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Animal Rescue Jobs in Williamsburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

Mercury Animal

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Hampton, VA · On-site

Salary: $22.00-$28.00/hr Mercury Animal Hospital, Inc . is actively recruiting a licensed Veterinary Technician to join our team. A friendly, caring, animal loving, individual with good work ethics ...

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All JobsAnimal Rescue JobsAnimal Rescue Jobs in Williamsburg, VA

Animal Rescue information

See Williamsburg, VA salary details

$9

$20

$26

How much do animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal rescue in Williamsburg, VA is $20.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.99 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 popular job titles related to Animal Rescue jobs in Williamsburg, VA? For Animal Rescue jobs in Williamsburg, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Rescue jobs in Williamsburg, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Rescue jobs in Williamsburg, VA are:
What cities near Williamsburg, VA are hiring for Animal Rescue jobs? Cities near Williamsburg, VA with the most Animal Rescue job openings:
Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Rescue job openings in Williamsburg, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,979 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Animal Care Technician

King William County, VA

King William, VA • On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: $14.00 - $15.00 Hourly
Location : 20201 King William Road, King William, VA
Job Type: Part-Time Regular
Job Number: 202600020
Department: Regional Animal Shelter
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Welcome to the King William County's Employnment Opportunities Page!
King William County encourages the diligent efforts of jobseekers to pursue and sustain gainful employment. As an organization, we understand the importance of meaningful work and intend to foster an environment of productive, qualified, and competent individuals who seek to achieve a common goal.
If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password.
Click on the job title that piques your interest or that relates to your education and experience and then click the "Apply" link.
Job postings are subject to be closed at any time by the County, regardless of the postings' status or closing date.
Please ensure that your application shows all relevant education and experience that you possess. Individual jobs may require additional attachments to the application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
If you would like to be notified when applications are being accepted for any position, click on "Job Alerts" in the menu, select the job title, then click on the 'Subscribe' link to fill out a Job Interest Card.
Note: Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.
King William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is inclusive of all persons. Employment with the County is not limited by race, ethnicity, class, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, age, sexuality, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, education, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliations, national origin, political beliefs and/or veteran status.
We committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, services, programs and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please email the Human Resources department at or contact us by phone at (804) 769-4968.
General Description
This position must first be proficient as an Animal Care Technician (ACT), as being required to perform in that capacity is expected, and a priority when necessary. When not performing as an ACT, the employee in this position will be an Office Assistant. This is an Essential Personnel Position and attendance is required during all weather extremes or environmental emergencies, to care for animals in the Shelter. Receives direction from and reports to the Animal Shelter Director.
The Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people in accordance with all statutes, ordinances, and regulations pursuant to the operation of pounds and the sheltering of animals. Lawful, proper, and humane care of animals shall be their primary responsibility. Assures all animals' nutrition, sanitary housing and basic medical needs are met on a daily basis. Proper performance of duties is essential to preserve the health of animals and to prevent the spread of disease within the shelter. Assists the public when reclaiming, adopting or admitting animals and promotes responsible pet ownership in conversations with customers. The Animal Care Technician-Office Assistant works a rotating schedule of weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Functions
  • Responsible for duties related to the daily care of Shelter animals to include cleaning and disinfecting of the animal holding areas and walkways.
  • Perform continual maintenance and housekeeping duties to include minor repairs and upkeep of the Shelter workrooms and public areas.
  • Reports equipment in need of repair or replacement to the Animal Shelter Director. Assure that animals receive species and age specific food in sufficient quantity and water. Provide safe and humane handling of animals in the Shelter.
  • Observes and evaluate animals for signs of illness or injury and reports symptoms to Animal Shelter Supervisor.
  • Dispense medications as prescribed and directed and verify that animals have swallowed oral medications.
  • Assist in performing health and behavior evaluations on individual animals. Assist in photographing animals for adoption promotion efforts.
  • Assist in administering scheduled vaccinations and treatments.
  • Performs euthanasia procedure.
  • Bathe and groom any animals that need special attention.
  • Exercise, socialize and train Shelter animals. Wash, dry, fold and put away laundry.
  • Performs routine spot-checks and sanitation of animal holding areas throughout the day to maintain cleanliness.
  • Remove and dispose of feces in the outside exercise yards and around the outside of the facility. Assist with inventory and restocking supplies.
  • Monitor visitors to the Shelter for the safety of citizens and animals.
  • Assist customers who are seeking lost pets and those interested in adopting. Respond to questions about the adoption process and specific animals. Assist customers in reclaiming their animals, or in completing adoption applications.
  • Assist with the intake of animals and maintains accurate records.
  • Animal Care Technicians are responsible for observing how animals interact with various people and other animals. They shall advise the Animal Shelter Manager regarding any animal that is unusually withdrawn or that displays aggression towards people or other animals.
  • The Animal Care Technician-Office Assistant works a rotating schedule of weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
  • Within 6 months in position, complete the State Euthanasia Technician Classroom course, and certify with the Shelter's supervising veterinarian as a Euthanasia Technician.
  • Performs administrative duties related to operational efficiency of the shelter to include but not limited to answering phones, greeting customers, responding to inquiries, and assisting with intake from animal control.
  • Assist in presenting educational programs on responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter, etc. Assist with office/clerical tasks as may be required.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Education, Training, and Experience
Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and some experience working with animal husbandry training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Euthanasia Certification is required within one year. Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Must successfully complete the VDACS Animal Facility Operator School within one year of employment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of driving, walking, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which involves the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds).
EMPLOYEE UTILIZATION IN ADVERSE WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CONDITIONS
All King William County employees are subject to being assigned to specific positions and tasks during a "Declared Emergency" as support personnel, by the County Administrator. Once assigned, this would be the same as a regular work assignment and all policies and procedures for duty assignments apply.
**Potential candidates will be required to complete drug testing, driving and background checks.
The foregoing is intended as a general description of job responsibilities and performance expectations and does not constitute a contract for employment between the employee and the County of King William, Virginia.

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