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Animal Rescue Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

City of Norfolk, VA

Animal Health Keeper II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $73K/yr

The Animal Health Keeper II is primarily responsible for daily commissary operations, ensuring accurate and timely preparation and delivery of animal diets. The role also includes providing husbandry ...

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: Perform daily Community outreach ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: • Perform daily Community outreach ...

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Animal Rescue information

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How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Norfolk, VA is $20.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $24.18 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 Norfolk, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Norfolk, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Norfolk, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Norfolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Norfolk, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Norfolk, VA are:
What cities near Norfolk, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Norfolk, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Norfolk, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,362 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Animal Rights Policy Associate- Office of the President

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description
This job is posted by The PETA Foundation on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The PETA Foundation formed in 1993 to provide general and administrative support services to PETA and certain other charitable animal protection organizations, including accounting and legal services, creative consultation, employee benefit administration, and employee recruitment.
About PETA
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), with more than 2 million members and supporters, is the largest animal rights organization in the world.
PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and the entertainment industry. PETA also works on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other "pests" and the abuse of "backyard" dogs.
PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.
If you are curious to see what life is really like at PETA or the PETA Foundation, check out the Tagboard for #PETAlife!
https://tagboard.com/petalife/158654
Read more: http://www.peta.org/about-peta/work-at-peta/#ixzz2xfCe3PI8
Job Description
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is searching for a full-time policy associate to support our efforts to put an end to animal abuse worldwide. This role is responsible for a combination of administrative, research, and advocacy-related tasks. Reporting directly to the president, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, this role coordinates the planning, organization, and development of specific projects in order to accomplish the goals of the organization most effectively.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
• Coordinate and perform in-depth analyses in order to suggest strategies
• Develop and maintain productive relationships to implement PETA's advocacy initiatives effectively
• Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic issues
• Draft correspondence and respond to inquiries and requests, utilizing discretion and independent judgment
• Oversee Web content related to assigned projects
• Travel within and outside the U.S. on assignments
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications
• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years of professional experience
• Strong working knowledge of animal rights issues and PETA campaigns
• Excellent professional research skills, with the ability to conduct research on complicated issues, especially in circumstances in which information availability is limited
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Previous public-speaking experience and the ability to comfortably create and deliver presentations
• Professional appearance and adherence to a vegan lifestyle
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record
• Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization
Additional Information

Apply