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Animal Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: Perform daily Community outreach ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/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 ...

FSAP and PETA

Animal Care Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina Primary Responsibilities and Duties: • Perform daily Community outreach ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Animal Control Officer

Windsor, VA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office is currently taking applications for the position of Animal Control Officer. Application, Background Investigative Form, and ...

County of Culpeper

Animal Care Technician

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$32K - $54K/yr

Job Summary Responsible for the care of the animals that are housed at the Culpeper Animal Shelter. Job Functions ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Provides care for animals in the shelter; feeds, bathes and ...

Paws Awhile Pet Motel

Animal Care Technician

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Paws Awhile Pet Motel is hiring a full-time or part-time Animal Care Technician, and this could be the opportunity you didn't know you were waiting for in Warrenton, VA. Flexible schedule? Supportive ...

City of Hampton

Animal Response Team Officer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing State laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsAnimal Jobs in Virginia

Animal information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% 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 Officer

PETA

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

Position Objective: 

Offer and provide animal and family services to existing and potential clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia and North Carolina 


Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

Perform daily Community outreach advertising, offering and providing PETA's animal and family services in Virginia and North Carolina, including spay/neuter surgeries and related transport, rabies vaccinations and other veterinary and wellness services

Contact potential and existing clients of PETA's Community Animal Project (CAP) to offer animal and family services in Virginia and North Carolina 

Handle incoming calls from existing and potential clients requesting services, prepare and update case sheets for providing those services, and maintain records of services provided, including photographing conditions when appropriate

Provide companion animal care and family services, including pick up and assistance to injured or unwanted animals 

File complaints with animal control agencies in situations requiring legal intervention, and follow up to ensure that action is taken

Conduct investigations involving neglected or abused animals

Perform emergency first-aid procedures and euthanasia 

Care for animals in PETA's custody

Participate in the rotation for CAP's 24-hour pager providing emergency services to clients and the general public across CAP's service region

Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to describe and provide clients with animal and family services offered by PETA's Community Animal Project

Demonstrated experience with sales, customer service, public outreach or similar experience 

Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills

Minimum of two years of animal-handling experience

Proven effective problem-solving and crisis-management skills

Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment and discretion 

Proven ability to deal with a variety of people in a professional manner

Proven ability to coordinate several tasks at once and handle frequent interruptions

Demonstrated ability to manage time wisely and prioritize tasks

Willingness to obtain euthanasia certification (on-the-job training will be provided)

Willingness and ability to be on 24-hour emergency call

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance on a regular basis

Ability to engage in frequent bending, stooping, crawling, lifting, reaching, and stair-climbing

Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid U.S. driver's license, a minimum of three years of driving experience, and a satisfactory driving record

Commitment to the objectives of the organization



The salary range for this position is $43,000 - $55,000 annually. The ultimate salary within this range that will be offered to a qualified candidate will be determined based on the candidate's experience. 

A list of benefits available to qualified employees is available here.  

Application Deadline: 

Applications for this position will be accepted until September 13, 2026.

We may fill this job opening before the deadline if we find a qualified candidate.

Apply