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Animal Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

University of Virginia

Animal Caregiver

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

The Animal Caregiver role is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of research animals through dedicated husbandry and facility care. As an Animal Caregiver, you'll be part of a hands-on ...

City of Richmond

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Richmond Animal Care and Control is committed to being an employer of choice and we are dedicated to the growth of our workforce. We value our employees and seek to attract and retain the best. We ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537484 Work type: Staff Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Animal Care Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

City of Richmond, VA

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Office of Animal Care & Control Opening Date: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 9/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y ? R espect. E quity. A ccountability. D iversity... YOU !!! This is an ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chesapeake, VA

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC). You ensure ...

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Animal information

See Virginia salary details

$9

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$27

How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal in Virginia is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are animal jobs?

Animal jobs refer to occupations that involve working directly or indirectly with animals. These roles can include veterinarians, animal trainers, zookeepers, animal shelter workers, wildlife biologists, and pet groomers, among others. People in animal jobs may care for, study, train, or protect different species of animals in various environments. These careers often require a passion for animal welfare and may involve both physical and emotional demands. Some positions may also require specialized education or certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by animal caretakers in a shelter environment?

Animal caretakers in shelters often face challenges such as managing a high volume of animals, addressing diverse medical and behavioral needs, and coping with emotionally demanding situations like animal surrenders or adoptions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as caretakers frequently collaborate with veterinarians, volunteers, and adoption counselors to ensure the well-being of each animal. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards in a fast-paced environment can be physically demanding but is crucial for disease prevention and animal comfort.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Caretaker, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, basic veterinary care, and handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with animal management software, feeding protocols, and cleaning equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills help caretakers respond effectively to animal needs and recognize health issues early. These skills ensure animal well-being, safe environments, and effective daily operations in shelters, zoos, or veterinary facilities.

What careers work with animals?

There are a number of exciting careers in which you work with animals on a daily basis. Some of the more well-known careers are zoologist and veterinary doctor. As a zoologist, you can work with a wide variety of wild animals in a zoo setting. While zoos are the most common setting, there are a wide variety of research settings in which you can work as well. As a veterinarian, you take care of domestic animals in a pet hospital or vet clinic. You can also work with farm animals. Some lesser known career options are marine biologist, animal trainer, pet groomer, and dog warden. There are also careers for people that would be interested in breeding animals such as dogs and cats.

What is the difference between Animal vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimalVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or basic animal handling certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentZoos, farms, pet stores, research labsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Industry UsageAnimal care, research, educationMedical support in veterinary settings
Common Search IntentAnimal care roles, animal handling jobsVet tech jobs, veterinary support roles

Animal roles focus on general care, handling, and management of animals across various environments. Veterinary technicians specialize in supporting veterinarians with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in clinical settings. While both work with animals, veterinary technicians require specific certifications and work primarily in veterinary practices, whereas animal roles are broader and include diverse environments.

What careers can I have with animals?

Careers with animals include roles such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and may involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.

What careers do you work with animals?

Careers working with animals include roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or outdoor settings.
More about Animal jobs

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

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal job openings:

Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Care Technician - Full Time

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Animal Welfare League of Alexandriaexternal

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
DEPARTMENT: Animal Care
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: Do you love animals? Do you have a drive to ensure that all animals have the care and respect they deserve? If the answer is yes, then we have a dynamic entry level position that may be right for you. This position is responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment of the animals in our shelter. Additionally, this position is asked to assist in the handling of animals for medical procedures and to provide assistance in showing animals to potential adopters. This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and gain experience in humane animal handling and care. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB INCLUDE:
Animal Care:
  1. Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortable
  2. Clean animal enclosures every morning
  3. Feed, water, groom, and medicate animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
  4. Provide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as needed
  5. Examine and vaccinate animals entering the shelter
  6. Accurately evaluate the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelter
  7. Administer emergency first aid to sick or injured animals
  8. Humanely euthanize animals when necessary
  9. Participate in dog playgroups as needed
  10. Assist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and clean
  11. Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
  12. Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole

Administrative:
  1. Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updated
  2. Learn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breeds
  3. Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA's procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals
  4. Legal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocols
  5. Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulations
  6. Understand and comprehend AWLA's Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  7. Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product orders
  8. Perform intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals
  9. Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
  10. Maintain accurate animal intake information in database
  11. Retrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
  1. 6 months of experience in working in an animal kennel environment.
  2. High school diploma or equivalent
  3. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
  4. Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
  5. Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
  6. Ability to obtain certification as a euthanasia technician within the first twelve months of employment
  7. Valid Driver's License
  8. Fluent in English
  9. Previous experience working in animals sheltering.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  1. Indoors in a high noise, air-conditioned/heated building, outdoors at shelter in various weather conditions, or on-location for various activities
  2. Equipment use:

Includes use of PC, laser printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, power washer, industrial dish washing machine, laundry machine, dryer, and cleaning supplies
  1. Work hours:
  2. Work hours will vary
  3. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours will be required

MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND COMMUNCATION DEMANDS:
  1. Regular exposure to animals, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, bites, scratches
  2. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
  3. The employee must frequently bend, grip and be flexible to do so
  4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
  5. Ability to work around pet dander, dust and other allergens without issue
  6. Regularly required to stand and walk
  7. Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database, currently Chameleon
  8. Requires working alone or with minimal supervision - must be self-motivated
  9. Requires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry people
  10. Must have the ability to effectively communicate; verbally and written, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations, and private citizens
  11. Requires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner
  12. Adherence to AWLA's policies and philosophies
  13. Must be willing to receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation and training.

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