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Volunteer Animals Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vernon

Assistant Animal Control Officer

CT

$26.20/hr

... animals and nuisance wildlife. Maintains good public relations. Supervision Received: Reports ... May supervise volunteers. Manages animal control shelters in absence of Animal Control Officer.

Petco

Junior Groomer

Sturbridge, MA · On-site

... volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required * Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Manchester, CT · On-site

... volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required * Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Sturbridge, MA

... volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required * Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career ...

Petco

Junior Groomer

Enfield, CT · On-site

... volunteering or pet sitting, prior grooming salon assistance is preferred * High-school diploma or GED is preferred, though not required * Genuine passion for animals and a desire to pursue a career ...

All JobsVolunteer Animals JobsVolunteer Animals Jobs in Springfield, MA

Volunteer Animals information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer animals in Springfield, MA is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a volunteer animal do?

Volunteer animal workers assist with the care and welfare of animals in shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers. Their responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, socializing or exercising pets, and helping with adoption events. Volunteers also support staff with administrative tasks and may educate the public about animal care and responsible pet ownership. The work helps improve the lives of animals and often provides valuable experience for those interested in animal-related careers.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect when volunteering with animals at an animal shelter?

Volunteering with animals at an animal shelter typically involves a range of hands-on and support tasks. You may help with feeding, cleaning enclosures, socializing animals, assisting with adoption events, and providing basic grooming. Volunteers often work closely with shelter staff and other volunteers to ensure animal welfare and may also help with administrative duties or public education. The role can be physically demanding but is highly rewarding for those passionate about animal care and welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal shelter volunteer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Shelter Volunteer, you typically need a passion for animal welfare, basic animal care knowledge, and often must complete orientation or training provided by the organization. Familiarity with animal handling tools, shelter management software, or first aid certifications can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help volunteers connect with animals and work effectively with staff and visitors. These skills ensure the safety and well-being of animals while supporting positive adoption experiences and efficient shelter operations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Animals vs Animal Caretakers?

AspectVolunteer AnimalsAnimal Caretakers
Required CredentialsNone or minimal; passion for animalsMay require certifications or training in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVolunteering at shelters, rescue centers, or community eventsWorking in shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, or farms
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, animal rescue groupsAnimal care facilities, zoos, veterinary practices
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking volunteer opportunities or hobby-related rolesIndividuals interested in professional animal care careers

Volunteer Animals typically refers to individuals offering their time without pay to support animal welfare, often at shelters or rescue events. Animal Caretakers are paid professionals responsible for daily animal care, requiring specific training or certifications. While both roles involve working with animals, Volunteer Animals focus on volunteering, whereas Animal Caretakers are employed in professional settings with formal responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animals jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Animals jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Volunteer Animals jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Volunteer Animals job openings:

Volunteer Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Animals job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,665 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Canine Caregiver - Part Time

Our Companions Animal Rescue

Ashford, CT • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Our Companions Animal Rescue, we believe in creating a community whose culture is built on our shared core values of Compassion, Cooperation, Innovation, Respect and Trust.

We believe in Respect for the compelling individual needs and characteristics of the people and animals with whom we work. Compassion made of kindness and empathy for all living creatures which guides all our behaviors and decisions. Cooperation to support all participants in the work of making life better for animals and their people.  Innovation to find new ways to solve problems that will help the most vulnerable animals and facilitate growth for our organization, so we can impact even more lives in the future.  And we believe in Trust that all people are innately good and share our deep commitment to always do the right thing for animals and each other. We require that those on the staff of Our Companions Animal Rescue genuinely share and express these values. 


Position Description: The Canine Caregiver (Part Time) position is a key function of Our Companions mission to do the right thing for animals.  This position is responsible for the daily animal care of the dogs in the Canine Cottages including the feeding and cleaning regimens, exercise of the dogs, and interactions with sanctuary volunteers and visitors.

Reports to: Canine Team Manager – Behavior Cottages

Location: Ashford Sanctuary

Hourly Wage and Schedule: Friday and Saturday 1pm to 9pm with the opportunity for more shifts, $20 per hour

Employee Labor Status: Hourly/ Non-Exempt

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

  • Provide compassionate nursing care for the dogs at the Sanctuary
  • Execute daily cleaning regimens
  • Adhere to specific feeding instructions to comply with behavioral and physical needs
  • Exercise/Socialize the animals in accordance with their behavioral plans which include the environmental enrichments that evolve throughout their stay at the Sanctuary
  • Utilize Positive Training methods with all dogs including attending training classes and training the dogs off site and in the community
  • Administer medications and treatments as needed
  • Greet visitors, and assist as directed with adoptions
  • Make certain the cottage is kept extremely clean throughout the day adhering to standard operating procedures. This includes your own clothing and appearance
  • Work within Our Companions computer systems including the sanctuary software program to collect and record data for accurate reports and required records.
  • Stock supplies as needed


Secondary Job Responsibilities

  • Greet visitors in a courteous, and professional manner including conducting tours and hosting visitors during public hours
  • Oversee volunteers and their handling of the dogs. Provide guidance and training as needed during their volunteer time
  • General Office duties as needed
  • Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
  • Drive the OC vehicle, transport animals as needed

Job Qualifications:


  • Ability to handle and restrain animals
  • Ability to handle and administer medications to animals
  • Ability to work independently as well as be a team player
  • High School Diploma required
  • Ability to drive a vehicle, and a valid driver’s license required
  • Possess interpersonal skills as well as oral and written communication skills
  • Flexibility to attend staff meetings, training seminars, and take on additional hours including Holidays and weekends as requested

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity and physical ability sufficient for handling animals, feeds, supplies and equipment.  Ability to lift and carry over 50 lbs.  Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time.  Ability to frequently work in a bending position.  Ability to tolerate animal fur and dander.

Working conditions: Exposure to animal dander, may be exposed to bites, scratches, fur and dander and contagious diseases.