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Working With Animals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Reliable, motivated, and detail-oriented If you love working with animals, enjoy helping pets stay clean and comfortable, and want to be part of a positive veterinary team, wed love to hear from you!

Pet Bather

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$11.25 - $13.75/hr

Reliable, motivated, and detail-oriented If you love working with animals, enjoy helping pets stay clean and comfortable, and want to be part of a positive veterinary team, we'd love to hear from you!

Pet Sitter

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Earn extra income doing something you truly love! We're searching for compassionate adults who are passionate about working with animals! If you're a life-long animal lover and have a heart for ...

Showing results 41-60

Working With Animals information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do working with animals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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?

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Working With Animals job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,757 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Pet Bather

Hope Springs Veterinary

Chesapeake, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Salary: Starting at $15

Hope Springs Veterinary at Great Bridge is looking for akind, dependable, and hardworking Pet Bather to join our team! We are seeking someone who enjoys working with both pets and people and takes pride in helping dogs and cats look and feel their best.

This position is ideal for someone who is comfortable handling a variety of breeds, coat types, and temperaments, and who values gentle, attentive care in a veterinary hospital environment.

What Were Looking For

Our ideal candidate has experience with:

  • Bathing both dogs and cats
  • Nail trims and ear cleaning
  • Handling pets with a variety of coat types, sizes, and breeds
  • Recognizing and supporting coat and skin health needs
  • Providing a positive experience for pets and their families
  • Communicating with clients and offering education on basic coat care and maintenance at home

In This Role, You Will

  • Bathe and dry pets with care and attention to comfort
  • Perform nail trims and ear cleaning as appropriate
  • Work closely with our current groomer to support coat health and overall pet wellness
  • Help identify coat, skin, and grooming concerns to share with the grooming/veterinary team
  • Interact with clients in a warm, professional manner
  • Educate pet owners on coat maintenance, brushing, and routine grooming care
  • Maintain a clean, organized bathing and grooming area

What We Value

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Warm, friendly, and patient with pets and people
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary hospital setting
  • Team-oriented and eager to collaborate
  • Gentle in handling and attentive to pet comfort and safety
  • Reliable, motivated, and detail-oriented

If you love working with animals, enjoy helping pets stay clean and comfortable, and want to be part of a positive veterinary team, wed love to hear from you!