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Animal Rescue Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Loudoun County Government

Animal Care Technician

Leesburg, VA · 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 Washington, DC salary details

$11

$23

$31

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Washington, DC is $23.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $28.32 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Washington, DC? For Animal Rescue jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Washington, DC are:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,570 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Animal Care Technician I

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $19.00 - $22.00

ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I (ACT I)

Job Title: Animal Care Technician I
Department: Animal Care
Reports To: Manager of Animal Care
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Arlington, VA


POSITION SUMMARY

Animal Care Technician I (ACT I) provides foundational daily care for shelter animals, maintains high standards of cleanliness, supports low-stress and Fear Free handling practices, and assists with basic medical and behavioral tasks under supervision. This is the entry-level position within the Animal Care career path and serves as the foundation for advancement to ACT II and ACT III roles.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care

  • Provide daily feeding, watering, enrichment, and basic grooming for shelter animals.
  • Conduct routine animal welfare checks and promptly report concerns related to health, behavior, or overall wellbeing.
  • Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through Fear Free, purposeful, and compassionate handling practices.
  • Support low-stress handling and stress-reduction techniques in daily animal care routines.
  • Assist with basic medical tasks (e.g., topical medications, vaccine preparation) under supervision.
  • Assist with animal intake by safely handling animals and accurately recording observations.
  • Follow and support behavior modification protocols by understanding basic behavior plans, observing animal behavior in kennel settings, and implementing assigned steps as directed by senior staff or Behavior team members.

Facility Care

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, habitats, and shared areas in accordance with established disease-control and sanitation protocols.
  • Operate laundry, dishwashing, and sanitation equipment.
  • Maintain supply rooms and restock food, litter, and cleaning products as needed.
  • Report equipment or facility issues requiring repair or replacement.

People Care

  • Provide courteous, professional support to volunteers, adopters, fosters, and staff.
  • Work collaboratively with Animal Care Volunteers, recognizing their contributions and supporting their work in accordance with AWLA guidelines.
  • Assist the Adoption team by facilitating meet-and-greets when needed to support positive and safe adoption experiences.
  • Model positive, respectful interactions consistent with AWLAs Compassionate Culture.

Administrative & Record Support

  • Assist with maintaining accurate animal records and observations in shelter databases, as directed.
  • Enter intake observations, daily notes, and care-related updates in accordance with established protocols.
  • Follow documentation and recordkeeping standards to support Animal Care, Veterinary, and Adoption teams.

Other Duties

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to AWLA policies, procedures, safety protocols, and code of conduct.
  • Support a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Take immediate action to report safety concerns that could put staff, volunteers, animals, or the organization at risk.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • General knowledge of animal behavior and animal care.
  • Ability to safely handle cats, dogs, small companion animals, wildlife, and rabies vector species.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work on feet for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Comfort working around bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, injured or ill animals, and euthanasia-related activities.
  • Willingness to complete required training and obtain euthanasia certification within six (6) months of employment.
  • Ability to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination upon employment.
  • Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate databases and review records.
  • Strong work ethic, reliability, and accountability.
  • Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional in stressful, sensitive, or emotionally challenging situations.
  • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings with a schedule that may change as needed.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.


LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

  • Fluency in English required.


TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Working with animals requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of standing or walking. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to operate common equipment such as computers, telephones, and other tools used in daily tasks.


Employees should be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. This role may involve assisting with the restraint of animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive, and may involve potential hazards such as bites or scratches.


Physical strength and stamina are essential for managing animals on leash while performing other tasks, such as opening doors or moving equipment. The ability to lift and move animals or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. is required. This role involves active, physical work throughout the day.


Clear vision and hearing are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are critical due to frequent interruptions and changing priorities. Comfort working with a wide range of animalsincluding dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlifeis essential.


This position also requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to navigate both the rewarding and challenging aspects of animal welfare work. Employees must remain composed, compassionate, and focused in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment.


VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Upon hire, employees are required to receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis and a tetanus vaccination.


BENEFITS

This position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. AWLA also offers a salary bonus for proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Employees receive additional benefits including free pet adoptions, free pet vaccines, and other pet-related benefits.