal control laws.

Ability to use discretion and sound judgment in stressful situations.

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to interact tactfully and firmly with the public.

Basic recordkeeping and report-writing skills.

Ability to operate specialized equipment, including traps and tranquilizer firearms

Graduation from High School and six (6) month's work experience involving customer experience or contact with animals; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License. Must achieve Certification as a Euthanasia Technician, Certification as a Rabies Vaccinator, become a Licensed Notary Public, and become Firearms qualified within six (6) months of employment. This position is designated as an authorized Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County and requires adherence to the Iredell County Vehicle Operations Policy. Completion of continuing education as required by the State of North Carolina involving techniques, laws, and procedures.

Must reside in, or within 15 minutes minimum drive time of Iredell County or must be willing to relocate into the designated area within four (4) months from hire date.

Certification in Large Animal Rescue

Certification in Bite Stick

Certification in Pepper Spray (OCAT)

NACA Animal Control Officer Certification


What Iredell County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom