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Animal Rescue Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA

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

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 ...

City of Hampton

Animal Response Team Officer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing State laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Norfolk, VA

Animal Rescue information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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, relevant experience with animals, and strong compassion. Volunteering at shelters or rescue organizations can provide valuable skills, and some roles may require certifications in animal care or first aid.

What degree do I need for animal rescue?

Animal rescue jobs typically do not require a specific degree, but a background in animal science, biology, or related fields can be beneficial. Relevant skills include animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of animal behavior, and certifications such as pet first aid or CPR can enhance employability.

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.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many positions are volunteer-based. Salaries can vary depending on the organization, location, and job responsibilities, with some rescues offering stipends or part-time wages. Certification in animal care or related skills can improve employment prospects and pay rates.

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 such as zoo directors or animal pharmacologists may also command higher salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced certifications.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 38% Full Time, and 49% 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

Posted 12 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