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Animal Rescue Jobs in Fairfax, VA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Leesburg, VA ยท 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 ...

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Animal Rescue information

See Fairfax, VA salary details

$10

$21

$28

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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 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 Fairfax, VA? The most popular types of 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:
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.

Animal Care Technician

Loudoun County Government

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.


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Introduction

Do you love animals and don't mind getting your hands dirty? 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 are seeking individuals who enjoy working with and caring for animals and their people, who are self-motivated, and dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in the shelter and in the community.
LCAS is focused on creative and progressive lifesaving through pet retention as well as animal adoption, mental health support through kennel enrichment, foster care and compassionate humane law enforcement. LCAS is dedicated to gold-standard animal sheltering and operates the first public animal shelter in the United States to meet 100% of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Animal Shelter guidelines, giving staff a rare opportunity to be part of a comprehensive and cutting-edge animal services team. This position will regularly work weekends with a typical schedule of Wednesday through Sunday and Monday/Tuesday as regularly scheduled days off.

Job Summary

As a member of the animal care team, you'll be responsible for meeting the daily needs of all animals in our care which will include cleaning cat cages, dog kennels and small animal enclosures; feeding and handling animals such as dogs, cats, exotics, poultry, and reptiles; administering preventative care and medications; and when necessary, performing euthanasia. As mental health is a critical component of comprehensive animal sheltering, the animal care team provides daily enrichment via our national award-winning Busy Buddies program, to ensure that the pets in our care stay physically and mentally healthy. Animal Care team members also provide counseling to potential adopters to promote the best matches and must be comfortable communicating with people with diverse pet ownership experiences.
Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma/GED and at least one (1) year of job-related experience.
Knowledge of and experience handling dogs, cats and other companion animals is required. Experience in a kennel or veterinary office is preferred. Must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid driver's license. Spanish bilingual strongly preferred.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

Must have the ability to control large and potentially dangerous animals over 75 pounds and team lift animals weighing up to 100 lbs. Must be available to work all shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Additionally, a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series will commence immediately upon hire, unless proof of prior vaccination is provided. Although more than 93% of animals arriving at LCAS are placed, Animal Care Technicians do perform and assist with the euthanasia of animals that are deemed irredeemably suffering, dangerous, or are not treatable or manageable within the limitations of the shelter setting. Staff must obtain certification in euthanasia within six months of employment.
Candidate will also be required to obtain certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Incident Command System 100 & 200 and attend ongoing trainings throughout the duration of employment. Candidates may not have fears of, or allergies to, companion animals.
Successful candidate will undergo criminal and DMV background check and physical examination, to include drug screening. Valid driver's license required.

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Equal Employment Opportunity
Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at
703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.