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Animal Spca Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Animal Spca information

What is the difference between Animal Spca vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectAnimal SpcaAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in animal care or behaviorHigh school diploma, basic animal handling certifications
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue facilities, community outreachAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, rescue centers
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, SPCAs, animal rescue groupsMunicipal shelters, private rescue organizations

Animal Spca and Animal Shelter Worker roles often overlap, with both working in animal rescue and care. However, Animal Spca roles may involve more community outreach and advocacy, while Animal Shelter Workers focus on daily animal care and shelter operations. Both positions require similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related but distinct in scope.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at an SPCA and how can they be managed?

Working at an SPCA often involves emotionally challenging situations, such as caring for neglected or abused animals and making difficult decisions about animal welfare. Staff members may experience compassion fatigue, so organizations typically offer support through team debriefings and access to mental health resources. Collaboration with fellow staff, veterinarians, and volunteers is essential for sharing responsibilities, especially during busy periods. Developing strong coping strategies and participating in ongoing training can help manage stress and improve job satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal SPCA worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SPCA Animal Care Worker, you generally need knowledge of animal handling, basic veterinary care, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal management software, cleaning protocols, and sometimes certification in animal first aid is important. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you effectively care for animals and engage with the public. These abilities ensure animal welfare, support successful adoptions, and maintain a safe, positive shelter environment.

What does an Animal SPCA worker do?

An Animal SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) worker is responsible for caring for animals that have been rescued from neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning, providing medical care, and facilitating adoptions for animals. They also educate the public about animal welfare and may assist in investigations of animal cruelty cases. Animal SPCA workers play a crucial role in ensuring animals are treated humanely and find loving homes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Spca jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Animal Spca jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Spca jobs in Virginia?

For Animal Spca jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Spca jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Spca jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Spca jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Spca job openings:

Animal Spca jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Spca job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Animal Care Technician (Limited-term through September 30)

Richmond SPCA

Richmond, VA • On-site

$16/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Temporary
Description
Temporary position to be scheduled up to 30 hours per week August 15 - September 30, 2026*
Reports to Animal Care Manager
The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do - but how we do it.
Animal Care Technicians play an essential role in caring for our homeless dogs and cats, many of whom are sick or injured and undergoing medical treatment. These team members help protect our animals' health and contribute to their overall wellbeing - making sure they are happy and loved while being readied for adoption to lasting homes.
* This position is scheduled for up to 30 hours per week August 15 - September 30, 2026. Upon hire, you will receive a checklist outlining the essential skills and tasks that must be mastered by the end of the temporary assignment. On or around September 30, 2026 based on departmental needs and your demonstrated performance, Animal Care management may offer the opportunity to transition from temporary status to a regular part-time role with a schedule of up to 28 hours per week. If the essential skills have not been demonstrated, or if there is no ongoing staffing need at that time, employment will conclude on September 30, 2026.
Essential Functions
  • Clean animal housing areas while ensuring all protocols and procedures are closely followed
  • Wash pet food and water containers
  • Scoop and clean litter boxes for cats and spot clean animal housing areas throughout the day as needed
  • Walk dogs and assist with behavior modification protocols as requested by trainers
  • Assist with doing pet laundry and deliver fresh bedding to pet housing areas
  • Provide socialization, enrichment and exercise for animals as outlined by management
  • Ensure every pet in your assigned area eats his or her food and consumes his or her medications every day
  • Maintain special feeding protocols for puppies and kittens as well as dogs and cats with special needs
  • Maintain open and regular communication with the Animal Care Manager, Assistant Manager and Lead Animal Care Technicians
  • Report any medical concerns or observations to the veterinary staff for monitoring
  • Report any behavioral concerns or observations to the shelter trainers for monitoring
  • Work with our awesome volunteers and respond to their questions in a professional manner
  • Notify appropriate personnel when animal care supplies are running low
  • Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of dog and cat areas
  • Empty garbage cans
  • Assist other colleagues in the department as needed
  • Perform side duties daily
  • Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
  • Complete special cleaning projects and other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Able to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
  • Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Availability on weekends, holidays, and some weekdays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day required)
  • Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather**

** This position is an essential personnel position, meaning employees in this position are designated as critical to the Richmond SPCA's shelter operations, as they provide for the health and welfare of our shelter pets. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled even when the Richmond SPCA is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.
Qualifications, Skills and Expectations
  • Able to react to change productively
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
  • Punctual with a sense of urgency
  • Strong work ethic
  • Resourceful, positive, get-it-done attitude
  • Team-oriented mindset
  • Good communicator
  • Prior experience working in an animal care environment a plus (but not required)
  • Comfort handling and learning to handle dogs and cats
  • Good time management and prioritization skills
  • Must be able to work independently at times
  • Ability to multitask

Physical Job Requirements
  • Able to routinely lift 40-50 lbs.
  • Able to push/pull a large cart
  • Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured, or who exhibit challenging behaviors), dog and cat dander, loud noises, cat litter, peanut butter, animal waste, and various chemicals
  • Able to bend, kneel and use your arms in a repetitive manner
  • Able to stoop and use stairs
  • Able to be on your feet for an entire 8-hour shift
  • Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment
  • Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste and disinfectants
  • High levels of noise
  • Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
  • Work in a team environment with other passionate, hardworking and dedicated animal lovers, making a difference in their lives every day

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.
Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.
The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Salary Description
$16/hour up to 30 hours per week (limited-term)

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