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Local Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vienna

Police Officer

Vienna, VA

$68K/yr

Responds to hazardous events involving other special units such as EMS rescue and Fire Department ... Answers calls for service dealing with animal complaints. Controls traffic when road conditions are ...

Town of Vienna, VA

Police Officer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$68K/yr

Responds to hazardous events involving other special units such as EMS rescue and Fire Department ... Answers calls for service dealing with animal complaints. Controls traffic when road conditions are ...

All JobsLocal Animal Rescue JobsLocal Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia

Local Animal Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do local animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for local animal rescue 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 the most common challenges faced by team members in a local animal rescue organization?

Team members in local animal rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional aspects of caring for neglected or abused animals, handling unpredictable situations during rescues, and balancing a high workload with limited resources. Collaboration with veterinarians, volunteers, and local authorities is crucial to ensure animal welfare and successful rehoming. Additionally, adapting to fast-changing priorities and maintaining effective communication within the team are key to providing the best possible care for animals in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Local Animal Rescue role, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling techniques, and basic veterinary knowledge, often supported by relevant training or certifications in animal welfare. Familiarity with animal shelter management software, animal first aid, and rescue equipment is typically required. Compassion, resilience, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with animals, the public, and fellow team members. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal safety, facilitating successful adoptions, and maintaining positive community relations.

Do animal rescues pay employees?

Animal rescue organizations may pay employees, especially those in full-time or specialized roles, but many rely on volunteers. Paid positions often require relevant experience, certifications, or skills in animal care and rescue operations.

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

AspectLocal Animal RescueAnimal Shelter Worker
CredentialsMay require animal care certifications, CPR, first aidOften requires similar certifications, experience in animal handling
Work EnvironmentVaries from outdoor rescues to shelter settings, often on-callPrimarily shelter facilities, consistent indoor environment
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, rescue groups, community organizationsMunicipal shelters, private shelters, animal welfare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentRescue operations, emergency response, volunteer opportunitiesShelter operations, daily animal care, adoption processes

Both roles involve caring for animals, but Local Animal Rescue focuses on emergency and outdoor rescues, while Animal Shelter Workers primarily handle daily shelter operations. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and responsibilities.

What are local animal rescues?

Local animal rescues are organizations or groups dedicated to saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray, abandoned, or abused animals within a specific community or region. They often work with shelters, foster volunteers, and veterinarians to provide medical care, foster homes, and adoption services. Unlike large national organizations, local rescues focus on the needs of animals in their immediate area, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare at the community level.

How to get into animal rescue work?

To get into animal rescue work, volunteer at local shelters or rescue organizations to gain experience and understand the field. Many roles require compassion, basic animal care skills, and sometimes certifications such as pet first aid. Building connections and demonstrating commitment can help you transition into paid or more advanced positions in animal rescue.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal welfare officer?

To become an animal welfare officer, candidates typically need a relevant qualification such as a diploma or degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Experience working with animals and knowledge of animal care regulations are also important, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What qualifications do animal rescue jobs require?

Animal rescue jobs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Skills such as animal handling, first aid certification, and knowledge of animal behavior are often preferred. Some positions may also require background checks and physical ability to handle animals and perform rescue tasks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia? For Local Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Local Animal Rescue jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Local Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Local Animal Rescue job openings:
Local Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Animal Rescue job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

FLOYD CO ADMINISTRATOR

Floyd, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Full-Time Animal Control Officer

Position Summary
Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state and local animal control laws, protect public health and safety, investigate animal-related complaints, and promote responsible pet ownership. The Animal Control Officer performs field work involving the capture, handling, transport, and care of domestic animals and responds to emergency situations involving animals.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and interact effectively with the public under challenging circumstances.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Enforce applicable Virginia animal control laws and County ordinances.
• Investigate complaints involving animal cruelty, neglect, nuisance animals,
dangerous dogs, and animals running at large.
• Capture and transport stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals.
• Prepare incident reports, case files, and court documentation.
• Testify in court as required.
• Respond to animal bites and assist with rabies control procedures.
• Maintain animal control vehicles, equipment, and records.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, veterinarians, animal shelters, rescue
organizations, and public health officials.
• Participate in public education and outreach programs.
• Perform after-hours and emergency response duties as assigned and willing
to be on an on-call schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Virginia driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain Virginia Animal Control Officer certification within one year
of employment as required by Virginia law.
• Ability to safely handle domestic animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Basic computer skills and report-writing ability.
Physical Requirements
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, and carrying.
• Ability to lift and move animals and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to safely handle aggressive, frightened, or injured animals.
Special Requirements
Animal Control Officers in Virginia are required to complete a State Veterinarian-approved basic animal control training course and ongoing continuing education. Animal Control Officers have authority to enforce animal control laws and issue summonses as provided by Virginia law.
Benefits
Floyd County offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave
• Professional training opportunities
Contact/Application information:
Please fill out a job application, which can be found on the Floyd County Administrative website, www.floydcova.gov, or available at the Floyd County Administrative office, 202 E. Main Street, Floyd. Resumes and applications can be sent to careers@floydcova.org. or brought directly to the Floyd County Administration office.
• If you have any questions about this job posting, contact the County Administration office, at 540-745-9300.

Floyd County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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