ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Norfolk, VA

Animal Health Keeper II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $73K/yr

The Animal Health Keeper II is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

$43K - $55K/yr

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 ...

Loudoun County Government

Animal Care Technician

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Loudoun County's Department of Animal Services (LCAS) is looking for energetic, enthusiastic applicants to join the animal care team at the Animal Services facility, located in Leesburg, Virginia. We ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Virginia

Animal Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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.

How do you become an animal rescue worker?

To become an animal rescue worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience volunteering or working with animals. Many organizations prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, basic veterinary skills, and certifications such as pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Can you make a living running an animal rescue?

Animal rescue work is often volunteer-based or low-paid, with many rescuers relying on donations, grants, and personal funds. While some organizations offer salaries or stipends, making a full-time living typically requires additional income sources or running a larger, well-funded operation. Skills in fundraising, grant writing, and management can improve financial stability in this field.

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 is the highest paid job working with animals?

The highest paid jobs working with animals typically include veterinary surgeons and specialized animal researchers, with veterinarians earning a median annual salary of around $100,000 or more. Advanced roles often require a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and specialized certifications, and they involve working in clinics, research facilities, or zoos.

Is rescuing animals a career?

Animal rescue can be a career involving roles such as animal shelter workers, rescue technicians, or wildlife rehabilitators. These positions often require knowledge of animal care, relevant certifications, and physical ability to handle animals in various environments.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Care Center Pearisburg - Veterinarian

Animal Care Center - Pearisburg

Pearisburg, VA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Animal Care Center in Pearisburg, Virginia is a team of compassionate and experienced veterinarians who practice high quality veterinary medicine in a collaborative small-animal focused environment. Just one hour from the town of Blacksburg, Animal Care Center is a great place for a new graduates, experienced veterinarians, and veterinary professionals to build and grow their careers!
Animal Care Center in Pearisburg, Virginia is excited to welcome an experienced full or part time veterinarian to their team! This full-service location has a large, nearby sister hospital in Princeton, West Virginia, recently under new leadership! Both locations are less than one hour from Blacksburg, Virginia.
About Animal Care Center Pearisburg:
  • Our Pearisburg location is set up perfectly for an experienced veterinarian who enjoys leading the team as the only doctor on shift. You'll be well-supported by at least two dedicated, experienced technicians/assistants and a well-trained, engaged client relations team members.
  • While Pearisburg shifts are solo shifts, multiple doctors are just minutes away at our large Princeton location. Our 2 doctor team currently rotates shifts between Princeton and Pearisburg locations.
  • 2 Veterinarians across 2 locations
  • Collaborative, positive Practice Manager focused on team building and smooth day-to-day operations
  • Ultrasound, endoscopy/rhinoscopy unit, laser therapy and laser surgery equipment

About Pearisburg, Virginia
  • Located less than 30 minutes from Blacksburg, VA
  • Pearisburg is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. The Appalachian Trail is located nearby. Pearisburg prides itself on being a hiker friendly town and enjoys its designation as an AT Trail Community. The north flowing river is nearby with newly renovated boat landing and prime fishing opportunities. Library ranked #2 in the state
  • Revitalized downtown area with museums, new shops and restaurants
  • Cost of living is 20% lower than the national average. Affordable land with with gorgeous mountain surroundings.
  • Pearisburg is ranked as one of the safest communities in Virginia

Our Ideal Candidate
  • Experienced small animal veterinarian, comfortable working solo shifts with a nearby team to collaborate with as needed
  • Open to full or part-time
  • Aligned with our core values - Serve, Evolve, Trust

About VetEvolve
  • Animal Care Center is part of the VetEvolve hospital network. VetEvolve is a network of veterinary practices built to support the people delivering care and the practices they lead. We combine clinical insight with operational strength to give our teams the support, tools, and structure they need to thrive, without losing what makes each practice unique. We are intentionally focused on growth, not as an end in itself, but as a way to strengthen our practices, expand access to care, and create more opportunities for our teams. Guided by our values: Care First. Better Together. Grow Forward. Own It. We create an environment where veterinary professionals can do their best work, build meaningful careers, and deliver exceptional care. Growth with intention. Care without compromise.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive full-time, experienced base salary commensurate with skillset, experience, schedule and your preferred pace.
  • Additional opportunities to earn: Highly competitive monthly, no negative accrual bonus plan. Bonus plan is not mandatory (for candidates preferring straight salary).
  • Relocation stipend
  • Bonus in exchange for multi-year commitment negotiable; commensurate with length of commitment, skillset and schedule commitment
  • Basic benefits information: Paid vacation & sick leave; health, dental, vision insurance with generous employer contribution; several additional supplemental insurance options; 100% coverage of liability, license defense, professional dues and licensing fees, 401k with generous employer contribution, 100% coverage of short term disability insurance premiums.
  • Wellness, Mentorship and Professional Development
    • Customizable continuing education package tailored to your goals and passions & full week of paid time off for continuing education each year.
    • Support From the Start wet lab-focused mentorship program for new graduates. Continues through your first year of employment.
    • Additional internal continuing education opportunities including but not limited to webinars, annual veterinarian retreats, local didactic and hands-on CE
    • MentorVet, Vet Specialists On Demand, AbleTo coaching & counseling and several additional mental health and professional development tools.

Apply here or contact Thea Dziubczynski at thea@vetevolve.com for more information and a confidential, exploratory conversation!

Apply