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Pet Care Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Passionately Pets

Midday Pet Care Provider

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Passionately Pets is hiring a midday dog walker in Del Ray (22301) to join our growing pet care team. If you're searching for a part-time dog walking job in Alexandria, this is a great opportunity to ...

Passionately Pets

Midday Pet Care Provider

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$28/hr

Passionately Pets is hiring a midday dog walker in Del Ray (22301) to join our growing pet care team. If you're searching for a part-time dog walking job in Alexandria, this is a great opportunity to ...

Passionately Pets

Midday Pet Care Provider

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Passionately Pets is hiring a midday dog walker in Del Ray (22301) to join our growing pet care team. If you're searching for a part-time dog walking job in Alexandria, this is a great opportunity to ...

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Pet Resort Attendant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Your rewarding work will range from the hands-on care of feeding, exercising, and monitoring pets ... A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital And, with so many ...

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All JobsPet Care JobsPet Care Assistant JobsPet Care Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Pet Care Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$13

$19

How much do pet care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pet care assistant in Reston, VA is $13.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $15.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pet Care Assistant vs Pet Groomer?

AspectPet Care AssistantPet Groomer
Required CredentialsBasic animal care knowledge, certifications varyGrooming certifications or licenses often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinicsGrooming salons, pet spas, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, pet service providersPet grooming salons, pet boutiques
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level animal care rolesSpecialized grooming skills focus

The Pet Care Assistant primarily provides basic care and support for animals in various settings, while a Pet Groomer specializes in grooming and styling pets. Both roles may work in similar environments, but Pet Groomers require specific grooming certifications and focus on grooming tasks, whereas Pet Care Assistants handle general animal care and support. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges pet care assistants face when working with different types of animals?

Pet Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling animals with varying temperaments, managing multiple tasks during busy periods, and ensuring the comfort and safety of pets under their care. Each animal may respond differently to new environments, so patience and adaptability are key. Additionally, working closely with veterinarians and other staff requires strong communication skills to relay important information about each pet’s health and behavior.

What is a pet care assistant?

Pet Care Assistants are professionals who support the daily care and well-being of animals in settings such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, and grooming salons. Their duties often include feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring animals, as well as assisting veterinarians or other staff with basic procedures. They play a vital role in ensuring animals are comfortable, healthy, and safe. This entry-level role is ideal for those who are passionate about animals and interested in pursuing a career in animal care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet care assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pet Care Assistant, you need a basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care software, basic grooming tools, and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the well-being of pets, support the smooth operation of veterinary or pet care facilities, and foster trust with clients.

What do you need to be a pet care assistant?

To be a pet care assistant, you typically need a genuine love for animals, good communication skills, and the ability to handle various pet needs. Some positions may require basic knowledge of animal behavior and experience with pet care, while certifications in pet first aid can be beneficial. Flexibility to work weekends or holidays is often expected.

What does a pet care assistant do?

A pet care assistant provides in-home care for domestic animals. Your responsibilities depend on the kind and breed of the pets in question, but may include walking dogs, administering prescribed medication, cleaning litter boxes, and providing exercise opportunities. Duties often involve feeding and monitoring their habits, and occasionally basic obedience training. Pet care assistants may use a variety of alternate job titles, such as pet sitters, doggie daycare providers, and boarding facility workers. Some veterinary clinics have a caretaker on staff to manage animals that are injured or sick.

More about Pet Care Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pet Care jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Pet Care jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Pet Care Assistant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Pet Care Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pet Care Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Pet Care Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Pet Care Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Pet Care Assistant job openings:

Pet Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pet Care Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,964 per year, or $13.9 per hour.

