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Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CareVet

Animal Care Assistant

Cape Charles, VA

Animal Care Assistant Cape Charles Animal Hospital Are you looking for an opportunity to work with animals in a veterinary setting? Look no further! We are looking for an Animal Care Assistant to ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: Perform daily Community outreach ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: • Perform daily Community outreach ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Virginia

Animal Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Virginia is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal rescue?

Animal rescue refers to the process of saving animals from dangerous, abusive, or neglectful situations and providing them with shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation. Animal rescue organizations work to protect stray, abandoned, or mistreated animals, often finding them foster or permanent homes. The main goal is to ensure the well-being and safety of animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and preventing cruelty. Rescued animals may include pets like dogs and cats, as well as wildlife in distress. Volunteers and professionals collaborate to give these animals a second chance at life.

What are some common challenges faced by animal rescue professionals, and how can they effectively address them?

Animal rescue professionals often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing animal neglect or working with traumatized animals. They may also face physical demands, unpredictable schedules, and the need to make quick decisions in high-stress environments. Building emotional resilience, practicing self-care, and collaborating closely with veterinary staff, volunteers, and local authorities can help manage these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and open communication within the team are essential for maintaining a supportive work environment and ensuring the best outcomes for rescued animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Rescue Worker, you need knowledge of animal handling, first aid, and welfare, often supported by relevant certifications or experience with animals. Familiarity with animal control software, rescue equipment, and sometimes animal transport vehicles is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills are vital for building trust with animals and collaborating with the public and rescue organizations. These skills ensure the safety, effective care, and successful rehoming of animals in challenging and often urgent situations.

What is the difference between Animal Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal handling or rescue techniquesHigh school diploma; training in animal care and shelter operations
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, emergency situationsIndoor shelter facilities, animal care areas
Employer & Industry UsageRescue organizations, non-profits, government agenciesShelters, humane societies, animal control agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Animal Rescue involves actively seeking out and rescuing animals in distress, often in outdoor or emergency settings. Animal Shelter Workers primarily care for animals within shelter facilities, focusing on daily care and adoption processes. Both roles require animal handling skills and work within animal welfare organizations, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

What job is it called when you rescue animals?

The job of rescuing animals is typically called an animal rescue worker or animal rescue technician. These professionals often work for shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife agencies, and they may need training in animal handling, first aid, and sometimes certifications in animal care or veterinary assistance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia? For Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Rights Policy Associate- Office of the President

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

This job is posted by The PETA Foundation on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The PETA Foundation formed in 1993 to provide general and administrative support services to PETA and certain other charitable animal protection organizations, including accounting and legal services, creative consultation, employee benefit administration,  and employee recruitment.


About PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), with more than 2 million members and supporters, is the largest animal rights organization in the world.

PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and the entertainment industry. PETA also works on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other "pests" and the abuse of "backyard" dogs.

PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.


If you are curious to see what life is really like at PETA or the PETA Foundation, check out the Tagboard for #PETAlife!


https://tagboard.com/petalife/158654 



Read more: http://www.peta.org/about-peta/work-at-peta/#ixzz2xfCe3PI8 

Job Description

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is searching for a full-time policy associate to support our efforts to put an end to animal abuse worldwide. This role is responsible for a combination of administrative, research, and advocacy-related tasks. Reporting directly to the president, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, this role coordinates the planning, organization, and development of specific projects in order to accomplish the goals of the organization most effectively.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Coordinate and perform in-depth analyses in order to suggest strategies

Develop and maintain productive relationships to implement PETA's advocacy initiatives effectively

Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic issues

Draft correspondence and respond to inquiries and requests, utilizing discretion and independent judgment

Oversee Web content related to assigned projects

Travel within and outside the U.S. on assignments

Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

Degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Minimum of three years of professional experience

Strong working knowledge of animal rights issues and PETA campaigns

Excellent professional research skills, with the ability to conduct research on complicated issues, especially in circumstances in which information availability is limited

Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects

Proven ability to exercise independent judgment

Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

Previous public-speaking experience and the ability to comfortably create and deliver presentations

Professional appearance and adherence to a vegan lifestyle

Ability and willingness to travel

Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.

Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record

Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues

Commitment to the objectives of the organization

Additional Information


Apply