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Animal Rescue Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Rescue information

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$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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
Animal Caregiver

Animal Caregiver

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)


For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

Responsible for providing a high standard of care and humane handling for all shelter animals and maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people. Ensures all animals’ nutrition, housing, enrichment, and other care needs are met daily.

The Role: What You’ll Do
  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain all animal housing spaces on a daily and continuous basis, adhering to HRA Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices
  • Provide appropriate diet, clean water, and enrichment to all animals according to SOPs and as directed by management and medical personnel
  • Monitor animals’ health and behaviors and record observations at least daily according to SOP. Report signs of illness and behavior concerns as directed to appropriate personnel.
  • Monitor daily laundry washing, folding, and stocking
  • Bathe and clean animals on a regular schedule or immediately if they become soiled.
  • Work alongside volunteers to complete tasks given for the betterment of the animals in care
  • Record clear and concise notes regarding animal behavior and care in PetPoint
  • Move animals around the facility as directed by the animal care management team and ensure that all animal locations and stages are correctly entered into PetPoint
  • Keep all animal areas stocked with food, litter, cleaning supplies, and other essential items, informing Managers when items need replenishment or repair
  • Put away deliveries and donations of animal care and cleaning supplies throughout the day as they are delivered
  • Maintain the cleanliness of common and public areas assigned to the Animal Care team
  • Provide guidance and assistance to HRA volunteers and community service workers
  • Read HRA email daily, responding promptly when appropriate
  • Report maintenance/repair issues to the animal care department management
  • Any other duties as assigned by Animal Care Managers and the Director of Animal Care.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.
  • Due to the nature of shelter work,maybe exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; allergens; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
About You: Skills & Qualifications
  • Willingness to work with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and birds
  • Fear Free Certified or the ability to get Fear Free certified within 3 months of employment
  • Must have open availability and a flexible schedule
  • Proficient in the use of email and navigating basic software needed
  • Computer and phone literacy skills
  • Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all aspects of the position, always maintaining confidentiality
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work in a team environment and follow directions
  • Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.
  • Passion for the Humane Rescue Alliance mission, for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgement or bias.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Basic familiarity with computers, MSWord, MS Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

  • $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
  • Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
  • Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
  • Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
  • Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.