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Work Animal Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

University of Virginia

Animal Caregiver

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

As an Animal Caregiver, you'll be part of a hands-on, task-focused team responsible for daily ... The work environment involves regular interaction with animals and their housing areas, which may ...

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537484 Work type: Staff Senior management: Vice President for Research Department: Animal Care Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ...

City of Richmond

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Richmond Animal Care and Control is committed to being an employer of choice and we are dedicated ... work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or ...

City of Richmond, VA

Animal Control Officer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $72K/yr

Required to work scheduled and on-call shifts which include evening, weekends and holidays KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge (some combination of the following): * Animal behavior and ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA

$15.25 - $20/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Newport News, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Vienna, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Newport News, VA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and ... As a Companion Animal Specialist , you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare ...

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All JobsWork Animal JobsWork Animal Jobs in Virginia

Work Animal information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal 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 is a work animal?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work animal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

What are popular job titles related to Work Animal jobs in Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Work Animal jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Work Animal job openings:

Work Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Animal Care Technician - Full Time

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 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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