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Animal Care Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Care information

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$10

$19

$28

How much do animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care in Reston, VA is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal care worker?

Animal care workers are professionals who provide daily care and support for animals in various settings, such as shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics, and pet boarding facilities. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, grooming, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with medical treatments. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and safety of animals and often work closely with veterinarians and animal trainers. Compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina are important qualities for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care professional?

To thrive as an Animal Care professional, you need a strong understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding and cleaning protocols, and safety equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and working well with team members. These skills ensure the health, safety, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient and humane care standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Animal care professionals frequently encounter challenges such as handling animals with unpredictable behavior, managing emotionally difficult situations like illness or euthanasia, and maintaining strict sanitation standards. Building strong observation skills, practicing patience, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Additionally, teamwork and open communication with colleagues, as well as ongoing training, are crucial for ensuring both animal welfare and personal well-being.

What are different types of animal care jobs?

There are many different animal care jobs available, and which one you choose to do depends on your qualifications, interests, and training. If you are interested in working with household pets, you can find work as a vet tech or assistant, a pet groomer, or an animal trainer. If you have higher qualifications and an interest in working with larger or more exotic animals, you can work as a zoo caretaker or even in a state park or wildlife refuge. The qualifications for all of these jobs vary drastically from no education to a doctorate.

What is the difference between Animal Care vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal CareVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often requires veterinary assistant certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, kennels, rescue organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet services, sheltersVeterinary practices, animal healthcare industry
Common Search & ComparisonAnimal Care vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Care roles focus on caring for animals in shelters, pet stores, and rescue organizations, often requiring basic certifications. Veterinary Assistants work directly in veterinary clinics, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures and patient care, usually needing specific certifications. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Assistants have a more medical focus, whereas Animal Care roles emphasize daily animal welfare and enrichment.

What animal care jobs pay well?

Animal care jobs that tend to pay higher salaries include veterinary technicians, zoo keepers, and animal researchers, often requiring specialized skills or certifications. Positions in wildlife rehabilitation or working with exotic animals can also offer higher pay, especially with experience and advanced training.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal care offers various job opportunities such as veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and pet trainer. These roles typically require knowledge of animal behavior, some may need certifications or training, and often involve working in environments like clinics, shelters, or zoos.

What jobs can I do in animal care?

Jobs in animal care include roles such as veterinary technician, animal caretaker, pet groomer, zookeeper, and animal trainer. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or experience working with animals in settings like clinics, shelters, zoos, or grooming salons.
More about Animal Care jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Care jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Animal Care job openings:

Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,592 per year, or $19 per hour.

Boarding & Dog Daycare Supervisor

PetSuites

Manassas Park, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Pet Pro Lead

(Animal Care Supervisor)

Full-Time | Animal Care Leadership Role

Are you an experienced animal care professional ready to lead from the floor?

We are seeking a Pet Pro Lead to supervise daily pet care operations, coach team members, and ensure the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and documentation are consistently upheld. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will actively work alongside your team while holding them accountable to safety and care standards.

Who We Are

NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA) — the largest private owner of veterinary hospitals and pet resorts in North America, with 1,300+ locations. We’re proud to be in an $8B+ industry that continues to grow as pet parents seek premium, trusted care for their furry family members.

At NVA Pet Resorts, our mission is simple:

Create safe, fun, and loving environments for pets while providing exceptional experiences for our clients and team members.

Position Overview

The Pet Pro Lead reports to the Resort Manager and General Manager and serves as the frontline supervisor for

animal care operations.

You are responsible for:

  • Coaching and training Pet Pros
  • Monitoring playgroup and boarding safety
  • Ensuring medication and feeding protocols are followed
  • Overseeing sanitation and cleaning standards
  • Enforcing safe handling procedures
  • Ensuring accurate documentation and health reporting
  • Maintaining a calm, structured, and professional environment
  • Animal experience is required.
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience (1+ year preferred) is strongly preferred.

What You’ll Do Leadership & Coaching

  • Train and mentor new and existing
  • Pet Pros
  • Reinforce safety protocols and proper handling techniques
  • Monitor team performance and provide real-time feedback
  • Step in immediately when safety concerns arise
  • Ensure documentation and charting standards are followed

Safety & Animal Care Oversight

  • Supervise daycare playgroups and boarding areas
  • Monitor dog interactions and prevent conflicts
  • Ensure proper feeding, medication, and special handling compliance
  • Review special notes (aggressive, medical, separate feeding, etc.)
  • Complete and review health concern forms as needed
  • Maintain accountability for theoverall safety of pets during your shift

Operational Excellence

  • Maintain strict sanitation standards in all pet areas
  • Ensure cleaning, disinfecting, and laundry procedures are followed
  • Monitor inventory for pet care supplies
  • Identify and report facility maintenance issues
  • Maintain property cleanliness and hazard-free environments

What We’re Looking For

  • We are seeking someone who is:
  • Experienced in animal handling and group dog supervision
  • Confident leading and coaching team members
  • Calm and decisive in high-energy situations
  • Observant with strong attention to detail
  • Comfortable enforcing standards and holding others accountable
  • Reliable and dependable — especially on weekends and holidays

You must be able to:

  • Lift up to 60 lbs
  • Stand and move for extended periods
  • Work indoors and outdoors in various temperatures
  • Work weekends and holidays
  • Handle dogs of all sizes safely
  • Knowledge of dog body language and group dynamics is strongly preferred.

Benefits & Perks

  • Health, Dental & Vision
  • Insurance
  • Employee Pet Care Discounts
  • Tips
  • Growth opportunities within NVA

Equal Opportunity Employer

NVA Pet Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

PetSuites is the leader of the pack in pet resorts offering exceptional services for both dogs and cats, ranging from boarding and daycare to grooming and training. Our trusted team of professionals delivers memorable experiences with personalized service in fun, convenient, and modern spaces.