(Part-Time) Pet Care Assistant

Banfield Pet Hospital

Manassas, VA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Banfield Pet Hospital rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 525 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
The Pet Care Assistant works with the veterinary medical team to provide and prepare for the best medical care of pets.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
  • Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
  • Prepare the treatment room for examination of pets and all necessary medical item and supplies (e.g. vaccinations, fecal loops, slides, etc.) for the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician
  • Set up fecals, smears, and skin scrapings as allowed by state rules and regulations.
  • Serve as support to the Client Services Coordinator, Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician.
  • Hold or restrain pets during examination, treatment, or inoculation.
  • Prepare routine in-house laboratory tests (e.g. canine heartworm, feline leukemia, FIV, and canine parvovirus) as allowed by state rules and regulations.
  • Monitor the comfort of hospitalized patients. Ensure the comfort of hospitalized patients by "walking", exercising, feeding, and cleaning cages and pet (when approved by the veterinarian or veterinary technician).
  • Bathe and dip pets when necessary to treat dermatological conditions (when advised by veterinarian or veterinary technician.
  • Clean the surgical suite and instruments.
  • Ensure cleanliness of the hospital including but not limited to housekeeping such as laundry, dishes, mopping, cage cleaning, trash collection and removal and instrument cleaning as outlined by hospital protocols • Other job duties as assigned.

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES:
  • Quality - The consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
  • Responsibility - As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
  • Mutuality - A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure. Efficiency - We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
  • Freedom - We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.

HIRING QUALIFICATIONS COMPETENCIES:
Leadership • Customer Focus • Peer Relationships • Integrity & Trust • Action Oriented • Preventative care and OWPs • Communication Skills • Client Service Skills • Priority Setting • Time Management
CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE: (CAN DO)
  • Ability to multi-task - Manages multiple tasks at one time; quickly and accurately shifts attention among multiple tasks under distracting conditions without loss of accuracy or appearance of frustration.
  • Communication skills - Reads, writes and speaks fluent English, using appropriate grammar, style and vocabulary. Correctly spells commonly used English words and job specific terms. Demonstrates exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Organizational ability - Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out assignments. Is very orderly and excels at cutting through confusion and turning chaos into order.
  • Problem solving skills - Demonstrates a strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Unusually decisive in handling difficult problems. Translates problems into practical solutions.
  • Client service skills - Consistently ensures the team provides the client with attentive, courteous and informative service. Gains and shows personal satisfaction from delivering great service.
  • Intellectual ability - Accurately and consistently follows instructions delivered in an oral, written or diagram format. Can provide directions.
  • Mathematical ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to convert units of measurement.
  • Computer skills - Comfortably and confidently uses a computer and specialized software. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc. ATTITUDES (WILL DO) • Initiative - Shows willingness and aptitude to use own discretion in taking appropriate steps in finding solutions to problems; presents options and ideas to enhance current processes or procedures. Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done. • Integrity - Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of Banfield Pet Hospitals. Exhibits honesty, discretion, and sound judgment.
  • Cooperativeness - Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
  • Flexibility - Is open to changing situations and opportunities and is willing to perform all tasks assigned.
  • Independence - Able and willing to perform tasks and duties without supervision.
  • Tolerance for Stress / Resiliency - Maintains a positive "can do" outlook, rebounds quickly from frustrations and unpleasantness, and maintains composure and friendly demeanor while dealing with stressful situations.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time.
  • Ability to be confident around pets (i.e., dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) • Client needs and work volume may require more than 40 hours per week to complete essential duties of this job. This position requires special hours including working weekends and evenings.
  • Must have mental processes for reasoning, remembering, mathematics and language ability (reading, writing, and speaking the English language) to perform the duties proficiently.
  • The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.
  • Requires sufficient ambulatory skills in order to perform duties while at hospital.
  • Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Associate is routinely exposed to a variety of pets that may bite or scratch, and on occasion, exposed to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards and medication/controlled substances.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:
  • High School Diploma preferred.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to perform duties involving radiography (x-ray) and exposure to radioactive substances.
  • One year related experience required with customer service preferred

The pay range for this role is
$15.00 - $19.14 Hourly
The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate's experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.
Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. Check out some of our "Meow-velous" benefits:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We've got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.

  • Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*

  • Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long-term health of the veterinary profession.

  • Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*

  • Top-Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry-leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*

  • Associate Life Insurance (company-paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company-paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.

  • Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you'll have financial protection.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre-tax money. It's a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.

  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax-advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax funds.

  • Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.

  • Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*

  • Back-Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life's unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*

  • Fertility and Family Building Support: We're here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family-building options.

  • Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.

  • Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*

  • Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*

  • Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*

  • Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost-effective.*

  • Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*

  • Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*

Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full-time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part-time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).

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