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Animal Rescue Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

Veterinarian

Staunton, VA

$100K - $130K/yr

Augusta Valley Animal Hospital , our General Practice hospital located in Staunton, Virginia, is seeking to hire a Veterinarian to join our team! Augusta Valley Animal Hospital is a high-volume, well ...

Veterinarian

Staunton, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Augusta Valley Animal Hospital , our General Practice hospital located in Staunton, Virginia, is seeking to hire a Veterinarian to join our team! Augusta Valley Animal Hospital is a high-volume, well ...

Veterinarian

Staunton, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Augusta Valley Animal Hospital , our General Practice hospital located in Staunton, Virginia, is seeking to hire a Veterinarian to join our team! Augusta Valley Animal Hospital is a high-volume, well ...

If you're passionate about animal care, love being part of a strong team, and want to make a daily impact-we'd love to meet you! Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Continuing education

If you're passionate about animal care, love being part of a strong team, and want to make a daily impact-we'd love to meet you! Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Continuing education

Animal Rescue information

See Harrisonburg, VA salary details

$9

$19

$25

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Harrisonburg, VA is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.32 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 Harrisonburg, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Harrisonburg, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Harrisonburg, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Harrisonburg, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Harrisonburg, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Harrisonburg, VA are:
What cities near Harrisonburg, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Harrisonburg, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Harrisonburg, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,807 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Associate Veterinarian - Ashby Animal Clinic

Suveto

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Suveto rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Associate Veterinarian Opportunity At Ashby Animal Clinic

Ashby Animal Clinic needs an additional Associate Veterinarian to join the family! We are confident that after learning more about us, you will see what a fantastic, rewarding opportunity the role can be for your career.

Practice Highlights

  • The clinical team you will join is highly experienced and ultra-collaborative.
  • Our state-of-the-art hospital is housed within the hospital's original structure from 1974, which underwent a complete interior redesign and expansion in 2013 and another expansion in 2023. It features ample treatment space, a dedicated surgery suite and dentistry area, six exam rooms and an impressive list of modern equipment.
  • The Ashby Animal Clinic staff prides itself on possessing an upbeat, drama-free, family-like culture. We love coming to work each day and know you will too!

"I've never met a group of harder-working people who love the medicine, who love to learn, and who love helping pet owners."

Dr. Tara Bell

About the Opportunity

We are looking to hire an Associate Veterinarian full-time or part-time as an additional doctor for the Ashby Animal Clinic team. This opening is not due to a departing DVM; it is due to our steady, continued growth. For the right applicant who sees Ashby Animal Clinic as their new home and who we see as a good fit with our team, we will be highly competitive regarding compensation. The full-time position is eligible for our standard benefits package, all the details of which we'd be excited to discuss with you! We pay a guaranteed base salary with a ProSal bonus structure. Salary, based on experience, ranges from $110,000-$150,000 (plus bonus potential) for full-time.

"It's a joy to come into work every day, it's like going to my second home."

Winnie Roadcap, CSR/Administrative Assistant

About You

You are a practicing veterinarian, licensed, and in good standing with the State of Virginia! Additionally, you are committed to practicing high-quality evidence-based medicine/surgery and could consider yourself a lifetime learner. If you have specific clinical interests, that is wonderful; we are always looking to expand the spectrum of services the hospital can offer to its clients. Surgery not your favorite? There's room for you here! If you love to cut, we welcome that, too. You are patient with pet owners, even the crotchety ones, and generally have a sunny disposition in the exam room and treatment areas. Our team is very collaborative, so if you naturally like to teach others, that is excellent too. In terms of your clinical experience, we are flexible: new grads are welcome as are seasoned veterans of the profession.

About the Team

The staff currently consists of our 4 Veterinarians, 7 Licensed Technicians, 4 Receptionists, and 3 awesome Veterinary Assistants! The team consistently praises the hard-working, family-like atmosphere in the building. Additionally, the high percentage of long-term team members ensures continuity and collaboration that few other practices can offer.

"Ashby practices high-quality medicine. Period. From its earliest days, the hospital has had a reputation for clinical excellence. That continues today with the way we practice and through the excellent relationships we have with the specialists who assist us with the more unique cases we can see."

Dr. Lisa May Moran

About the Practice

For over 50 years, Ashby Animal Clinic has served the needs of pet owners and their dogs and cats in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area. We make every effort to invest in our clinical capabilities and would be delighted to add to our service offerings if you possess unique skills. From a workflow perspective, we operate on 30-minute appointment blocks, do not have walk-in appointments, no after-hours emergencies and no weekends!

All our Benefits are rooted in ownership, growth, and well-being:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid parental leave
  • Pet Health Discounts
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability Coverage
  • Health savings account
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional development assistance
  • Relocation assistance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Referral program

Apply now to join our amazing team and advance your career!


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