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Dog Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Team Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare statements for rescue organizations and delinquent clients. * Address client financial ... Our hospital is trusted by pet parents who rely on experienced veterinarians for Dog and Cat care.

Team Lead

Arlington, VA

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare statements for rescue organizations and delinquent clients. * Address client financial ... Our hospital is trusted by pet parents who rely on experienced veterinarians for Dog and Cat care.

$90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... dogs, providing a blend of surgery, wellness care, and the opportunity to reintroduce dental ... The practice is highly involved within the local community through work with shelters, rescue ...

Showing results 21-27

Dog Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do dog rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog rescue in Virginia is $14.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a dog rescuer?

To become a dog rescuer, individuals typically volunteer or work with animal shelters, rescue organizations, or shelters to gain experience. Relevant skills include animal handling, knowledge of canine behavior, and sometimes certifications in pet first aid or animal care; a compassionate attitude and patience are essential. Training programs or workshops may also be available to improve skills and understanding of rescue procedures.

What is the difference between Dog Rescue vs Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectDog RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
Required CredentialsNone mandatory; experience with animals helpfulOften requires animal care or shelter management training
Work EnvironmentRescue missions, outdoor and varied locationsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue organizationsMunicipal or private animal shelters
Common Search/ComparisonRescue efforts, volunteer opportunitiesAnimal shelter jobs, animal care roles

Dog Rescue involves actively saving dogs from dangerous or neglectful situations, often requiring outdoor work and rescue skills. Animal Shelter Workers typically manage daily care, administrative tasks, and shelter operations. While both roles focus on animal welfare, Dog Rescue emphasizes emergency and outdoor rescue activities, whereas Animal Shelter Workers focus on shelter management and daily animal care.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in dog rescue, and how can they be managed?

Dog rescue professionals often encounter emotional challenges, including working with abused or neglected animals and making difficult decisions about their care. Managing high volumes of animals and coordinating with volunteers and adopters can also be demanding. To cope, it's important to practice self-care, seek support from team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building strong communication skills and staying organized can help professionals handle the fast-paced and emotionally charged environment typical of dog rescue organizations.

What is dog rescue?

Dog rescue refers to the process of saving dogs from dangerous, neglectful, or abusive situations and finding them safe, loving homes. Dog rescue organizations often work to rehabilitate and care for dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or found as strays. They provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services to ensure each dog has the chance for a better life. Many dog rescues also advocate for responsible pet ownership and work to educate the public about animal welfare. The goal is to reduce the number of homeless dogs and help each animal find a permanent, caring family.

What do I need to work at a dog rescue?

To work at a dog rescue, you typically need a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle dogs of various temperaments. Relevant experience with animals, basic knowledge of dog care, and sometimes volunteer or prior rescue experience are beneficial; certifications in pet first aid can also be helpful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in dog rescue?

To thrive in Dog Rescue, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of canine behavior, and often a background in veterinary assistance or animal welfare. Familiarity with animal management software, first aid certifications, and basic handling equipment is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and crisis management skills help you stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of rescued dogs while effectively coordinating adoptions and rehabilitation efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Dog Rescue jobs in Virginia?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Dog Rescue jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Dog Rescue job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,258 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Animal Rights Policy Associate- Office of the President

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Company Description
This job is posted by The PETA Foundation on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The PETA Foundation formed in 1993 to provide general and administrative support services to PETA and certain other charitable animal protection organizations, including accounting and legal services, creative consultation, employee benefit administration, and employee recruitment.
About PETA
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), with more than 2 million members and supporters, is the largest animal rights organization in the world.
PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: factory farms, laboratories, the clothing trade, and the entertainment industry. PETA also works on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of beavers, birds, and other "pests" and the abuse of "backyard" dogs.
PETA works through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.
If you are curious to see what life is really like at PETA or the PETA Foundation, check out the Tagboard for #PETAlife!
https://tagboard.com/petalife/158654
Read more: http://www.peta.org/about-peta/work-at-peta/#ixzz2xfCe3PI8
Job Description
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is searching for a full-time policy associate to support our efforts to put an end to animal abuse worldwide. This role is responsible for a combination of administrative, research, and advocacy-related tasks. Reporting directly to the president, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, this role coordinates the planning, organization, and development of specific projects in order to accomplish the goals of the organization most effectively.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
• Coordinate and perform in-depth analyses in order to suggest strategies
• Develop and maintain productive relationships to implement PETA's advocacy initiatives effectively
• Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic issues
• Draft correspondence and respond to inquiries and requests, utilizing discretion and independent judgment
• Oversee Web content related to assigned projects
• Travel within and outside the U.S. on assignments
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications
• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years of professional experience
• Strong working knowledge of animal rights issues and PETA campaigns
• Excellent professional research skills, with the ability to conduct research on complicated issues, especially in circumstances in which information availability is limited
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Previous public-speaking experience and the ability to comfortably create and deliver presentations
• Professional appearance and adherence to a vegan lifestyle
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.
• 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
• Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization
Additional Information