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Animal Rescue Jobs in Arlington, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview Biopharmaceutical Company is seeking a ...

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 hour Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Overview Biopharmaceutical Company is seeking a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Arlington, VA

Animal Rescue information

See Arlington, VA salary details

$11

$24

$32

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Arlington, VA is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $28.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an animal rescuer?

To become an animal rescuer, you typically need to gain experience with animals through volunteering or working at shelters, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Some positions may require certifications in animal first aid or rescue techniques, and a compassionate attitude is essential for success 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Arlington, VA are:
What cities near Arlington, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Arlington, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Arlington, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,450 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Animal Care Technician I

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Arlington, VA • On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I (ACT I)
Job Title: Animal Care Technician I
Department: Animal Care
Reports To: Manager of Animal Care
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Arlington, VA
POSITION SUMMARY
Animal Care Technician I (ACT I) provides foundational daily care for shelter animals, maintains high standards of cleanliness, supports low-stress and Fear Free handling practices, and assists with basic medical and behavioral tasks under supervision. This is the entry-level position within the Animal Care career path and serves as the foundation for advancement to ACT II and ACT III roles.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal Care
  • Provide daily feeding, watering, enrichment, and basic grooming for shelter animals.
  • Conduct routine animal welfare checks and promptly report concerns related to health, behavior, or overall wellbeing.
  • Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through Fear Free, purposeful, and compassionate handling practices.
  • Support low-stress handling and stress-reduction techniques in daily animal care routines.
  • Assist with basic medical tasks (e.g., topical medications, vaccine preparation) under supervision.
  • Assist with animal intake by safely handling animals and accurately recording observations.
  • Follow and support behavior modification protocols by understanding basic behavior plans, observing animal behavior in kennel settings, and implementing assigned steps as directed by senior staff or Behavior team members.

Facility Care
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, habitats, and shared areas in accordance with established disease-control and sanitation protocols.
  • Operate laundry, dishwashing, and sanitation equipment.
  • Maintain supply rooms and restock food, litter, and cleaning products as needed.
  • Report equipment or facility issues requiring repair or replacement.

People Care
  • Provide courteous, professional support to volunteers, adopters, fosters, and staff.
  • Work collaboratively with Animal Care Volunteers, recognizing their contributions and supporting their work in accordance with AWLA guidelines.
  • Assist the Adoption team by facilitating meet-and-greets when needed to support positive and safe adoption experiences.
  • Model positive, respectful interactions consistent with AWLA's Compassionate Culture.

Administrative & Record Support
  • Assist with maintaining accurate animal records and observations in shelter databases, as directed.
  • Enter intake observations, daily notes, and care-related updates in accordance with established protocols.
  • Follow documentation and recordkeeping standards to support Animal Care, Veterinary, and Adoption teams.

Other Duties
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to AWLA policies, procedures, safety protocols, and code of conduct.
  • Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Take immediate action to report safety concerns that could put staff, volunteers, animals, or the organization at risk.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • General knowledge of animal behavior and animal care.
  • Ability to safely handle cats, dogs, small companion animals, wildlife, and rabies vector species.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work on feet for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Comfort working around bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, injured or ill animals, and euthanasia-related activities.
  • Willingness to complete required training and obtain euthanasia certification within six (6) months of employment.
  • Ability to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination upon employment.
  • Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate databases and review records.
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability.
  • Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional in stressful, sensitive, or emotionally challenging situations.
  • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings with a schedule that may change as needed.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
  • Fluency in English required.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Working with animals requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of standing or walking. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to operate common equipment such as computers, telephones, and other tools used in daily tasks.
Employees should be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. This role may involve assisting with the restraint of animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive, and may involve potential hazards such as bites or scratches.
Physical strength and stamina are essential for managing animals on leash while performing other tasks, such as opening doors or moving equipment. The ability to lift and move animals or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. is required. This role involves active, physical work throughout the day.
Clear vision and hearing are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are critical due to frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Comfort working with a wide range of animals-including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife-is essential.
This position also requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to navigate both the rewarding and challenging aspects of animal welfare work. Employees must remain composed, compassionate, and focused in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon hire, employees are required to receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis and a tetanus vaccination.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and program participants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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