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Work Animal Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Hampton

Animal Response Team Officer

Hampton, VA · On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by ... Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, holidays and on call emergency standby on rotating ...

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Work Animal information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 Response Team Officer

City of Hampton

Hampton, VA • On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

City Of Hampton (Virginia) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

577th of 857 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Function "Join the City of Hampton team. As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring." Are you committed to public service, professionalism, and a peaceful community

Make a real difference to the people in your community, immediately. If you possess integrity, and strong communication skills, you can make a difference with the Hampton Police Division. The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing State laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals.

The class works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to set procedures. *Posted salary effective as of July 1 2026. Minimum Qualifications Requires a high school diploma or GED.

One year of full-time equivalent experience involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact preferred. Prior experience in animal handling as a veterinarian assistant, kennel attendant, or animal control officer is preferred. Specialized courses/training, equivalent to completion of one year of college, with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry or a closely related field preferred.

Successful completion of State-mandated basic training for Animal Control Officer within 180 days of employment. Must pass a full criminal background check to include an FBI fingerprint check, a check of the National Sex Offender Registry Website, a polygraph, and psychological testing. This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy.

Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria. Additional Requirements Requires considerable public contact and considerable travel within the City. Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, holidays and on call emergency standby on rotating basis.

Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance. A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination. The incumbent will be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance. Click here for a complete job description.

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