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Entry Level Animals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Newport News, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Midlothian, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Leesburg, VA · On-site

... passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including ... Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level ...

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All JobsAnimals JobsEntry Level Animals JobsEntry Level Animals Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Animals information

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$10

$16

$27

How much do entry level animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animals 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 job?

Entry-level animal jobs are positions that require little to no prior experience working with animals. These roles typically involve basic animal care tasks such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with daily routines. Examples include kennel attendants, animal shelter workers, pet groomer assistants, and veterinary assistants. Entry-level positions provide valuable hands-on experience and can be a stepping stone to more advanced careers in animal care, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What types of tasks can I expect to perform daily in an entry-level animal care position?

In an entry-level animal care role, your daily tasks typically include feeding and providing water for animals, cleaning enclosures or kennels, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting with basic grooming or exercise routines. You may also help with record keeping and work closely with veterinary staff or senior caretakers to ensure the well-being of animals. This role often requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and a genuine passion for animal welfare.

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

To thrive in an entry-level animal care position, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, proper handling techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care tools, cleaning equipment, and sometimes animal management software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and a genuine compassion for animals help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important for ensuring animal well-being and maintaining safe, effective care environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animals vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectEntry Level AnimalsAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic animal handling knowledgeHigh school diploma; some certifications in animal care preferred
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, pet stores, farmsVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, pet stores, zoosVeterinary clinics, animal rescue organizations
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Animals vs Animal Care Assistant

Entry Level Animals typically refers to basic roles involving animal handling and care in various settings, often requiring minimal certifications. Animal Care Assistants usually have more specialized training and work closely with veterinary staff or in clinical environments. Both roles serve the purpose of caring for animals but differ in complexity, work environment, and required credentials.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals in entry-level roles, gain experience through volunteering at shelters or farms, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as pet first aid or animal care courses. Developing skills in handling, feeding, and basic medical care can improve your chances of employment in pet care, grooming, or animal shelter positions.

How to start a career with animals?

Starting a career with animals often involves gaining relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Obtaining certifications such as animal care or veterinary assistant credentials can improve job prospects, and entry-level roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Developing skills in animal handling, communication, and patience is also beneficial.

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

The most popular types of Animals jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animals jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

Entry Level Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animals job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,382 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Part-Time Kennel Attendant

Gloucester, VA

Gloucester County, Virginia
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

679th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

Learn more about Gloucester County, Virginiaexternal

$11.25 - $14.50/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Kennel Attendant

Do you have a genuine passion for animals? Do you believe they can sense your kindness and compassion? If your dedication to their well-being is sincere and meaningful, we invite you to consider an exciting opportunity tailored for individuals like you. Under general supervision, the Kennel Attendant performs routine and specialized work involving the care, feeding, and maintenance of animals housed in the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.

This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and humane environment for shelter animals while following established county and departmental policies, procedures, and sanitation standards. Work involves morning animal care, daily cleaning and maintenance of kennels, monitoring animal health and behavior, and assisting shelter staff with basic animal handling tasks as assigned. This is an entry-level position; prior animal background is preferred but not required.

Staffing coverage will be maintained by multiple employees through coordinated scheduling to provide continuous coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., seven days per week. Schedules may vary and will include weekend hours.

Job Highlights

  • Cleans, disinfects, and maintains kennels, cages, animal rooms, dog runs, and related areas in accordance with county and departmental sanitation protocols.
  • Feeds, waters, provide daily care for animals, ensuring access to clean enclosures, bedding, and enrichment items.
  • Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral issues and promptly reports findings to supervisory staff.
  • Performs laundry, dishwashing, waste removal.
  • Adheres to quarantine, isolation, and biosecurity procedures to prevent disease spread.
  • Provides humane and respectful treatment to all animals in accordance with county policy and state law.
  • Maintains accurate logs, checklists, and documentation as required.
  • Interact professionally and courteously with county staff, volunteers, rescues, and members of the public.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support shelter operations.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements

  • Pass a pre-employment, post-offer physical examination; employee is subject to subsequent physical examinations to ensure he/she meets job-related physical requirements.
  • Basic knowledge of animal care and behavior preferred but not required.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Strong attention to detail in cleaning and sanitation tasks.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, and the public.
  • Ability to learn and apply departmental safety protocols, animal-handling techniques, and disease-control procedures.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Gloucester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace.

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