ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Working With Animals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers ...

U.S. Army

Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you. Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorking With Animals JobsWorking With Animals Jobs in Virginia

Working With Animals information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for working with animals in Virginia is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $24.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the field of working with animals, high-paying roles such as specialized animal trainers, veterinary technicians with advanced skills, or private exotic animal caretakers can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience, certifications, or working in affluent or private settings. These positions often require specific skills, certifications, or extensive experience rather than formal degrees. Most entry-level animal-related jobs tend to pay less, but specialized or private sector roles can reach higher income levels.

What are some common challenges faced when working with animals in a professional setting?

Professionals working with animals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable animal behavior, physically demanding tasks, and emotional stress from caring for sick or injured animals. Adapting quickly to each animal's unique temperament and needs is essential, as is following strict safety and hygiene protocols. Teamwork is also crucial, as animal care roles frequently require close collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other specialists to ensure the well-being of the animals.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Working with animals offers careers such as veterinarian, zookeeper, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These roles often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What is the difference between Working With Animals vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectWorking With AnimalsAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification neededCertification or training often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentZoos, shelters, farms, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal welfare organizations, pet industry, farmsVeterinary hospitals, research facilities, shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving animalsDetails about animal care responsibilities and qualifications

Working With Animals is a broad term covering various roles involving animal interaction, while Animal Care Technicians focus specifically on providing medical and daily care in veterinary or shelter settings. Both roles require a passion for animals, but Animal Care Technicians often need specific training or certification. The choice depends on your desired work environment and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career working with animals, and why are they important?

To thrive in a career working with animals, you generally need knowledge of animal behavior, basic animal care, and, for some roles, certifications or degrees in animal science or veterinary technology. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, record-keeping systems, and sometimes first aid or animal CPR certification is typical. Compassion, patience, and strong observational skills are crucial soft skills for ensuring animal welfare and effective communication with team members or pet owners. These skills and qualities are vital for promoting animal health, safety, and positive human-animal interactions in various professional settings.

How do I get started working with animals?

To start working with animals, gain relevant experience through volunteering at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain necessary certifications such as animal first aid or pet CPR, and develop skills in animal handling, communication, and observation. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent and a genuine interest in animal care.

What jobs can you do with animals?

Working with animals includes roles such as veterinarian, animal trainer, zookeeper, pet groomer, wildlife rehabilitator, and veterinary technician. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, shelters, or farms.

What does working with animals involve?

Working with animals can include a variety of roles such as veterinary care, animal training, animal shelter work, wildlife conservation, and research. Professionals in this field may care for animals' health, train them for specific tasks, or work to conserve endangered species. The work environment can range from clinics and zoos to laboratories and the wild. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring behavior, and sometimes educating the public about animal welfare. The job can be physically demanding but is often rewarding for animal lovers.
What are popular job titles related to Working With Animals jobs in Virginia? For Working With Animals jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working With Animals jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Working With Animals jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Working With Animals jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Working With Animals job openings:
Working With Animals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,757 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

Working Dog Handler (U.S. Army)

U.S. Army

Suffolk, VA • On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

If you're interested in working with animals or law enforcement as a profession, being a Soldier in the U.S. Army as a Working Dog Handler might be right for you.  
Military Working Dog (MWD) handlers are responsible for the care and training of his or her service dog, which contributes to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing target odor detection (explosive/drug). Service dogs, generally seen as a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat, also serve as a psychological deterrent during law enforcement operations. 
Job Duties:
  • Patrol Drug Detector Dog (PDDD) handler
  • Patrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handler
  • Health and Welfare searches
  • Law and Order operations
  • Installation Force Protection and Law and Order support
  • VIP support
  • Customs support

Requirements:
Candidates must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a series of tests that helps the Army understand your strengths and identify which Army job(s) fit your talents.
Training:
Job training for Military Working Dog handlers requires 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on how to care for, handle and train a Military Working Dog (MWD). The training is in two phases. The first seven-week phase covers on-the-job instruction and teaches police methods and techniques for dog handling. The second phase of instruction is an 11-week course that provides basic instructions on the application of Military Working Dog utilization and employment capabilities. Phase II instructs in basic obedience, controlled aggression, first aid, principles of conditioning, building searches, scouting, detection, and daily care and grooming of assigned MWD.
Handlers will also learn other basic skills, including:
  • Basic use of firearms
  • Military/civil laws and jurisdiction 
  • Arrest and restraint of suspects
  • Other specialized dog handling techniques

Helpful Skills:
  • Ability to understand conditioning behaviors in training dogs
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Patience
  • Ability to interact with people

Future Civilian Careers:
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with federal, state and local law enforcement. Many of the jobs skills you learn will also help you to perform civilian jobs that involve working with animals, and general management positions.
This opportunity comes with:
  • Competitive pay.
  • Free medical care.
  • Free housing and leadership development.
  • You are also afforded the opportunity of up to $86,000 for college.

Our team is willing to help all who meet or can meet, our criteria, which includes passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
 
Eligibility:
  • Must have an interest in joining the Army.
  • 17 to 34 years old.
  • Must be able to meet height/weight requirements *See calculator below. (https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/fitness-and-nutrition/components-of-fitness/body-composition.html).
  • No tattoos on hands, face, or above the neck (ring tattoos are acceptable).
  • No history of a felony-level offense or DUI.
  • No major medical procedures that would prohibit you from service (please feel free to ask specific questions).
 
Interested?
  • Reply to this job post ***AND***
  • Text OB92 to GOARMY ***or*** visit (https://www.goarmy.com/info/send1/?iom=OB92-AUTO-ACNP-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRC).

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Army logo

About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Army Jobs