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Animal Rescue Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

PetConnect Rescue

Administrative Specialist

Potomac, MD · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Remote in MD or VA (greater DC metro area) ABOUT PETCONNECT RESCUE PetConnect Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit animal rescue organization serving the greater Washington, DC area. Since 2005, we ...

New

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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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Fairfax, VA

Animal Rescue information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Fairfax, VA is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.58 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 Fairfax, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Fairfax, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Fairfax, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Fairfax, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Fairfax, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Fairfax, VA are:
What cities near Fairfax, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Fairfax, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Fairfax, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,753 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Administrative Specialist

PetConnect Rescue

Potomac, MD • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Position Title: Administrative Specialist

Position Type: Part-time (15-20 hours per week)

Location: Remote in MD or VA (greater DC metro area)

ABOUT PETCONNECT RESCUE

PetConnect Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit animal rescue organization serving the greater Washington, DC area. Since 2005, we have helped dogs and cats find safe, loving homes through the support of dedicated fosters, volunteers, donors, adopters, and community partners.

We are seeking a part-time Administrative Specialist to help keep our operations organized and running smoothly. This is a great role for someone who enjoys variety, is highly detail-oriented, and wants their administrative skills to support lifesaving animal rescue work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Administrative Specialist will provide flexible administrative and operational support across several areas of the organization and will vary from week to week based on organizational needs in the following areas:

  • Database Management and Reporting
  • Fundraising and Event Support
  • Program Support and Reporting
  • Communications Support
  • General Operations Support

Typical tasks within these areas may include:

  • Entering and maintaining accurate contact and donation records in the organization’s donor and constituent database
  • Supporting donor stewardship with timely and accurate donor acknowledgements
  • Retrieving and compiling data from various online platforms, reporting portals, and software systems and creating clear, accurate reports
  • Supporting events through preparation, promotion and followup activities
  • Assisting with general organization and maintenance of areas within PetConnect’s Google Workspace and tracking systems in support of functions such as grants and compliance

WHO YOU ARE

You enjoy bringing order to busy systems and helping a mission-driven team stay focused and on track. You are flexible, dependable, and proactive in solving problems, while also knowing when to ask thoughtful questions. You are comfortable balancing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and working independently. With strong administrative and communication skills, you take pride in producing high-quality work that supports and advances the mission of animal rescue.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Two or more years of administrative support experience, preferably within a nonprofit, animal welfare, or mission-driven organization.
  • Experience working with donor databases, CRM systems, or constituent management platforms.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word, and Google Workspace.
  • Experience with email marketing platforms, online reporting systems, and fundraising software preferred.
  • Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
  • Positive, service-oriented attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time, fully remote position, for a candidate based in Maryland or Virginia (greater DC metro area), as you will need to be able to participate in occasional in-person meetings and events in the region. Applicants must be located in and legally authorized to work in the United States, and be willing to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

This job requires the routine use of standard office equipment such as computers and phones, and is largely sedentary, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Ability to attend and assist with occasional events.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

PetConnect Rescue is committed to a racially just, equitable, and inclusive workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type in our governance, programs, and activities, and believe that a diverse team strengthens our ability to serve our community and advance our mission to improve the lives of animals.

We welcome individuals who share our commitment to animal welfare and who will contribute positively to a collaborative, compassionate, and inclusive culture.

COMPENSATION

The hourly rate for this role is between $23-26 per hour, based on the candidate’s level of experience. This is a part time position for 15-20 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY

Please fill out our application form - https://forms.gle/eRdk3cgd7dYtvtwh7, and include a copy of your resume.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sandy Haynes

Operations & Finance Director

Email Address: jobs@petconnectrescue.org

Website: https://www.petconnectrescue.org

Apply