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Animal Helper Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Germantown, MD · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Germantown, MD · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Clinton, MD · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA

$15.25 - $20/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Integrated Resources

Animal Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

This has helped us expand into new sectors and steadily grow. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY The ... Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals • Change Cages ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Germantown, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Germantown, MD

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Supervisor

Clinton, MD · On-site

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Supervisor , you are a trusted subject-matter leader responsible for the ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

System One

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: Contract Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per ... We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality.

System One

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: 6-month contract (extendable) Pay Range ... We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality.

System One

Animal Care Technician

Rockville, MD · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Animal Care Technician Location: Rockville, Maryland Type: Contract Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 per ... We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality.

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All JobsAnimal Helper JobsAnimal Helper Jobs in Springfield, VA

Animal Helper information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Springfield, VA is $18.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal helper?

Animal helpers are individuals who assist with the care, handling, and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Their duties often include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and helping with enrichment activities. Animal helpers play a crucial role in ensuring animals are comfortable, safe, and healthy, and may also assist with adoptions or educational outreach. This job requires compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals.

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

To thrive as an Animal Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, behavior, and handling, often supplemented by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively working with both animals and people. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth collaboration with colleagues and pet owners.

What are common challenges faced by animal helpers when working in shelters or rescue organizations?

Animal Helpers in shelters or rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of caring for abused or neglected animals, handling a high volume of animals with varying needs, and ensuring proper sanitation and safety. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with veterinarians, trainers, and volunteers, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Adaptability and compassion are essential for balancing animal welfare with organizational protocols and resource limitations.

What is the difference between Animal Helper vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimal HelperAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in shelters and rescue organizationsWidely used in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level animal support rolesIndividuals seeking more specialized animal care positions

Animal Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic animal care tasks in shelters or rescue centers, often requiring minimal formal certification. Animal Care Assistants usually work in veterinary clinics or more structured environments, often with certifications or training. Both roles support animal well-being but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

What kind of jobs help animals?

Animal Helper is a job that involves caring for and assisting animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, basic medical skills, and compassion, with some positions needing certifications or training in animal care. Such jobs typically involve hands-on work, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health and well-being.

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

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

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Animal Helper jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Animal Helper job openings:

Animal Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,984 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Animal Keeper Helper (HG 5001-05)

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
OPEN DATE: August 26, 2025                                   
CLOSING DATE: September 10, 2025 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)                           
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:  Permanent/Indefinite    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
 
Open to all qualified applicants 
 
 What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
  • Complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.


OVERVIEW

The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zook and Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is a leader in the conservation, care, exhibition, and research of wildlife and habitats.  NZCBI’s employees in the nation’s capital, Virginia, and worldwide and as part of the Smithsonian make it prominent in national and international affairs involving conservation, zoos, wildlife, public outreach, and biological research.
   
This position is located at NZCBI Headquarters 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington DC 2008. It is accessible via mass transit, and onsite employee parking is currently available at no cost. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of duties that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of animals.
  
  In this position, you will:
  • Assist higher graded Animal Keepers in performing a variety of tasks associated with the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals. 
  • Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure, unconsumed food, and other refuse.
  • Receive training and developmental assignments in the receipt, storage, inspection, inventory, preparation and issuance of food and dietary supplements, forage, and bedding materials. Unloads and stores food supplies. As instructed and under close supervision prepares animal diets according to standard procedures.
  • Keep service areas and adjacent public areas clean. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires the ability to catch and handle docile animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering oneself.
  • Requires familiarity with a range of animal species in order to identify them by natural markings.
  • Requires skill and ability to carry out routine animal keeper duties.
  • Requires ability to understand instructions given by higher-level animal keeper personnel.

 
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
 Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
 
 What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
 
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BiagasL@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.