2

Part Time Animal Rescue Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also ...

Pet Sitter

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... as a "animal person"? Perhaps you already volunteer with a shelter or a rescue? Maybe you have a ... Job Type: Part-time Benefits: * Employee discount * Flexible schedule * Mileage reimbursement * On ...

Part Time Animal Rescue information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do part time animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time 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 some common challenges faced by part-time animal rescue workers, and how can they be managed?

Part-time animal rescue workers often encounter challenges such as balancing rescue shifts with other commitments, handling emotionally difficult situations, and adapting to unpredictable animal behavior. Effective time management and clear communication with team members can help ensure coverage and prevent burnout. Additionally, ongoing training and support from experienced staff are available to help part-time workers develop skills in animal care and safely respond to emergencies. Collaborating closely with both volunteers and full-time staff fosters a supportive environment where everyone can learn and contribute effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Animal Rescue Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Animal Rescue Worker, you generally need experience with animal handling, basic animal care knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal shelter software, basic medical equipment, and sometimes certifications in animal first aid or CPR are valuable. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under stress are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals, effective teamwork, and safe, efficient rescue operations.

What are part time animal rescue jobs?

Part time animal rescue jobs involve working with organizations or shelters to help rescue, care for, and rehome animals in need, but on a part-time schedule. Duties may include feeding and cleaning animals, assisting with adoptions, administering basic medical care, and supporting fundraising or outreach activities. These positions are ideal for people who are passionate about animal welfare but may only be available to work a limited number of hours per week. Part time roles can also be a good way to gain experience in animal care or nonprofit work.

What is the difference between Part Time Animal Rescue vs Part Time Animal Shelter Worker?

AspectPart Time Animal RescuePart Time Animal Shelter Worker
ResponsibilitiesRescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in needAssisting with daily shelter operations, caring for animals, and adoption support
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor rescues, community eventsIndoor shelter facilities, administrative tasks
CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, sometimes certifications in animal handlingAnimal care experience, sometimes certifications in shelter operations

While both roles involve caring for animals, Part Time Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing animals from dangerous situations and rehoming them, often in outdoor or community settings. In contrast, Part Time Animal Shelter Worker primarily supports shelter operations, caring for animals within a shelter environment. Both roles require compassion and animal care skills but differ in work setting and specific duties.

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Part Time Animal Rescue jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Part Time Animal Rescue job openings:
Associate Veterinarian - Smoky's Spay & Neuter Clinic (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Associate Veterinarian - Smoky's Spay & Neuter Clinic (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Richmond SPCA

Mechanicsville, VA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description:

Full-time, exempt (four 10-hour shifts per week) or part-time

Annual full-time salary starts at $90,000 to $120,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Part-time hourly rate starts at $60 per hour, commensurate with experience

Reports to the Manager of Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.

The Richmond SPCA is seeking a dedicated Associate Veterinarian to perform high-volume, high-quality spaying and neutering at our Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic. The ideal candidate will also provide help and support as needed to our full-service, low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. The ideal candidate must practice veterinary medicine in alignment with access to care principles, high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter techniques, and treatment plans that meet pet guardians where they are while improving patient wellbeing. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-respected group of doctors, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff.

Essential Functions

  • Perform high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries (HQHVSN)
  • Follow infectious disease protocols
  • Maintain thorough medical records
  • Effectively and compassionately communicate with and deliver education to a varied client base and medical support staff
  • Practice medicine that supports access to care, using critical thinking and decision making that aligns with our mission
  • Interpret and perform routine diagnostic tests, including radiography
  • Make euthanasia decisions aligned with our no-kill philosophy
  • Perform soft tissue surgery, dentals and other routine surgeries (when supporting the full-service hospital)
  • Deliver wellness, sick and urgent care and provide physical examinations (when supporting the full-service hospital)
  • Develop ongoing treatment plans for acutely- and chronically-ill patients (when supporting the full-service hospital)
  • Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
  • Other job-related duties as assigned


Requirements:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary college required
  • Successful applications for or current/in good standing Virginia Veterinary License, DEA license, AVMA membership and liability insurance coverage
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check
  • Ability to react to change productively
  • Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced and high-stress
  • Professional, courteous attitude and effective communicator
  • Daytime availability Monday through Thursday
  • Reliable transportation including during inclement weather

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

  • Commitment to the no-kill philosophy and operating model, access to care for pets of economically-disadvantaged guardians, shelter diversion programs, HQHVSN and TNVR
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Punctual, with a sense of urgency
  • A collaborative, team-oriented and professional work style
  • Integrity and a dedication to the organization’s mission and values
  • Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every patient
  • Able to effectively communicate with members of the public
  • Strong computer skills with ability to navigate shelter software, Microsoft Office products, and ability to learn new software quickly and completely
  • Good time management and prioritization skills
  • Flexibility and the ability to effectively multi-task
  • Ability to adapt to and accommodate changing demands
  • Commitment to collaborating across departments and with partner animal control/municipal shelters
  • Positive “can do” outlook and ability to rebound quickly from unpleasant situations while maintaining composure
  • Ability to keep information in confidence
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including those focused on conflict resolution
  • Professional written and verbal communications skills
  • Experience in an animal shelter, high-volume spay/neuter clinic or public hospital environment a plus, particularly one focused on access to care

Physical Job Requirements

  • Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges), loud noises, animal waste, and various chemicals
  • Able to be on your feet for an entire 10-hour shift (assistance may be provided in coordination with physician recommendations)
  • Able to move around the building
  • Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as routinely manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds

Work Environment

  • Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants, radiation, anesthetic gases
  • High levels of noise
  • Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)

All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and paid time off.

Fees associated with renewal of Virginia Veterinary license, DEA license, AVMA membership, and professional liability insurance coverage are offered for our full-time veterinarians.