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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TJ's Safety Training and Staffing, LLC

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Chicken Hatchery Warehouse Associate

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$13.25 - $14.50/hr

Follow all animal welfare, quality, and safety protocols. * Perform other related duties as ... We work with candidates at all levels, from entry level to management. We will assist you in ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Richmond, VA

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Sterling, VA

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Midlothian, VA · On-site

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Newport News, VA

Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

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All JobsAnimal JobsEntry Level Animal JobsEntry Level Animal Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Animal information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$16

$27

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Virginia is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Developing skills in animal handling, basic care, and safety procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require patience, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

How to start a career with animals?

To start a career as an entry-level animal worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal first aid or handling courses, and develop skills in animal care, patience, and communication. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in working with animals.

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 Entry Level Animal jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Entry Level Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,382 per year, or $16.5 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 18 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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