ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Animal Rescue information

See Virginia Beach, VA salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Virginia Beach, VA is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $23.70 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 Virginia Beach, VA? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia Beach, VA are:
What cities near Virginia Beach, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Virginia Beach, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Virginia Beach, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,551 per year, or $20 per hour.
Associate DVM | Sign on Bonus + Relocation

Associate DVM | Sign on Bonus + Relocation

Churchland Animal Clinic

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Associate Veterinarian (DVM) - Churchland Animal Hospital | Portsmouth, VA
Collaborative Medicine. Supportive Mentorship. Coastal Living.
Churchland Animal Hospital is seeking an Associate Veterinarian (DVM) to join our well-established small animal practice in Portsmouth, Virginia. Whether you're an experienced veterinarian looking for a collaborative team or a recent graduate seeking mentorship, you'll find a supportive environment where you can grow and thrive.
Why Join Churchland Animal Hospital?
  • Established, full-service small animal hospital
  • Collaborative and supportive doctor team
  • Loyal client base and experienced support staff
  • Progressive approach to veterinary medicine
  • Positive, team-first culture
  • Strong mentorship for early-career veterinarians

Our goal is to create an environment where veterinarians feel supported, valued, and empowered to practice high-quality medicine.
What You'll Do
  • Provide compassionate, high-quality care to small animal patients
  • Build strong client relationships through education and communication
  • Collaborate with an experienced medical team
  • Practice medicine in a supportive, team-oriented environment

Core Competencies
  • Small Animal Medicine
  • Preventive & Wellness Care
  • Veterinary Diagnostics
  • Soft Tissue Surgery
  • Client Communication
  • Case Management
  • Team Collaboration
  • Medical Record Documentation
  • Professional Development
  • New Graduate Mentorship

Qualifications
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or equivalent)
  • Licensed or eligible for veterinary licensure in Virginia
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Commitment to high-quality patient care
  • Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
  • Passion for continued learning and professional growth

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive Base Salary + Production
  • Sign-On Bonus & Relocation Assistance
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Generous PTO
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • CE Allowance & Paid CE Days
  • Paid Licensing & Professional Dues

Life in Hampton Roads
Enjoy everything coastal Virginia has to offer, including beautiful beaches, waterfront communities, outdoor recreation, excellent dining, and convenient access to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the greater Hampton Roads region.
Join Our Team
If you're looking for a veterinary career that offers mentorship, collaboration, and the opportunity to practice high-quality medicine with a great team, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to learn more about joining Churchland Animal Hospital.
Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and more depending on location. You will be provided more detailed information about compensation and benefits for your specific location. Where required under applicable law, the company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and similar benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and business needs.
#LI-MS2
#East

Apply