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Volunteer Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iredell County, NC

Animal Services Volunteer

NC · On-site

Volunteers must be able to physically control any animal with which they are interacting, including rabbits, rodents, cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles based on their training Animal behavior is ...

City of Elko

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Description Under direct supervision, volunteer performs various duties to assist Animal Shelter ... training.) Knowledge and understanding of various breeds of dogs and cats; Knowledge of safe ...

City of Elko, NV

Animal Shelter Volunteer

Elko, NV · On-site

... volunteer performs various duties to assist Animal Shelter staff with care of animals and the ... education, or training.) * Knowledge and understanding of various breeds of dogs and cats;

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Volunteer Animal Trainer information

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How much do volunteer animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer animal trainer in the United States is $37.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Animal Trainer vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectVolunteer Animal TrainerAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic certifications in animal handlingVeterinary assistant certification or related training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, training centersVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, volunteer organizations, animal rescueVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in animal trainingAnimal care responsibilities and qualifications

Volunteer Animal Trainers focus on training and socializing animals in shelters or rescue groups, often on a volunteer basis. Animal Care Technicians provide hands-on animal care in veterinary settings, requiring specific certifications. Both roles involve working with animals but differ in training, environment, and professional requirements.

Can I earn money by volunteering?

Volunteer animal trainers typically do not earn money for their volunteer work, as volunteering is unpaid. However, some organizations may offer stipends, training, or certifications that can benefit future employment opportunities. Paid positions in animal training usually require formal employment or internships with compensation.

Can I volunteer with animals without experience?

Volunteer animal trainer roles often do not require prior experience, as training programs typically provide necessary instruction and supervision. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and a willingness to learn can be sufficient, but some organizations may prefer volunteers with related skills or certifications. Hands-on experience can be gained through volunteering, workshops, or courses offered by animal organizations.

Where can I volunteer to work with animals near me?

Volunteer animal trainers can find opportunities at local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles often require basic animal handling skills and may involve training, socialization, or enrichment activities. Checking with community organizations or online volunteer platforms can help locate nearby opportunities.

Can you volunteer to cuddle babies in the hospital?

A Volunteer Animal Trainer typically works with animals to improve their behavior and social skills, often in shelters or training facilities. Cuddling babies in a hospital is generally outside the scope of this role and would be handled by hospital volunteer programs or child care volunteers. It is important to follow specific volunteer guidelines and training requirements for each position.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Animal Trainer jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Animal Trainer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Trainer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Trainer jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Animal Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Animal Trainer jobs include:
Volunteer Animal Trainer jobs near you
Volunteer Services Animal Trainer - PART TIME

Volunteer Services Animal Trainer - PART TIME

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$26.53 - $34.49/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

PASADENA HUMANE is a non-profit animal welfare organization looking for passionate professionals to join our team.

JOIN US & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

THE MISSION

To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals.

OUR VALUES

LEARNING: We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education.

INTEGRITY: We value honest and transparent communication and decision making using evidence based practices.

COLLABORATION: We value teamwork in our organization and partnerships with our community to deliver exceptional service.

KINDNESS: We show compassion, care, respect and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.

JOB TITLE Volunteer Services Animal Trainer

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Part -Time

SCHEDULE: Must be available for early and/or late hours. Must be able to work early hours according to the needs of the department schedule, including weekends and holidays.

SUMMARY

The Volunteer Services Animal Trainer (VSAT), will be responsible for conducting volunteer training programs that prepare volunteers to work with our animals. Oversee enrichment and support volunteers to ensure consistent and appropriate enrichment activities are offered to our shelter population. The VSAT will be responsible for training new volunteers and maintaining shift schedules to ensure coverage for each assigned program.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Responsible for training new and existing animal enrichment volunteers centered around the principles of Fear Free Shelter standards
  • Directly oversee volunteer enrichment volunteers ensuring safe and appropriate interactions
  • Monitor daily enrichment plan/schedule for shelter dogs and cats. Help update monthly programs calendars and shifts schedules within VolunteerMatters
  • Ensure daily enrichment is provided to cats and dogs animals at the shelter
  • Track and maintain detailed documentation of animal enrichment data and oversees the data collection from volunteers including training and monitoring.
  • Responsible for developing and facilitating training protocols for all levels of volunteers to meet the needs of the shelter and animal populations
  • Build relationships with volunteers to improve engagement
  • Maintains a high level of communication and collaborative work with all personnel consistent with Pasadena Humane’s Core Values of Learning, Integrity, Collaboration, and Kindness (LICK)
  • Be able to use internal software to read and update animal profile notes
  • Make recommendations or demonstrate to volunteers for proper handling and interactions with shelter animal population
  • Be able to work collaboratively with other departments to meet the goals of the shelter
  • Speak candidly and tactfully about any internal decisions made about animals’ outcomes (adoption, foster, transfer, AFEH, AFEB, etc.)
  • Assist with on-site and off-site shelter events including but not limited to Free Adoption Events, Group Volunteer Projects, Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run and the San Marino Motor Classic.
  • Ensure a positive, educational approach to customer service with a goal of educating the public and keeping animals in homes as appropriate. Promote positive relations with the general public, volunteers and staff while promoting the Society’s programs, policies and philosophies. Address customer complaints.
  • Uphold Pasadena Humane’s mission and contribute to building a culture of philanthropy.
  • Set up and breakdown of training rooms, including deep cleaning and organizing.
  • Maintain department equipment in good working condition. Report any items for repair and/or replacement as needed to appropriate supervisory staff.
  • Ensure a safe working environment and actively participate in Pasadena Humane’s safety programs.
  • Participate as needed in special department projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum high school graduate (or GED/proficiency certificate).
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Any of the following animal training certifications are highly desirable (CPDT-KA/KSA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC-ADT, IAABC-CDBC, IAABC-CCBC).
  • Proven experience observing body language and handling animals using Fear Free methods in an animal shelter setting
  • Fear Free Shelter Certification
  • Knowledge of techniques and methods of animal behavior assessment, behavior modification, and training.
  • Feline and Canine body language and behavior knowledge
  • Previous experience assisting or teaching group classes highly preferred Effective at coaching and teaching people and at using their animal behavior and learning theory knowledge.
  • Must be prepared to handle or work with animals weighing up to 100lbs and exhibiting a variety of behaviors, including those with challenges.
  • Strong sense of professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Must be able to model Pasadena Humane’s Core Values of Learning, Integrity Collaboration and Kindness.
  • Must interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, volunteers, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must provide positive, proactive customer service
  • Must have a positive attitude and a sense of humor

WORK SCHEDULE

  • Must come to work regularly and on time. Must be available for early and/or late hours. Must be able to work early hours according to the needs of the department schedule, including weekends and holidays.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Fast-paced environment. Employees are exposed to numerous animals (live and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. They are required to act in a safe and responsible manner.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing.